The Epic Begins

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Curriculum Area

English Language Arts (ELA): Grade 11 – British Literature

• Standards:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2: Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3: Analyze the impact of the author's choices on story elements such as setting, character development, and plot structure.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.9: Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature that originate from history, focusing on their significance in shaping narratives.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the historical and cultural context of Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon literature.
2. Describe the key characteristics of a hero as defined by the Anglo-Saxon ethos and identify these qualities in modern heroes.
3. Recognize the structure of the hero’s journey and its relevance in literature and pop culture.
4. Begin exploring how Beowulf reflects its time period and its enduring role in English literary tradition.

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Materials

1. Copies or excerpts of "Beowulf" translated into accessible modern English.
2. A visual handout of the Hero’s Journey framework (e.g., Joseph Campbell’s monomyth).
3. Whiteboard/chart paper and markers for brainstorming.
4. A short, engaging video clip of a modern hero (e.g., Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, or Harry Potter).
5. Small tokens (such as trinkets) to symbolize students' "heroic journeys."

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Lesson Flow

1. Warm-Up: Hero Brainstorming (7 minutes)

• Objective: Establish student connection to the concept of heroism.
• Instruction:
  1. Write the word “HERO” on the board. Invite students to shout out their favorite heroes (fictional or real). Write their choices next to "HERO."
     • Examples might include: superheroes, historical figures, athletes, etc.
  2. Once a list is created, ask, “What makes these people heroes? How do they fit the idea of a hero?”
  3. Introduce the concept of Anglo-Saxon heroic ideals (bravery, loyalty, physical strength, wisdom, fame). Highlight how ancient concepts of heroism relate to modern ones.

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2. The Hero’s Journey: Experiential Exploration (15 minutes)

• Objective: Introduce students to the structure of the hero’s journey and encourage them to think critically about their favorite narratives.
• Instruction:
  1. Show students the Hero’s Journey diagram (via a projected image or a handout). Briefly explain key elements (e.g., Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Challenges, Climax, Return).
  2. Play a short video clip of a modern hero’s “call to adventure” moment—e.g., Harry Potter receiving his first letter, Spider-Man discovering powers, Wonder Woman deciding to leave Themyscira.
  3. Discuss how this relates back to the Hero’s Journey, annotating specific stages they’ve seen in the example.
  4. Transition to Beowulf: “When you think of a hero, not many picture a guy from 6th-century Scandinavia—but that’s Beowulf.”

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3. Anglo-Saxon Culture in Context (10 minutes)

• Objective: Immerse students in Anglo-Saxon traditions and highlight the culture that shaped "Beowulf."
• Instruction:
  1. Deliver a quick, engaging mini-lecture using experiential details to draw students into the time period.
     • Sample Talking Points:
       • Anglo-Saxon warriors, known as thane, lived by a code of comitatus (loyalty to their leader).
       • Their survival depended on raids, warfare, and alliances. They celebrated victories with feasts and praised warriors through epic poetry.
       • Beowulf was originally sung by a bard/scop, preserved orally before being written down.
  2. Describe the setting of Beowulf (Scandinavia, longhouses under threat of creatures like Grendel).
  3. Introduce kennings as creative epithet phrases used in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Share examples (whale-road = sea, sky-candle = sun). Encourage students to come up with a few kennings of their own for modern things (e.g., car = “road-runner”).

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4. Epic Roleplay: Beowulf’s Decision (15 minutes)

• Objective: Immerse students in the story through an experiential group activity.
• Instruction:
  1. Tell students they are stepping into Beowulf’s shoes: Summon their courage to take on Grendel.
     • Step 1: Divide the class into small groups (5-6 students each). Hand each group a decision card outlining a scenario where they must deliberate like Beowulf. For example,
       • “Your people are under attack by Grendel. Most warriors are too terrified to act. Do you take on Grendel alone, or wait for backup?”
       • “Hrothgar doubts your abilities. How do you convince him—and do you request aid from others, knowing it could impact your fame?”
  2. Groups discuss briefly and present their decision as though they are Beowulf addressing his tribe. Reinforce Anglo-Saxon values as part of their call-to-action speech.

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5. Reflect and Connect (8 minutes)

• Objective: Reinforce learning and student understanding of the heroic ideal and Beowulf’s relevance.
• Instruction:
  1. As a class, discuss:
     • How did the choices your groups made connect to the traits of a hero (selflessness, bravery, loyalty)?
     • What would YOU have done differently?
     • What qualities made Beowulf such an enduring hero?
  2. Homework (posted or handed out):
     • Read a short excerpt from Beowulf (lines 1–300). Annotate moments you see as representing a hero’s journey stage.
     • Write one paragraph comparing an element of Beowulf’s heroism to a modern hero you admire.

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Assessment

• Informal: Group discussion contributions, participation in roleplaying activity.
• Formal: Annotation of assigned excerpt for homework and paragraph analysis.

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Notes for Teacher

• Encourage all participation levels for the roleplay by allowing students to collaborate rather than putting too much pressure on individuals. Frame it as fun, creative experimentation.
• Act as a bard/storyteller during Group 3 discussion. Build excitement through storytelling tones when describing Beowulf’s world!