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British Literature

British Literature. February 7, 2012. Vocabulary. Comely (adjective) Definition: pleasant to look at Synonyms: pretty, attractive, beautiful Antonyms: average, ugly Example: All the girls were comely in their satin and silk prom gowns.

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British Literature

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  1. British Literature February 7, 2012

  2. Vocabulary Comely (adjective) • Definition: pleasant to look at • Synonyms: pretty, attractive, beautiful • Antonyms: average, ugly • Example: All the girls were comely in their satin and silk prom gowns. Record the above information and then write 2 examples of your own. Keep this word in a safe place as you will add to it daily.

  3. Anglo-Saxon Riddles • Today we are finally getting into the language of the Anglo-Saxons, whom you heard about during Friday’s video. • The most common form of literature during their time was the riddle. • Read the provided riddles and see if you can solve them. See the sub for the answers (but don’t give them away). • Write your own riddles; see how many of your classmates you can stump  • Finish your riddle-work no later than 2 o’clock.

  4. Introduction to Beowulf TAKE NOTES! • Beowulf is the oldest epic in any modern European language, making it one of the fathers of today’s epic. • Tolkien was a great fan of Beowulf, and his epics (Lord of the Rings) may have been influenced by it. • What is an epic? • A long narrative poem • Follows a heroic character or characters whose actions speak for a particular group or people, such as a nation or race. • Addresses universal concerns such as good and evil, life and death, and sin and redemption. • Common characteristics: • The hero has high status and is a prominent historical or legendary figure. • The epic has a vast setting that ranges over many locales. • The action consists of courageous, even super-human, deeds. • Supernatural forces often are operative.

  5. Historical Context TAKE NOTES! • Set before the Anglo-Saxons came to England, but first heard by them. • Originally written by a Christian monk, but the story itself had many Pagan influences. • Recorded in Old English, leaving the language as a legacy for us to study today.

  6. “Prologue” TAKE NOTES! • The “Prologue” gives the history of the “Spear-Danes,” the clan within which Beowulf’s story takes place during the time of King Hrothgar. • Note that the Beowulf mentioned is NOT Beowulf of our story, but a historical figure with the same name. • Read the “Prologue” to Beowulf. • As you read, take notes on the 5Ws—who, what, when, where, why. • After reading, discuss your findings with a partner. • Consider, why does the story start with the history of the clan?

  7. Old English Challenge • You now have two examples of Old English paired with modern English – how good are you at breaking codes? • With a partner, write a short paragraph on a subject of your choice in Old English. • Then, exchange with another partner and see if you can figure out what their paragraph is about  Good luck!

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