Declaration of Learning Independence

I think sometimes as students, we are wary of sharing our opinion because we know someone wont agree or will be hurt by what we say, therefore we are sometimes timid to share something that will make us different from others. However, we can be united by learning and listening to one another. We all think, act independent for ourselves, but what if we were able to make into a cohesive learning environment rather than an environment that caused students to repel each other like magnets. The Declaration of Learning Independence binds us to working as a united group. We all want the best for each other, for everyone's opinions and thoughts to be heard and expressed. As we all learn together, we can collaborate and make our learning environment more pungent than ever before. 

Vocabulary #4

obsequious - adj. attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner; attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
beatitude - noun one of the eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount; in Latin each saying begins with `beatus' (blessed); a state of supreme happiness
 bete- a person or thing strongly detested 
noire- French for "black film"
bode - verb indicate by signs
dank - adj. unpleasantly cool and humid
ecumenical - adj. of worldwide scope or applicability; concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions
fervid - adj. extremely hot; characterized by intense emotion
fetid - adj. offensively malodorous
gargantuan - adj. of great mass; huge and bulky
heyday - noun the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
incubus - noun a male demon believed to lie on sleeping persons and to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; someone who depresses or worries others; a situation resembling a terrifying dream
infrastructure - noun the stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area; the basic structure or features of a system or organization
inveigle - verb influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
kudos - noun an expression of approval and commendation
lagniappe - noun a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
prolix - adj. tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length
protege - noun a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers the protege's career
prototype - noun a standard or typical example
sycophant - noun a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
tautology - noun useless repetition; (logic) a statement that is necessarily true
Truckle - noun a low bed to be slid under a higher bed; verb yield to out of weakness; try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

Beowulf Essay

                A hero in the early literature period was someone who had a call to adventure or action and accepted it. In Beowulf’s case, he felt called to action many times and always answered it with eagerness. A modern day hero is more freely interpreted. It, however, seems harder to obtain the title of “hero” in this time. To be a hero you have to give your life, everything that you have worked for and earned for this one purpose.  A hero could be a firefighter who saved someone from a burning building or solider, who has devoted their life to protecting the country. A hero is someone who is unafraid of the future, because the next thing they know, it may not be there. Though the concepts have changed, the attitude toward which the hero enters the fight it the same, giving all you got.

Beowulf is the story that supposedly set off the literary trend of a heroic tale; bringing monsters to justice, saving people and being brave is all part of Beowulf’s character that readers learn about reading his story. He is not the type to shy away from danger, just like many other heroes of our current literature.  His adrenaline seems never ending, pumping ready for fight, not flight. Heroes, we have learned, have little to no fear, demonstrated by Beowulf fighting naked against Grendel. Techniques in the story and of the time include symbolism and imagery, simple but powerful literature devices that are common in heroic stories of today. Iron Man, a character similar in ferocity and extremity to Beowulf in the face of enemies, both make courageous and life-threatening actions to serve the purposes they have been called to.

Iron Man is a contemporary hero whose story is told through a movie rather than a book. His purpose is the save those who are threatened by savage, powerful people. In some cases, he is called to action like Beowulf was. Iron Man witnesses something wrong, from innocent people being killed to his own weapons being used in wrong ways, which he knows he has to do something about.  He has the ability and courage to risk his life to save many others, a devotion to someone other than himself which makes him a hero by definition. A hero has to be willing to think only in the moment and make decisions not only for their well-being, but for others too. In these ways he differs from Beowulf. Beowulf was very proud and may have answered many of the calls to actions, not because he wanted to save people, but to show his power and ability.

The story of a hero has evolved and most likely will continue to do so. From the beginning, a call to action has brought forth a hero. Beowulf, who called himself to action, seemed to do so out of pride sometimes, but other times it was out of love. Every time he answered a call, it was to make something better for others. He is in some ways incomparable to modern day heroes because he has an invincibility about him. He never has many real threats that put his life in danger.  Iron Man, a hero who fights and conquers the enemy, does so humbly. He has a suit that protects him but he doesn’t at first reveal he is the one risking his life and saving many people. The hero has changed from Beowulf, being a strong and static character, to almost any person who may have just been minding their own business but is put in a place to act on their call to action.     

Ms. Beowulf

Contrastingly, the whole plot and meaning of the story might have been lost if the character was female rather than male. Though it is unlikely considering a man who was smart and intelligent wrote this because of the opportunities he was granted being male, he would have known of women’s lower stature in society and knew that if this book were to be remembered, that would only happen if someone of importance, a male, would leave a lasting mark. If Beowulf was told from a female perspective, the tale may have gone extinct long before now. A story of a female hero is weak and not of much encouragement to both genders to work their hardest, follow their heart, and die a hero. A female is perceived as being in need of care, which is not always true, but just how women are perceived. It would be strange; whatever time period this book was written in for a female to be the hero. It is like a mouse versus the lion being a hero. The book would mean much less to readers if it was told through a woman’s point of view. Though much of the prestige would be lost, a woman would capitalize on certain points. Though women are not known for their strength, they are known for their intelligence. Maybe they could not beat the fist fight, but they could through smarts, working smarter not harder. They could win battles with tricks rather than brute force. Also, a woman is led by love, demonstrated when Grendel’s mom decides to pick a fight with Beowulf. When called to action, a female hero might answer it not because of pride or for respect, but out of love and care for those who are at risk. 

