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Old English & Beowulf (Bai Giang 2023-2024)
Old English & Beowulf (Bai Giang 2023-2024)
ENGLISH &
BEOWULF
Early England Created by Three Invasions
2. Anglo-Saxon
1. Roman
and Viking
Occupation 55
Invasions 410 –
B.C.-410 A.D. .
1066 A.D. GERMAN(IC)
3. The Norman
Invasion (The
Battle of Hastings)
LATIN
in 1066 A.D. FRENCH
English is a Melting Pot of Indo-European
Languages
AUTHOR.
The author of Beowulf is a
mystery, as most poets of
the Anglo-Saxon period
are.
BEOWULF is believed to have been
composed between 700 and 750.
Characters of beowulf .
1. Beowulf
THE PROTAGONIST:
BEOWULF
a Geatish hero who fights the monster
Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire-
breathing dragon.
the strongest, ablest warrior around.
In his youth, he personifies all of the
best values of the heroic culture.
In his old age, he proves a wise and
effective ruler.
2. King Hrothgar
AN UNNAMED SWAMP-
HAG
seems to possess fewer
human qualities than
Grendel, although her
terrorization of Heorot is
explained by her desire
for vengeance.
5. Dragon
AN ANCIENT,
POWERFUL
SERPENT guards a
horde of treasure in a
hidden mound.
6. Wiglaf
A YOUNG KINSMAN
AND RETAINER OF
BEOWULF
helps him in the fight against
the dragon while all of the
other warriors run away.
adheres to the heroic code
better than Beowulf’s other
retainers, thereby proving
himself a suitable successor
THEMES OF BEOWULF
1. Family
Beowulf, as a descendant of the Geatish royal family,
imbues him with a sense of duty and honor to protect
his people and uphold his family's legacy.
Additionally, the relationships between Beowulf and
his kinsmen, such as his uncle Hygelac and his loyal
warriors, emphasize the importance of loyalty,
kinship, and solidarity in facing challenges and
achieving greatness.
2. reputation
In "Beowulf," the theme of reputation
underscores the importance of fame and glory in
the warrior culture of the time.