The Canterbury Tales/General Prologue

We spent time in class covering the many characters described in the general prologue. The students worked in groups and will present their findings to the rest of the class tomorrow.

Have a great weekend

We will finish the film on Monday and discuss the connections to Beowulf. If anyone sees the new movie over the weekend, see me about extra credit.

100pt Assignment

Today we began viewing The 13th Warrior. Upon completion of the film students will be responsible for the following assignment:

Beowulf and The13th Warrior
100pts
Due 12/3/07

The 13th Warrior is the screenplay for the book Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton. This book is based off the remaining fragments of an actual report written in the 10th century by Ahmad Ibn Fadlan of his adventures with a company of Norsemen. Director John McTiernan effectively uses the elements of an epic and weaves in connections to Beowulf. You are to make note of these connections and take notes as we view this film. If you miss a day, please be responsible to either schedule a time with me, or rent it out on your own. Yes, you will be writing a paper, focusing on one of the following:

The traits of the epic hero-compare/contrast the book to the movie
The blending of paganism and a new, foreign religion (Christianity in Beowulf; Islam in The 13th Warrior)

You must include specific references to both the poem and the film, citing your sources appropriately. Cite the line number(s) for Beowulf, and the director’s last name for The 13th Warrior (McTiernan). Be sure to have at least three textual references for the epic poem, and at least one for the film. It is not necessary to use any other outside sources. You are to analyze the works and use mature insight.

Keep in mind the following “rules” of a formal paper:
· Third person point of view (no I, no you)
· Present verb tense
· 12 point font, double-spaced


Check out these characters’ names from the film – sound familiar?

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan (Antonio Banderas) Buliwyf Herger (joyous)
Edgtho (silent) Roneth Ragnar (sullen) Helfdane (fat)
Rethel (archer) Hatlaf (boy) Halga (wise) Skeld (superstitious)
Weath (musician) Hyglak (quarrelsome)
King Hrothgar, Queen Weilew, Wigliff (king’s son), Olga

The 13th Warrior

Don't forget to get your permission slips signed by Monday.

Boasts

Boasts will be presented tomorrow. (75pt assignment)

Beowulf HW-Permission Slips

On Monday 11/19, we will begin viewing the film The 13th Warrior. It is an R-rated film which means it requires parental approval. The students were given permission slips today. If they are not returned to me with a parent/guardian signature, the student will be given an alternate assignment. The rating is a result of some graphic battle sequences. The story, however, is very relevant. It shows a realistic portrayal of the epic. The students will be given a major writing assignment based on both the film and the translation of Beowulf that was read in class.

Today we covered Beowulf's final battle. The students have the following HW assignment to complete:

Beowulf
Chapters 36-39

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

Chapter 36
What is Wiglaf’s argument for helping Beowulf?

Chapter 37
How does Beowulf add to his image as the greatest, bravest, and strongest of all men? In other words, what makes it more impressive that he is able to kill the dragon? What is Beowulf’s request?

Chapter 38
Who does Beowulf thank? What does this say about him as a hero? What is Beowulf’s final request?

Chapter 39
What will be the punishment for the men that fled? Why is this so bad? Use examples of Anglo-Saxon values as support.

Beowulf HW

The students read chapters 31-35 in class today. For HW they are to respond to the following questions in complete sentences:

How much time has passed?

Who/what is Beowulf's next opponent?

Why is this villain angry?

What will Beowulf use to battle this villain?

How many men help him?

How is this battle different from the others?