Beowulf: Oldest English Poem - History & Provenance
Beowulf, the oldest English poem, holds significant cultural and literary importance. Explore its early history, setting, poetic devices, and its mysterious provenance. Discover how the manuscript survived through centuries, facing challenges like library fires. Unravel the legacy of Beowulf and its enduring impact on English literature.
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Presentation Transcript
B eowulf B eowulf Why Beowulf? English History Setting Poetic devices Terms Motifs
W hy S tudy 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way W hy S tudy B eowulf? B eowulf? 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today 3. Beowulf is simply good writing
Early History of England 1. First settlers were the Celts around 400 B.C. Their religion was based on animism they saw spirits everywhere 2. Priests (druids) acted as intermediaries between gods and people 3. Importance of Stonehenge 4. Celtic stories women warriors, mother goddess, male god 5. Romans invaded 55 B.C. 6. Angles, Saxons invaded from Germany 7. King Alfred of Wessex
8. Religion of Anglo-Saxons a. Co-existed with Christianity b. Woden c. Dragon d. Ethics 9. Bards, scops 10. Importance of Irish monks, monastaries
B eowulfs B eowulf s P rovenance P rovenance What we don t know: who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth
B eowulfs What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. B eowulf s P rovenance P rovenance The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11thcentury A.D. (1000 s), however
B eowulfs So what s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. B eowulf s P rovenance P rovenance Robert Cotton (1571-1631)
B eowulfs B eowulf s P rovenance P rovenance Unfortunately, Cotton s library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged. The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.
time andplace S etting: S etting: B eowulf s B eowulf s time and place Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.
S etting: S etting: B eowulf s B eowulf s time and place time and place Insert: Time of Beowulf Europe today
The Poetry in The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for A few things to watch out for Beowulf 1. Alliterative verse a. Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme
The Poetry in The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for A few things to watch out for Beowulf Alliterative verse an example from Beowulf: Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum, Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah; Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.
The Poetry in The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for A few things to watch out for Beowulf There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far.
The Poetry in The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for A few things to watch out for Beowulf 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means whale- road, but can be translated as sea
Some terms youll want to know Some terms you ll want to know scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment
Some terms youll want to know Some terms you ll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.
Some terms youll want to know Some terms you ll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God s will.
Some terms youll want to know Some terms you ll want to know epic Beowulf is an epic poem. 1. Epic heroes represent the finest values of civilization; ethical 2. Face extraordinary obstacles 3. Seem to be superhuman but they re mortal 4. Perform brave deeds 5. Quest or journey with followers 6. Name their horses/swords
Motifs and Important Aspects Motifs and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure The importance of the sea and sailing The sanctity of the home Fate Loyalty and allegiance Heroism and heroic deeds