Vocabulary #3

accolade - noun a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

The dad gave the boyfriend accolade to marry his daughter.

acerbity - noun a sharp sour taste; a sharp bitterness; a rough and bitter manner

Warheads shock the consumer with its acerbity.

attrition - noun the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction; a wearing down to weaken or destroy; sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation; the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice; erosion by friction

The attrition on the deck has worn off its new wood look.

bromide - noun any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs; a trite or obvious remark

I was surprised when my smartest friend commented a bromide remark; I was expecting something more sophisticated.

chauvinist - noun an extreme bellicose nationalist; a person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind

A redneck is known for his chauvinist comments and ways.

chronic - adj. being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering

Many people can have chronic back pain from youth hood to adulthood.

expound - verb add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing; state

The teacher expounded the new idea to the student so would be able to better understand.

factional- adj. self-interested; partisan.

Factional interests had obstructed justice.

imprecation - noun the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult); a slanderous accusation

Imprecations are thrown around during presidency elections from both sides.
ineluctable - adj. impossible to avoid or evade

I make the ineluctable conclusion that my phone was going to die when it was 1% and my charger was no where in site.

mercurial - adj. relating to or containing or caused by mercury;relating to or having characteristics (eloquence, shrewdness, swiftness, thievishness) attributed to the god Mercury; relating to or under the (astrological) influence of the planet Mercury; liable to sudden unpredictable change

I thought the teacher was in a mercurial mood when I walked in class, 10 minutes later he gave us a pop quiz because he thought we hadn't read what he assigned.
palliate - verb provide physical relief, as from pain; lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

The ER doctors and nurses palliated my pain with morphine.
protocol - noun code of correct conduct; forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state; (computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data

At your job, it especially important to follow protocol or you might be fired.
resplendent - adj. having great beauty and splendor

The water had a resplendent look in the morning.
stigmatize - verb mark with a stigma or stigmata; to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful

Teachers stigmatize cheating by threatening to give you an "F" if you are caught.
sub rosa- adj. happening or done in secret

I snuck out my window and down my balcony sub rosa.
vainglory - noun outspoken conceit

My friend was vainglorious in her winnings over the weekend.
vestige - noun an indication that something has been present

The Latin language is only a vestige of what it used to be.
volition - noun the act of making a choice; the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention

She had volition when she decided to buy the car, even though she regretted it in a month.

immaculate - adj. completely neat and clean; free from stain or blemish; without fault or error

Her room was immaculate, her bed was made and her clothes neatly put away.

Will Study for Food

http://santamariacwa.com/Scholarships.html

Right to Your Opinion Notes

                                               

Vocabulary #2

ac·cou·tre·ment noun

additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity.

apogee - noun apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth; a final climactic stage
apropos - adj. of an appropriate or pertinent nature; adv. by the way; at an opportune time
bicker - noun a quarrel about petty points; verb argue over petty things
coalesce - verb fuse or cause to grow together; mix together different elements
contretemps - noun an awkward clash
convolution - noun the action of coiling or twisting or winding together; a convex fold or elevation in the surface of the brain; the shape of something rotating rapidly
cull - noun the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality; verb remove something that has been rejected; look for and gather
disparate - adj. including markedly dissimilar elements; fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
dogmatic - adj. characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles; relating to or involving dogma; of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
licentious - adj. lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained
mete - noun a line that indicates a boundary
noxious - adj. injurious to physical or mental health
polemic - adj. of or involving dispute or controversy; noun a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma); a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)
populous - adj. densely populated
probity - noun complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles
repartee - noun adroitness and cleverness in reply
supervene - verb take place as an additional or unexpected development
truncate - adj. terminating abruptly by having or as if having an end or point cut off; verb make shorter as if by cutting off; approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one; replace a corner by a plane
unimpeachable - adj. beyond doubt or reproach; completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach; free of guilt; not subject to blame

Literature analysis #1 Jane Eyre

Here are the questions to guide your first Literature Analysis
(post title: LITERATURE ANALYSIS #1)

