1.12 - englishwithmscohen

Objectives  We will be able to: justify the development of multiple themes throughout Beowulf by selecting support from the poem.  We will be able to: create an advertisement for a new Beowulf movie based on a theme used throughout this poem and in various versions of the epic.

Final Reading of Beowulf  Student popcorn reading.  Our focus is on theme.

Themes Revisited: Name that Character, Name that Theme!

Beowulf Themes  The Importance of Establishing Identity  Heroic Code

 Good Warrior and Good King  Christianity and Fate  Alienation or Loneliness

The Importance of Establishing Identity

 The Importance of Establishing Identity: Characters in the poem are unable to talk about their identity or even introduce themselves without referring to family lineage. The poem emphasizes kinship bonds.  While heritage may provide models for behavior, a good reputation is the key to solidifying your place in society.

Heroic Code  Heroic code values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity and political skill in kings; and good reputation in all people.  The code is important to warrior societies to understand their relationships with the world and the menaces lurking beyond.

 Work to gain honor

Good Warrior and Good King  Throughout the poem, Beowulf matures from a brave warrior to a wise leader. His transition demonstrates that a different set of values comes with each role.  Whereas the youthful Beowulf, having nothing to lose, desires personal glory, the aged Hrothgar, having much to lose, seeks protection for his people.

Christianity and Fate  There are many references in the poem to the Christian belief in one almighty God who takes a personal interest in human affairs. Beowulf and Hrothgar give praise to God for the defeat of Grendel. The outcome of battles is attributed to the judgment of God, and Beowulf puts his trust in God.  However, Christianity is only mentioned because of the time period in which Beowulf was written since the setting does not include the Christian tradition.  That’s were the lines such as “Fate goes as fate must” (455) fit in.

Alienation or Loneliness  Beowulf is the hero who is alienated from society. He is not an ordinary member of the community, and he has no close friends or family members who he can share his problems with.  Beowulf thrives on this alienation as he chooses to enter battle alone.

Theme Graphic Organizers  Connection between theme and epic hero  Use of evidence to support our themes  Development of themes throughout text  Themes building on each other

Theme

Identity

Good Warrior/ Good King

Alienation and Loneliness

Honor Code

How the character (s)- through their actions or lack of, statements, quotes, decisions, etc.- contribute to the theme development.

Theme

How the character (s)- through their actions or lack of, statements, quotes, decisions, etc.- contribute to the theme development.

Identity

Characters throughout the story are introduced by their father’s background Beowulf ’s action and decisions in battle are a reflection of living up to his father’s name

Good Warrior/ Good King

Alienation and Loneliness

Honor Code

Theme

How the character (s)- through their actions or lack of, statements, quotes, decisions, etc.- contribute to the theme development.

Identity

Characters throughout the story are introduced by their father’s background Beowulf ’s action and decisions in battle are a reflection of living up to his father’s name

Good Warrior/ Good King

Values/ Decisions of Beowulf Values/ Decisions of Hrothgar Values/ Decisions of Wiglaf

Alienation and Loneliness

Honor Code

Theme

How the character (s)- through their actions or lack of, statements, quotes, decisions, etc.- contribute to the theme development.

Identity

Characters throughout the story are introduced by their father’s background Beowulf ’s action and decisions in battle are a reflection of living up to his father’s name

Good Warrior/ Good King

Values/ Decisions of Beowulf Values/ Decisions of Hrothgar Values/ Decisions of Wiglaf

Alienation and Loneliness

Beowulf ’s speech before his death Wiglaf ’s commemoration of Beowulf Beowulf ’s lack of followers

Honor Code

Theme

How the character (s)- through their actions or lack of, statements, quotes, decisions, etc.- contribute to the theme development.

