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Beowulf is the first great English, Anglo-Saxon, literary epic, chronicling a hero's exploits as northern European clans teeter between Christianity and the old religions.
A monster, Grendel, has descended on Heorot, mead hall of King Hrothgar, bringing death and chaos for 12 years. Beowulf, hero of the Geats, travels to the land of the Danes to free them from Grendel's grasp. With boldness and God's help, Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother when she comes seeking vengeance.
Finally, at the end of a long reign as king of the Geats, Beowulf faces a dragon to save his people and burn his name into the pages of history.
English/Language Arts credit: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Historical Background: 8th-10th century A.D.
Author Biography: Learn about the Beowulf poet and the translator Seamus Heaney.
Before-You-Read Activities: Mapping, manuscripts, Old English, music, folk heroes.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: In context, Old English Poetic Forms - (alliteration, kenning, maxims), characterization, Anglo-Saxon boast, foreshadowing, irony, allusion, compare/contrast, tone, synonym, dramatic structure, plot, hero.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Good kings/leaders, authority, fate, boasting, fame, immortality, death, revenge, care for the needy, put God first, wealth.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Burial mounds, mead halls, art, write a boast, drama, crossword, essays, poetry, music, cooking, family heirloom, swords, wordsearch, runes, dragons, journalism, women in Anglo-Saxon history, game design, architecture, chain mail.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Beowulf.
All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
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Formatted with your High School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refines their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!