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.).  Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).
Jane Eyre is a about a girl who matures into a woman through the book, she is tossed from situation to situation. Most are harsh and emotional, but she is able to make it through to the happy ending. It starts out at the Gateshead house. She is mistreated by the aunt and her cousins, seeming more like a dungeon than a home. After her time there, she is sent to Lowood, an orphan school where bad situations persist. There are bad conditions, but Jane is able to make a friend Helen. They were surviving together until Helen falls ill to a disease going around school and dies. after making it through the death of her friend, Jane has a new lease on life. She begins thinking more and escaping out of the box Lowood School has put her mind in for so long. She makes a new friend and ends up teaching at Lowood after she graduated. After that, Jane decides to do something else, and is hired as a governess at Thornfield. strange things are happening around the house, but Jane finds Mr. Rochester in the madness. She loves him and they plan on getting married. On the wedding day, claims that Mr. Rochester is already married arises and though he tries to convince her to stay, she ends up fleeing to a new house and job. She finds the River's family where she becomes their teacher. Mr. River likes her and tries to get her to run away with him and during this time, her uncle dies, leaving her the inheritance. Jane denies Mr. River's proposal and is somehow called back to the Thornfield residence that has burned down due to Mr. Rochester's crazy wife who ended up dying in the blaze. In the end, Mr. Rochester and Jane get married.
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
I feel like the theme of the book is independence. As Jane swings from situation to situation, she is the only one who she can rely on to pull herself through all the misery. From the beginning, dealing with her harsh aunt and cousins, being able to stand up for herself, letting them know she would not be submissive to their "powers" over her shows back bone and strength. And when dealing with Mr. Rochester and deciding that running away with him wasn't something she was okay with, even though it meant happiness and security, she was able to stand up for her ideals and what she thought was important, and in the end it lead her to happiness.
3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
The authors tone when Jane and Mr. Rochester interact is romantic. The reader sees their relationship build on what started with tough situations that Jane and Mr. Rochester dealt with. From  When Jane saves him from his burning curtains to when Jane finds out Mr. Rochester is still married on their wedding day, the couple has been through their trials, but by trusting each other and in the end forgiving the other for their fault, it is what brought them together as a successful couple.
4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)

CHARACTERIZATION
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?
I think the author uses both to show the reader what interpretation of Jane is from another character and then from also herself. Direct characterizations are from the author showing Jane's real character; her perseverance, her drive, her standards and values that Jane has kind of innately and doesn't totally realize she has. Indirectly Jane is seen as poor and worthless and more like scum than a person at points. This is from how she feels because of the people around her and their actions towards her making her feel this way. As a result, I fell like the direct characterization of Jane lasted with me the longest, showing me Jane's true character sans ow she might feel about herself at some points.
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?
Steadily, the book was more out of Jane's eyes than a narrator so the diction and syntax stayed the same. There were points when other characters a juxtaposition would be obvious.
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.
The protagonist is dynamic and round. Jane changes throughout the book. She starts out as a litlle girl and through every trial she gains confidence and sass and wit, to know that what she stands for and holds herself to is much more important than being stable yet controlled. She morphs from the beginning to the end beautifully.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction. 
I feel like a met the character. Through her struggles yet real life situations takes me to being a friend not observer. Maybe because of our similarities. When Jane saves Mr. Rochester from the burning curtains, I felt like she was a real life super hero, she had guts and proved she wasn't afraid. As I go into life that is how I want to be, I want to have the guts to do something and make a difference because of it.

Vocabulary #2 Help

http://quizlet.com/47138386/dr-preston-vocabulary-2-flash-cards/

Beowulf Questions

Finished with help from other students in the class.

[Prologue]

1. It was unusual how Shield came to be the ruler of Danes as he started off as an abandoned orphan, but soon built his power to become king. His funeral was a grand affair. He was shipped off in a boat filled with treasures and gifts. Hrothgar is Shield's great grandson.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1. The magnificent work that Hrothgar undertook was a mead hall, Heorot, dedicated to the enjoyment of him and his serving men. Grendel attacked the hall slaying many of Hrothgar's men eventually taking over the hall; it lasted for twelve years. In response, the Danes prayed at shrines wishing harm on the monster.

[The Hero Comes to Herot]

1. When Beowulf hears news of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he sets sail for Denmark with an army to kill the monster, Grendel.

2. The Geats first meet a Danish watchman who stops and questions them. Beowulf explains that they arrived to help the Danish get rid of Grendel.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

3. Hrothgar’s herald is Wulfgar of the Wendla tribe. He first asks the Geats, why they carry so much armor, and then he infers that they are there for adventure rather than primarily self-gain, because they seem courageous. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar that he shouldn’t deny their help because Beowulf is their leader. In reply Hrothgar says he knows Beowulf’s father, and tells Wulfgar to go get the Geats. I’m not that surprised of Hrothgar and Beowulf knowing each other, because Beowulf wouldn’t put his life and lives of others in harm’s way if he didn’t know Hrothgar.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he is very skilled and experience and he plans to take on Grendel without any weapons, and for Hrothgar not to refuse him. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s debts during a warning period for the Geats.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth’s jealousy causes him to claim that Beowulf can’t beat Grendel, and he brings up a time in the past when Beowulf lost a swimming competition to Breca. Beowulf tells Unferth that he’s drunk and the true story was that he was separated from Breca and pulled underwater by a sea monster, that he later killed. This episode shows how brave and confident Beowulf is throughout the story. Beowulf then accuses Unferth of him not being as brave as he said he was supposed to be, and if he was then Grendel would’ve never came to Herolot.

2. Queen Wealhtheow hands out mead Goblets to Hrothgar and then to the rest of the men during the feasting. Then she thanks God for Beowulf and after sits down next to Hrothgar.

The Fight with Grendel

1. Beowulf's preparations for his battle with Grendel differ from normal heroes in poetry in that he shed his armor instead of putting more on because he planned to fight Grendel with his bare hands instead of with a sword and such.

2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he immediately begins to eat the sleeping soldiers as he did many times before. Instead of eating Beowulf, Grendel is surprised with a fight as Beowulf never fell asleep and Grendel wasn't initially able to escape Beowulf's tight grasp. Despite Beowulf's death grip, Grendel managed to escape, but not without leaving his arm behind.

