This blog is designed specifically for Hanover High School students in Ms. Piro's early English literature course.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Question of the Week (10/1/10)
Post your five-critical thinking questions here. This week you do not have to respond. Work on your papers, and remember they are due by the end of the school day on Monday. Enjoy your weekend.
1. Since Sigemund's story includes a dragon, was this meant was a warning to Beowulf, foreshadowing (to the audience), or something entirely different?
2. Does the story of HIldeburgh relate to other women in the text? Why or why not?
3. Is the story of Modthryth meant solely as a contrast to Hygd? Why or why not?
4. Explain how the "swimming" mentioned on page 41 relates to another passage in the text.
5. Why did the author include so many stories within a story? (What was their purpose?
1. What is the purpose of stories within the story? 2. Why does the author put such a strong emphasis on God? 3. Did Sigemund only kill the Dragon for his own desire to enjoy "Ring Hoard"? 4. Why would Sigemund be able to defeat the dragon when Beowulf could not? 5. "From there Beowulf came away by means of his own strength..." Why do you think the Author continues to boast about Beowulf?
1. What is the purpose of the stories within Beowulf? 2. On pages 36-38 what is the tone of the story within a story? 3. On pages 20-21 how does the story about Finn and Hildeburh relate to the story of Beowulf 4. Beowulf's boast on page 6 shows what differences between his and Unferth's personality? 5. What are the differences between the 3 stories mentioned in questions 2-4?
1. What purpose did the stories within a story serve in Beowulf? 2. How is the story of Sigemund related to Beowulf's own destiny? 3. Is there a comparison of the might of Beowulf against the might of Sigemund? 4. Are all the mini-stories in Beowulf real stories, or did the characters telling them make them up? 5. Does Beowulf's boast show Beowulf in a light that is common to all warriors?
1. Why does Beowulf explain in detail one of his past feats of bravery? Do you think Beowulf adheres to the warrior code by boasting? 2. Why is the story of Sigemund told? Is it meant to contrast or draw parallels to the actions of Beowulf? 3. Give examples of references to Christianity in the stories within stories. 4. Why is the situation of Hildeburh so tragic? 5. What is the purpose of telling the story of the queen Modthryth?
1.) Why did the christian overtone become so prominent? 2.) Why is the tale of Sigemund related to Beowulf? 3.) Why is the narrator so intent on making Beowulf seem so great beyond all normality? 4.) Why were there so many stories within stories? 5.) Why is the story of Modthryth so important?
1) What was the purpose of the stories within the poem? 2) How is Sigemund and his story relevant to Beowulf? 3) Why is Christianity so prominent in the poem? 4) Why is the story about Modthryth relevant? 5) Who are Finn and Hildeburh?
1. Is the story of Shyld foreshadowing? 2. How are comparisons draw between characters in the asides, and the main story's characters. 3. Does the poet do anything else with these asides. 4. How would story change without the asides. 5. Do the asides work as a poetic device?
1. How is Beowulf similar to Sigemund 2. Why is christianity referenced so many times 3.What were the purposes of the stories within stories. 4.Does Grendel's mother have good reason to kill the Dane? 5.how is Grendel and the Dragon different?related?
1) Is there significance that Sigemund defeated the dragon and Beowulf didn't? 2) In the story of Hnaef is says he "was fated to tall on frisian battle fied." What role does fate play in the story of Beowulf 3) What is the significance of the story on page 41? 4) Why is the dragon referred to as a "worm" 5)After Beowulf's death, the safety of the Kingdom of Geats is under question. Was it selfish of Beowulf to put himself (and his kingdom) in danger by confronting the dragon by himself?
1. In what ways is Beowulf similar to and different than Sigemund? 2. How prevalent are dragons in Danish society? 3. Why is the dispute that Hengest and Hnaef partake in relavent to the main story? 4. What is the lineage of the family that includes Hengest and Hnaef? 5. Who are Guthlaf and Oslaf and why are they significant in the story as whole?
1. How is Grendel portrayed? What does Grendel symbolize? 2. Is Beowulf flawed for tackling the dragon without much support, or is he simply meeting his fate? 3. What is the significance of Hrothgar's speech in Beowulf's transition from warrior to king? 4. What is Unferth's motivation behind lending Beowulf Hrunting? 5. Why is boasting and establishing a reputation so important in Beowulf? What role does the mead-hall play in this?
1. Was it foolish of Beowulf to fight the dragon, considering his age and importance to the Geats? 2. What is the purpose of mentioning Hygd and Modthryth? 3. Is Sigemund's story foreshadowing for Beowulf's death? 4. Like Beowulf, Hnaef was burned after death. But Beowulf Sr. was sent out to sea, why were they treated differently? 5. What was the purpose of mentioning Hethel's sadness after his son Herebald killed his other son? How does it relate to the main story?
