The Anglo-Saxon test will be on October 3nd. With this in mind, please bring your completed vocabulary sheet to class on Tuesday (the 24th). Also, read and take notes on page 32 (the Venerable Bede) and pages 41-42 (the development of the English language) as these will relate to the test. In terms of Beowulf, by next Thursday, you should answer the "For Study and Discussion" section of page 30, questions 1-8. Finally, last class, students were assigned to answer one of the following questions:
1. Why is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel described in such long, gory detail? Also consider the symbolic meaning of Herot.
2. What is the greater message of Beowulf? What does Grendel symbolize? How is Beowulf an ideal hero?
3. It seems unimportant for Beowulf to have an heir. Why might this be so? Also, why is Grendel's body never fully described?
4. How important is glory to the Anglo-Saxons? Would Beowulf have undertaken his deeds anonymously?
If for any reason you were not assigned one of the above 4 questions, please pick one and answer it.