Celebration of Heorot

1. Sigemund was a great hero who slayed a horrible dragon that was a keeper of a treasure chest that hr won by slaying him. The treasure won by Sigemund symbolizes the gold rewards that Beowulf earned from the ring-giver, King Hrothgar. Sigemund's story is told to celebrate Beowulf and compare both of their heroic acts. Heremod is known as an evil Danish king who turns against his own people. This clearly resembles the reverse of Beowulf’s characteristic and by comparing and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator indicates that Beowulf will be king later in the story.

2. Hrothgar responds to Beowulf's deed by celebrating him and pronouncing him as both a son and man that will never be forgotten. Hrothgar then goes on to give Beowulf many gifts, including a sword. Since Beowulf was successful in his attempt to save the Danes, Unferth doesn't have much to say to him as he has become much more humble.

3.            The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes?

The singer sings the story of Finn during the feast. Basically, in the story Finn, Lord of the Frisians, marries Hildeburgh, a Dane, to end a feud between the two tribes. The idea was to use the bride to ensure that the families wouldn’t feud anymore but obviously this was a bad idea. The Frisians killed Hildeburgh’s brother when he came to visit her. Finn was also eventually killed out of revenge.

4.            When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do?

.Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf, but to trust in his biological son’s abilities to rule as king.  She believes that the throne should stay in the bloodline

5.            Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do?

It is foreshadowed that Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wears it until he dies in battle.  She also asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children, but not to take the throne from them when Hrothgar dies.

6.            Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

            So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because they believe it is as safe as it once was now that Grendel is dead.  This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother        comes to the hall for revenge for her son.  She takes one of Hrothgar’s esteemed men             and the arm of Grendel back to her cave.

BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER

[Another Attack]

1. Grendel's mother came to Heorot to take her son's claw. It was out of anger and vengeance, not exactly similar to Grendel's reason.

2. Hrothgar's response was asking Beowulf to go to her lair and kill her, too. She had killed Hrothgar's best friend.

3. The mere (her lair) was an underwater lair under a dark lake. It had an eerie feel and was described as being very dark.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother]

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond (if he should die) in a caring way for his own men that he should leave behind.

2. Beowulf sinks into the water for a few hours before he enters the mere.

 3. He prepares for the battle by telling Hrothgar what he desires just incase he dies. Beowulf takes his ring-marked blade sword.

 4. When Beowulf enters the mere, Grendel's mother grabs him but his armor defended him. It's surprising that it take half a day to get down there but those monsters have each other.

 5. The sword breaks while Beowulf trys to strike Grendel's mother.

 [Beowulf Fights]

6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

          Beowulf escapes because his mail protected him from the blow.

7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

          Beowulf notices and uses an enchanted sword hung on the wall. He escapes by drawing the unnaturally heavy sword built by giants and slicing Grendel's mothers neck with it. When she died, the cave burned with light. The sword melted so that the hilt was all that was left.

8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

          When Beowulf returned to the surface, he found his men waiting, but none of the Danish. It is clear that the Geats were skeptical of his return, so they were pleasantly surprised.

[Further Celebration]

1.What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar?

  He gives Grendel's head and sword hilt.

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf an important story about how someone good with deeds and intentions can just as quickly turn bad. Heremod let greed take him over and that led to his ultimate demise. Hrothgar wants Beowulf to know not to let the praise he is receiving go to his head.

3. Beowuld gives Unferth the sword before he leaves.

[Beowulf Returns Home]

1. Hrothgar is worried Beowulf may become too arrogant and be unable to fight successfully if these small battle victories get to his head.

2. She is Geat’s queen. Hygd is a good queen where as Modthryth is a bad, evil queen.

3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?

 - Beowulf reports to Hygelac because he knows that the wedding could cause problems with the family. Beowulf expects the wedding to recreate family tension and violence and Hygelac to not like the idea. We would expect this from Beowulf because he likes to stop situations before they occur and likes to plan for the problem If it can't be fixed.

 4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?

 -Beowulf reports about his own adventures as slightly exaggerated, but mostly accurate in the ways they are told.

 5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?

 -What Beowulf does with the treasures he is given is he offers them to his Lord and gives it to other people also. What Hygelac gives Beowulf is land, a large house, and the sword of the Geats.

 BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)

 [The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)

 1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?

 -Part 2 takes place fifty years later. The king that have died in the mean while are King Hygelac and King Heardred. The danger that now exists Is a dragon

2. The dragon is angry because someone stole its treasure even though the man only took the cup because he was scared by the dragon. The treasure was put there by a lord who had lost all of his friends and family.

3. He destroyed everything as he searched for the thief.

4. Beowulf thinks he is being punished for something he has done.  He decides to order a new shield and fight the dragon with only a few people.

5. Hygelac died fighting a monster and after Beowulf swam through the ocean with 30 sets of armor. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the chance to become king but he declined and decided to advise Heardred.

