List your research paper topic here...

You can choose a topic from the list or do one of your own, as long as it's related to the Middle Ages.

Now that the book is over....

Hey guys! What did everybody think of the book? At some parts, I was a bit bored with the fancy language, but all in all, I thought it was great!

~Cephia

Did Grendel choose to be evil?

Since Grendel was descended from Cain, and from the information we are given in the poem, do you think Grendel could've chosen to do the right thing or was he inheritently evil?

Tips for studying for the test

1. Study the characters in the book, most are on your bookmark. Be sure you know what their main accomplishments are in the book.
2. Know where everyone lives, including the monsters.
3. Review your literary terms.
4. I gave everyone a list of characters sheet. Study that.

Did Beowulf heed Hrothgar's warning?

Last week we discussed how Hrothgar, after congratulating Beowulf, warned him about becoming prideful. He told him the story of the king, who after many successes and after gaining many riches, lost his gratitude and became greedy and prideful. The king then thought he was above everyone else and when danger came, he did NOT see the warning signs.

As you read the story of Beowulf's reign, do you think he listened to Hrothgar and avoided pride? Did he recognize signs of danger?

Post your thoughts below.

****Please READ everyone****

I wanted to go over a few blog rules, which I should have been more clear on in the beginning of the year.
~Please keep comments and post topics related to what we're reading.

~Please be respectful of each other and keep the environment friendly. While some may know each other better and feel free to banter with each other, this may actually keep our newer students from posting (they may be afraid someone will be pithy towards them). Attitudes may come across more strongly in type, than in person and could inadvertently hurt someone's feelings.

Feel free to discuss any questions or comments you have about the book. This can be a great way for our class to grow more comfortable with each other and open up discussion that will make the books we read more meaningful.

Writing assignments for this week....

You may choose one......
Focus on the celebration at Heorot (lines 1191-1382). Write a "stream of consciousness (random thoughts that would just occur in her mind) " narrative from Wealtheow's point of view. Include her impression of everything up to this point: her hopes and dreams for the future, her reaction to Beowulf's 1st battle, her response to the celebration and so on. They don't have to be complete sentences just thoughts. For example, "My that man is big. If anyone can save us surely it must be him. I wonder if I cooked enough beef. They sure look hungry."

Retell the events in lines 1383-1816 from Unferth's point of view. Consider his background, his original jealousy, his own fears and his change in attitude.