Identity

Characters throughout the story are introduced by their father’s background Beowulf ’s action and decisions in battle are a reflection of living up to his father’s name

Good Warrior/ Good King

Values/ Decisions of Beowulf Values/ Decisions of Hrothgar Values/ Decisions of Wiglaf

Alienation and Loneliness

Beowulf ’s speech before his death Wiglaf ’s commemoration of Beowulf Beowulf ’s lack of followers

Honor Code

Values of kinship, courage, loyalty Code of behavior and war

 Introduction of theme

 Advancement of theme

 Details, events, quotes, and/or actions in beginning of text that introduce this theme:

 New details, events, quotes and/ or actions throughout the text that continue to contribute to this theme

 Summary of Theme  How all the contributing details emerge to solidify this theme by the end of the text:

GROUP WORK  You are working in groups of no more than four students.  You are working quietly and only with those students that sit near you.  No one is to leave their seat or call out.  You are to be completing your graphic organizer on your theme.  You have 10 minutes to do so.

Socratic Seminars  Socrates’ belief in the power of asking questions, prize inquiry over information, and discussion over debate  “The Socratic seminar is a formal discussion, based on a text, in which the leader asks open-ended questions. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, thinking critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and their responses to the thoughts of others. They learn to work cooperatively and to question intelligently and civilly.”- Effie Israel  Connection to Class Goal: College Bound  Connection to Senior Exit Project

Socratic Seminar Logistics/ Norms  You have to be active in the conversation  Listen, and include your input.

 One voice at a time

 Respectful tone and language  Use text evidence. Include line numbers  Always explain yourself.  Snaps  Fishbowl circle

Socratic Seminar Norms Socratic Etiquette  We __________________ by looking at the speaker, taking notes, and NOT talking while another person is talking  We __________________ loudly enough for everyone to hear, asking questions, and making statements that enrich the discussion. We __________________ deeply about the ideas and values with an open mind. We ____________________________________ by citing specific page/line numbers to support our point of view. We __________________ each other. We __________________ together.

Analysis and Reasoning

Discussion Skills

Civility

4

3

2

1

• Clearly references text to support reasoning. • Demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the topic. • Provides relevant and insightful comments, makes new connections. • Demonstrates exceptionally logical and organized thinking. • Moves the discussion to a deeper level. • Speaks loudly and clearly. • Stays on topic and brings discussion back on topic if necessary. • Talks directly to other students (rather than the teacher). • Stays focused on the discussion. • Invites other people into the discussion. • Shares ‘air time’ equally with others. • References the remarks of others. • Listens to others respectfully by making eye contact with the speaker and waiting their turn to speak. • Remarks are polite and demonstrate a high level of concern for the feelings of others. • Addresses others in a civil manner, using a collegial and friendly tone.

• Occasionally references text to support reasoning. • Demonstrates consideration of the topic. • Provides relevant comments. • Thinking is clear and organized.

• Rarely references text, may reference text incorrectly. • Demonstrates awareness of the topic but little reflection on it. • Comments are mostly relevant. • Thinking is mostly clear and organized.

• Does not reference text. • Demonstrates little or no consideration of the topic. • Comments are off-topic or irrelevant. • Thinking is confused, disorganized, or stays at a very superficial level.

• Speaks at an appropriate level to be heard. • Stays on topic and focused on the discussion. • Aware of sharing ‘air time’ with others and may invite them into the conversation. • May occasionally direct comments to teacher.

• Mostly speaks at an appropriate level but may need to be coached. • Sometimes strays from topic. • Occasionally dominates the conversation.

• Cannot be heard, or may dominate the conversation. • Demonstrates inappropriate discussion skills.

• Listens to others respectfully. • Uses appropriate language and tone. • Remarks demonstrate a concern for the feelings of others.

• Listens to others respectfully, but may not always look at the speaker or may sometimes interrupt. • Remarks demonstrate an awareness of feelings of others.

• May be distracted or not focused on the conversation. • Interrupts frequently. • Remarks demonstrate little awareness or sensitivity to the feelings of others. • Uses an aggressive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate tone.

How to write an effective Socratic Seminar question  Question Stems  Question Examples

 Topics  Goals

Student Discovery…  Modeling of Preparation for Socratic Seminar  Write a question on note card

 Participate in Socratic Seminar  Independently reflect on your presentation  Discuss strengths and weaknesses of our Socratic Seminar

Reminders  Expectations for tomorrow; Work for Tomorrow  Due Thursday:    

Thesis/ Purpose Statements Letters to Judges Socratic Seminar Prep Modern Beowulf Writing Assignment

 Due Friday:  Beowulf Unit Guide