6.) Heardred was killed along with his father at the shield wall fighting the Heatho-Scilfings. After Heardred's death, Beowulf was ascended to the throne. Under his reign, the feuding with the Sweden terminated when Beowulf avenged Hygelac and his sons deaths. Conscious of avenging his fellow lords, Beowulf befriended Eadgils (one that was provided shelter by Heardred but was part of his death) and assembled an army to scrutinize Onela.

 7.) Beowulf was accompanied by 11 others when approaching the dragon.

 8.) Herebeald was killed by his brother on accident. Hrethel was devastated to see his young son be sent to the heavens so early on in his life. From this devastating loss on, Hrethel grieved his sons death and gradually lost his passion, love, and care of his kingdom. War sprung up between Swede's and the Geats over waters which resulted in the death of Haethcyn, a Geat member. In revenge for Hygelac's death, Beowulf attacked the dragon with a sword, failing to harm the monster, and was blasted by the enraged dragon's fierce, powerful, and poisonous fire Breath, bitten on the neck by the dragons sharp teeth and was killed.

 [Beowulf Attacks the Dragon]

 1.) Beowulf tells his companions to not fight the dragon because he knows it will be his very last battle.

Courtney

Beowulf’s Funeral

1.            The messenger tells the city of Beowulf’s death. After Ongentheow killed Haethcyn, the Geats were threatened by Ongetheow, but they were saved by Hygelac the next day. Hygwlac proceeded to then kill Ongetheow and his men to avenge the death of his kin even though that morning Ongetheow and his men retreated the area. The messenger said to not get involved with the gold because it was cursed and anyone who steals it will get the punishment on the to. The final image of the messenger’s speech was the dragon that killed Beowulf.

2.            Wiglaf tells the crowd that if Beowulf listened to the people then he still would be alive. He also states that Beowulf was a brave and honorable man and not to think less of him or what he did. Although this was a disappointment, he was still given a proper burial because he was a military warrior/hero.

3.            The dragon that killed Beowulf is pushed of a cliff by Wiglaf’s men and falls into the ocean and everyone was relieved.

4.            During the funeral celebration (weird) everyone is sad of the great loss of Beowulf and mourns. It is ten days long and everyone places rings and jewelry to give respect to the fallen hero. After the funeral celebration, the people of Beowulf’s kin praise him and talk of his achievements. 

5.            At the end of the poem, the Geats said that Beowulf was the “kindest of kings, friendliest, and most honorable man.” He was a most honorable man because he fought for his kin and people and was unselfish in his duties and gratitude. The description of friendliest and kindest is deceiving because although the Geats thought he was kind, Beowulf’s enemies did not think so. He killed them with no mercy and no regrets so his characteristics are based on perception.  

Beowulf Reading

Finished with the help of other students in the class.

Beowulf Reading From Textbook Pg 31-60

-Tristia had moved from her mother country, Dardanian Troy, when it was attacked by the Grecian Army.

   -Now in the Pontus, feels like the days go by like years

 -Despises the common theme of death races (referring to gladiator games and/or the continuous war between the Romans and their enemies)

 -Feels like a barbarian not being able to communicate with people of the new land, had to use body language

 -Was exiled from Rome

 -"Injured the power of Caesar the god," in result was sent to assimilate with the Scythian race as a punishment

   -Believes she deserved to be exiled but not to such a city

Describes a shift from the Chiang-han mountains where clouds begin to hover over to "a new waste of highway." Gradual decline in mood.

from Beowulf

 -portrays the Anglo-Saxon culture of eighth century Britain

 -Beowulf: sword-wielding slayer of monsters, upholder of the right, warrior-chieftain

 -Takes place in sixth century Scandinavia, speaks Old English

 -Beowulf seeks to help the Danish King Hrothgar in fighting the swampland monster, Grendel.

   -first of the three mortal battles

 -Scops often told long narrative poems by mouth in Anglo-Saxon England which resulted in it's change and growth

   -finally written down in eleventh century

 -main themes: bravery, loyalty, heroism

 -The Electronic Beowulf Project revived the burnt original manuscripts of Beowulf.

Epic: a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure

  -hero battles for the order of his world

  -story told in serious matter with sophisticated language

Legendary hero: a larger than life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales

Important words/vocab (pg. 37)

Kenning, Caesura, Reparation, Solace, Purge, Writhing, Massive, Loathsome

Pages 38-41

- England was changing from a pagan to Christianity, when Beowulf was created.

- Pagan Anglo-Saxons told tales rued by fate where people struggled against monsters in regards to their place in the world.

-The Christian converts taught that human choices between good and evil were at the center of creation.

- Beowulf interprets both the Christian and Pagan traditions

- Starts out during a celebration at Herot and outside is the murderous monster, Grendel

The Wrath of Grendel

- Grendel, the powerful monster grew upset with the constant music that played in the banquet hall of the Danish King Hrothgar that rejoiced in the beauty of Earth.

- Thousands of evil spirits formed from their murderous crimes due to God’s banishment of them by Cain’s responsibility for the death of Abel, who opposed God’s will.

- Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve; Cain killed his brother because he was envious of the attention Abel received from God.

- When all the warriors in the hall were done partying, Grendel went inside killed thirty men and took them back to his lair.

- In the morning the king mourned his companions that he lost, and knew it wouldn’t be the end of Grendel’s wrath.

