Ap Summer Reading

Beowulf by Anonymous
1. Title and Author; Publication date
a. Beowulf by Anonymous; written sometime between 700 and 1000 AD in England
2. Major characters, their roles and motivation
a. Beowulf is the primary focus in the poem. He shows heroism throughout his life. When Beowulf was young he was seen as a great warrior. Not only was he a great warrior; he also was proud, courteous, and loyal. After he purges Denmark he names himself a hero. Following this Hrothgar becomes his mentor and guides him as how to behave. The next part of the story seems to be the very end of his life. During this time Beowulf seems to see himself as a warrior and a king. During the encounter with the dragon Beowulf’s morals seem to counter each other. He’s a hero but he is also somewhat impulsive.
b. King Hrothgar is the ruler of the Danes and is Beowulf’s mentor in the first part of the story. He is thought to be very heroic by Beowulf. Hrothgar seems to remind Beowulf not to give in to pride.
c. Grendel is one of the monsters Beowulf battles. Grendel has several animal characteristics and conduct s himself through almost human emotions. The author might be suggesting that the hatred against the Danes is powered by jealousy/loneliness.
3. Minor characters
a. Unferth challenges Beowulf’s honor. Unferth is seen as lesser man and has character traits the contrast with Beowulf’s. Making him a foil for Beowulf.
b. Wiglaf was the only one of Beowulf’s men who was brave enough to fight the dragon with him.
c. The dragon guards treasure hidden in a mound of dirt.
d. Breca was one of Beowulf’s childhood friends. Beowulf once defeated Breca in a swim race.
4. Setting (time and place)
a. Beowulf takes place sometime around 500 AD in Denmark and Geatland (now southern Sweden)
5. Plot
a. Beowulf is an Old English epic set in Denmark about Beowulf, prince of the Geats, who travels to help Hrothgar rid himself of Grendel.
i. Rising action: Beowulf defeating Grendel about it (he?)... [continues]

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