- The only way the warriors could try to stay alive were if they escaped Grendel.

- For twelve winters Grendel’s defeat of the Danes ruled, killing many and most men.

- Grendel wouldn’t make peace or accept a truce or price

- Grendel continued to kill but wouldn’t touch King Hrothgar’s throne because it was protected by God, and the king’s council debated over remedies to get rid of Grendel.

- The King and council were conflicted by doing the Devils work by trying to get rid of Grendel and banishing him to hell, but trying to do right by God.

The Coming of Beowulf

- The death of the King’s son was extremely painful for the King and kingdom.

- Higlac was the king of the Geats and Beowulf's feudal lord and uncle as well as a very strong man

- Higlac heard that Grendel violently forced and demanded a boat to be fitted out for him to go see Higlac

- Beowulf chose the mightiest, bravest, and best men of the Geats he could find to accompany him on his journey to Hrothgar (14 men total)

- He knew the sea would lead them straight to that distant, Danish shore

- They sailed their boat and arrived fully dressed in mail with the best armor and uninvited

- Hrothgar's lieutenant met them on the shore, demanding to know who they were and why they came unannounced

- He asked Beowulf to immediately explicate their reason for their visit before they take action against them

- Beowulf explained who they were and that they were there to hunt Grendel and protect the people and their King from the monster

- The mounted officer believed their words and that he and his men would guard their ship and protect it, saying that any warriors who battle Grendel successfully should go home bearing their love

- Once Beowulf and his men arrived at Herot, they were called in to see the King

- Beowulf arose and went to meet Hrothgar with some of his men, ordering a few to remain behind with their weapons

Vocab!

- reparation: (n.) something making up for wrong or injury

- solace: (n.) comfort; relief

- mail: (n.) flexible body armor made of metal (in this context)

45-47

•             He was the strongest man, Beowulf was going to kill the "monster"

•             Beowulf's men woke up to Beowulf fighting Grendel and were ready to fight, if needed; they were courageous, but Grendel was pretty indestructible against them and he could easily beat them all

•             But, he(Grendel) was now declining, dying, and had been defeated

•             His shoulder bone broke, a sign of the battle being over

•             Beowulf won "glory, Grendel escaped" to his den though, to die a slow and miserable death

•             Beowulf was very prod, the Danes were happy and his accomplishments were listed; he ended Hrothgar's people's problems

•             Beowulf hung Grendel's "arm, claw, shoulder and all" on the rafters; it was basically a trophy of the victory and proof of the win

Pg. 49 The Monsters' Lair (there was a celebration of Beowulf's victory, but Grendel's mother kills Hrothgar's best friend and takes Grendel's claw, Beowulf hears from the king about the underwater lair)

•             The king is talking the whole time

•             peasants in fields saw female and male creatures and told the king's wise men

•             Grendel they named the man one, no one knows if there were any before them or any other creatures like them

•             The creatures lived in a secret wolf den with rocks and a waterfall to an underground lake (my visual interpretation of the text) It's very dark, roots hanging from the top, no one knows how deep

•             The king wants Beowulf to kill the mother, Beowulf is his only help and hope of "being saved", he will reward him with gold and treasure for winning

Pg. 50 The Battle with Grendel's Mother (Beowulf decides to kill her and goes to the lake)

•             (Beowulf is speaking to the men) To Hrothgar, if he(Beowulf) should die during battle, he wants Hrothgar to be "Father and protector" of his comrades. He wants Higlac to have the things Hrothgar gave him. To Unferth, who questioned his bravery before the Grendel battle, he leaves his "famous old sword" <symbolic value

•             He jumped into the lake without others responding

•             Sank for "hours" before reaching the bottom

•             Grendel's mother saw him, her "welcome" was trying to kill him, but his armor was too strong to penetrate

•             She carried him to her home, he couldn't get out his weapon

•             the fight brought other monsters swimming to see...

-She brought him into her home which nothing could attack them in

-He attacked her but realized he couldn't hurt her

-They continue to fight, and she draws a blade on him, her only son, but she hit his armor and he was unharmed

-He then struck her across the neck and rejoiced at her death

-He then picked up his sword and went to find Grendel but found him dead

-Beowulf then left taking nothing but Grendels head and the jeweled sword

-The Geats rejoiced when Beowulf returned

-They then gifted the Danes with Grendel's head

•             Beowulf honored by Hrothgar

•             He becomes king

•             rules Greatland for 50 years

•             Dragon comes into kingdom when Beowulf is an old man

•             he decided to slay the beast

•             before battle, tells his men about the royal house

•             wanted to fight without any armor, then realizes the dragon breathes fire

•             believes he's the only man who can do it.

•             wants to claim dragon's riches

•             dragon attacked with breathe first

•             his armor held up, then started to melt

•             first time in life, he fought with fate against him

•             his sword broke in two, but got a stab into the dragon

•             Beowulf fell back, dragon attacked, breathed fire at him, he suffered

•             once king, now a beaten warrior

•             all other men fleed without helping him

•             only man that stayed was Wiglaf, Wexstan's son

•             Wiglaf's mind was made up, he raised his shield and drew his sword

•             Onela got armor from the king.

•             Wexstan kept the shining gifts for his son but was killed.

•             His heir, Wiglaf, inherited the treasures. He went into war with Beowulf and was strong and courageous.

•             Wiglaf brought the soldiers together, telling them Beowulf had given them the swords, it is time to defend with them. It is better for them to suffer than to cause agony to the king. He yelled encouragement and went into the dragons deadly flames.

•             Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon. The Beowulf is wounded and is dying. He asks Wiglaf to retrieve the treasure the dragon was protecting.

                The Spoils           

•             Wiglaf goes into the cave. Finds lots of gold and sparkling things. He grabs as much as he can and takes it to the dying king.

•             Beowulf says he gave his life for this treasure, use it to help and lead his people.

•             He said he wanted to be burned high at the waters edge so sailors could see this tower and call it Beowulf's tower. He gave all he had to Wiglaf and said their family had been swept away as warriors and now he was following them. Then he died.

•             Wiglaf is mad at those who deserted Beowulf

•             The Geats burn his body.            

                The Farewell     

•             The Geats built the tall and strong tower Beowulf requested, his ashes sealed inside. All the treasure was left at his grave deep in the ground. Twelve men road around the tower telling of their stories and sadness and of his greatness. They said there was not other king worthy of such praise.

Online Reading Prolgue-10

Prolouge

-A King named Scyld the Scefing was a wealthy man who was looked up to by the people of his town.

-Nobody challenged him, he was better than everyone else

-Had a son and named him Beowulf.

-Son was looked up to and was generous to all the people of the town.

-Ship created to hold dead body, very wealthy items,

-Description of armor and expensive weapons.

-Ship sent to sea, talk about a flood

-People mourn for the death of the child.

Chapter 1

-A new person came to the thrown named Healfdean.

-Was a strong leader

-Had four children Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, one not living

-Heorogar was known for his bravery on the battle field.

-A hall was built in his honor

-Creates an award called Heorot

-Talks about a banquet and a feud between father-in-law and father over wealth.

-Something of evil comes from "moor-land" to hurt the happiness

- Cain awakens (evil creature) to ruin the fun.

Vocab

-march-rieve- A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read about him. "Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes.

Chapter 2

Went to house and found group of people mourning the death of a person

The next morning Grendel found out his servant of 12 years was murdered

That night Grendel looked for the person who killed his servant and was determined to get his revenge

The murder wasn't hard to find and Grendel found who he thought killed his servant

There was another person continuing to murder people ruthlessly

People said he still lurked the "moorlands" but nobody said where this place was because they were so afraid

People prayed that they wouldn't be killed by this person but also prayed he would be forgiven by god

Chapter 3

Grendel seen as a hero and people thought his valor should be recognized by the king

Grendel chosen to lead a group of 14 men (called the Geats) to sea

He and his men found the place they were sailing to - Danes

Get off boat armed with weapons and shields

Met by a warden (" scylding clansman") on horseback that was armed

Warden explains that his job is to protect the people of Danes from sailors who land there

He also explains he had never seen people come there and be so obvious that they were warriors

Warden tells them that he is praying for them on their voyage

Chapter 4:

-the warrior (seafarer) leader claims he is the son of Ecgtheow who's widely known and honored by many

-the warrior got wind of the "monster" that tortures and haunts the Danes and demands that he and his men attempt to defeat this "scathing", "dark ill-doer" monster

-agreeing with the plan, his men marched to the village/palace in which Hrothgar loved

-some men were assigned to gaurd the boat and escort the others to the palace, protecting the boat from their foes; "gaurd it kept o'er the man of war..."

-the men can see the shimmery, glistening, gold palace from afar

-the men who were assigned to gaurd the boat and also escort the other men then return to the boat where they spend their time being on the look out

Chapter 5:

-the men, while marching, observe the shiny, well-decorated streets and atmosphere of Heorot

-the men were approached by a proud, curious warrior who stopped the men and asked what their purpose of arrival was

-Beowulf, the leader of the men, and Wulfgar(the warrior described above) discuss the matters. Wulfgar directs the leader and his men to the throne of Hrothgar

-Wulfgar asks Hrothgar to speak to the men

and exclaims that Beowulf appears to be a strong, firm leader; "In weeds of the warrior worthy they, methinks, of our liking, their leader most surely, a hero that hither his henchmen has led."

Characters:

The Geats- Beowolf’s clan, Beowolf born around 495

The Dantes- residents of Denmark, Scylding is Anglo Saxon lineage

The Swedes- lived in Sweden north of Geats

Finnsburh- The Fight at Finnsburh overlaps with Beowolf estimated time period and so studied together, example of Germanic heroic lay describing warriors experiences in war

Grendel- monster Beowolf killed and symbolic of when bad Cain killed good Abel (revenge), Beowolf is cause of trouble because rebel, Grendel’s mother is constant vengeful and represents cycle of war even when enemy seems to be defeated

I don't know if needed (above) but it was on the website and the characters are kinda confusing to know who are people talking but I think with rest of notes it will hopefully make sense! Thanks again for all your participation!!!

Chapter Six (VI)

•             Hrothgar is talking of Beowolf and only legends have been told (like rumors in today’s world) of how strong and great Beowolf is

•             They thank god (grateful) for having him send Beowolf to relive them of Grendel and his destruction

o             Grateful for someone/thing that they haven’t even met yet, they just know rumors and stories about.

•             Like society today when we want to ay someone for their service but really we should just be grateful for their service and sacrifice to be there rather than having to pay them to make ourselves feel better about “hassling them”

o             heros don’t get hassled, they just go out and do because that’s their “job”

o             People get mad about Beowolf not taking the money and gold but why should he? He did a good deed and shouldn’t it just be left to that?

•             Beowolf gets message that Hrothgar will accept him and his kin in his own kingdom for Beowolf’s bravery

o             Beolwolf replies by giving story of his own battles and how he came to be known as a strong man. He fought animals and his foes, many at a time, for his people (the Geats) and to avenge them (symbol of hero)

•             Beowolf knows his duty, in specific to defeating Grendel, and knows that he must use only himself and no other armor

o             knowledgeable of situation and knows what needs to be done. Doesn’t put brawn over brains

•             “So, from thee, thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, that I alone with my liegemen here, this hardy band, may Heorot purge!” - I am not sure what he means by I have wandered too far?

•             He knows he might die in battle and respects the “rules” of battle and lets his family know that if he is to die in battle, they shouldn’t worry about burying him properly.

o             Practical but still with hope that he will win the battle with faith

Chapter Seven (VII)

•             Hrothgar retells story of brother’s, Heorogar, death.

o             Killed by war between Wylfings and Scyldings over money and gold

o             Shows destruction of materialistic world and consequences of it

•             “Then was this mead-house at morning tide dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, gory the hall: I had heroes the less,” - descriptive language of how warriors died trying to defeat Grendel. Revenge Hrothgar wants. Passionate

o             Sit to eat after this gruesome story, shows culture and how they take death as a apart of life but then want revenge for wrongful deaths as do we in today’s world

Chapter 8 (VIII)

•             Always refer to seafarers to tell a rumor or story, Why?

•             Enferth (son of Ecglaf) questioned Beowolf’s ability to actually fight Grendel and told of story where Beowolf and “rival” Breca swam the seas together and then Breca got out of the sees unharmed but he worries that Beowolf is not strong like Breca.

o             Questioning of strength is key in hero battle/adventure because it makes the hero think about his/her strength and if they really can achieve their goal

o             Also gives background to Beowolf and adventures

o             Questions that Beowolf will do anything without really thinking about it or consequences

•             Beowolf reinforces that he is ready and states that he was a child and didn’t know better but he did bring swords for protection

o             He stayed by Breca until the very end until it was impossible to stay together because of the seas tearing them apart

o             Beowolf defeated the beast of the sea and that shows give evidence behind why he is worthy of fighting Grendel

             He supports this accusation on inadequacy and backs up his point with evidence as seen in today’s culture with giving effective opinions and if you want people to believe you then you give them reasons to

             He proves himself time and time again which is what a hero has to do because the people are putting their faith into him and they want credibility

Beowulf Notes:

Chapter 9:

•             Beowulf encounters evil sea monsters that make him feel threatened. So he kills them with his sword. He kills nine of them and they will never bother the sailors again. This is when he was separated from Breca. Reminds me of Moby Dick in a sense.

•             He fought a difficult battle and the tides ended up taking him to the land of the Fins.

•             Breca was on of Beowulf’s closest kin, but he left Beowulf in the sea where he had to fight giants on his own, but Beowulf doesn’t wish war with him. Beowulf believes that his bad will come to him.

•             Grendel is the son of Ecglaf. Grendel was very jealous of Hrothgar so he brought him humiliation. Now Grendel would “rot in hell”. (Dante’s Inferno)

•             Beowulf fears no feud with the Danish; he will fight, murder and eat with them and the next day finds out the strength of the Geats.

•             Beowulf will fight with them and Hrothgar, jewel-giver, is pleased with his will to fight. The queen snickers at this but still continues to wear her gold and carried the cup of the hall.

•             The queen walked around the hall, first giving the king a drink (Hrothgar), and then giving the rest a drink. She was so happy that Beowulf had committed to fight with the Geats and if he didn’t help win the battle he would die in the process.

•             The queen thanked the lord for her Savior, Beowulf.

•             The son of Healfdene wants to get to bed, but speaks with Beowulf before he goes. They speak of the hopeful glory for the battle the next morning. Beowulf will remain in the hall bequeathing, or giving the power over to him. Healfdene’s son would obtain the power over the hall, which was called Heorot Hall, for the night. ( A will? In case he died in battle the next day, Healfdene would inherit the power?)

Chapter 10

•             Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, the queen, go to bed, but have a guard watch their room in order to prevent the monster from getting to them. The monster being Grendel. (Frankenstein was a monster to everyone)

•             Beowulf retires for the night and has a guard watch his armor, but he challenges the monster to a battle without armor or weapons. He says the gods will decide who is right.

•             Everyone laid down to rest not fearing of dying or not returning home the next day. Although many people had not made it back, they had no worries.

•             Metaphor of one man being different than the rest to god ruling over man-kind. Was Beowulf starting to earn the reputation of a god?

•             Beowulf was the only man to lie awake looking at the wandering shadow in the hall. Beowulf could only think of the upcoming battle and would not sleep.