2. What role do women play in Beowulf? How is this shown in the stories of Hildeburgh and Modryth?
3. How did the story of Sigemund parallel Beowulf's life?
4. What purpose did the stories within the story serve?
5. Even though Wiglaf was the only loyal thane who helped his king, was it right for Beowulf to crown him ruler, when no qualifications of his were mentioned?
1. What does Sigemund's defeat of the dragon represent with regards to Beowulf. 2. How are kennings important 3. What is the reason for Unferth calling out Beowulf (in your opinion) 4. How do you think the poem is organized (by funerals? battles?) 5. What is the significance of Beowulf's sword melting when he fights Grendel's mother?
1. How does each story foreshadow later events in the epic? 2. How does Hrothgar help Beowulf become a ruler? 3. Are there any similarities between Beowulf and any characters in the story-within-stories? 4. Was Beowulf's slaying of the dragon good for or bad for his kingdom? 5. Was Beowulf's fight with the dragon for boast and pride or to protect his kingdom and people?
1. How is Sigemund different from Beowulf? 2. Is the story of Sigemund forshadowing or not? 3.Why was the dragons hoard cursed? 4.Whats the importance of the story about the finns and the Jutes? 5.Why did the finns and jutes fight despite the attempt at peace?
1. Since Sigemund's story includes a dragon, was this meant was a warning to Beowulf, foreshadowing (to the audience), or something entirely different?
ReplyDelete2. Does the story of HIldeburgh relate to other women in the text? Why or why not?
3. Is the story of Modthryth meant solely as a contrast to Hygd? Why or why not?
4. Explain how the "swimming" mentioned on page 41 relates to another passage in the text.
5. Why did the author include so many stories within a story? (What was their purpose?
1. What is the purpose of stories within the story?
ReplyDelete2. Why does the author put such a strong emphasis on God?
3. Did Sigemund only kill the Dragon for his own desire to enjoy "Ring Hoard"?
4. Why would Sigemund be able to defeat the dragon when Beowulf could not?
5. "From there Beowulf came away by means of his own strength..." Why do you think the Author continues to boast about Beowulf?
1. What is the purpose of the stories within Beowulf?
ReplyDelete2. On pages 36-38 what is the tone of the story within a story?
3. On pages 20-21 how does the story about Finn and Hildeburh relate to the story of Beowulf
4. Beowulf's boast on page 6 shows what differences between his and Unferth's personality?
5. What are the differences between the 3 stories mentioned in questions 2-4?
1. What purpose did the stories within a story serve in Beowulf?
ReplyDelete2. How is the story of Sigemund related to Beowulf's own destiny?
3. Is there a comparison of the might of Beowulf against the might of Sigemund?
4. Are all the mini-stories in Beowulf real stories, or did the characters telling them make them up?
5. Does Beowulf's boast show Beowulf in a light that is common to all warriors?
1. Why does Beowulf explain in detail one of his past feats of bravery? Do you think Beowulf adheres to the warrior code by boasting?
ReplyDelete2. Why is the story of Sigemund told? Is it meant to contrast or draw parallels to the actions of Beowulf?
3. Give examples of references to Christianity in the stories within stories.
4. Why is the situation of Hildeburh so tragic?
5. What is the purpose of telling the story of the queen Modthryth?
1.) Why did the christian overtone become so prominent?
ReplyDelete2.) Why is the tale of Sigemund related to Beowulf?
3.) Why is the narrator so intent on making Beowulf seem so great beyond all normality?
4.) Why were there so many stories within stories?
5.) Why is the story of Modthryth so important?
1) What was the purpose of the stories within the poem?
ReplyDelete2) How is Sigemund and his story relevant to Beowulf?
3) Why is Christianity so prominent in the poem?
4) Why is the story about Modthryth relevant?
5) Who are Finn and Hildeburh?
1. Is the story of Shyld foreshadowing?
ReplyDelete2. How are comparisons draw between characters in the asides, and the main story's characters.
3. Does the poet do anything else with these asides.
4. How would story change without the asides.
5. Do the asides work as a poetic device?
1. How is Beowulf similar to Sigemund
ReplyDelete2. Why is christianity referenced so many times
3.What were the purposes of the stories within stories.
4.Does Grendel's mother have good reason to kill the Dane?
5.how is Grendel and the Dragon different?related?
1) Is there significance that Sigemund defeated the dragon and Beowulf didn't?
ReplyDelete2) In the story of Hnaef is says he
"was fated to tall on frisian battle fied." What role does fate play in the story of Beowulf
3) What is the significance of the story on page 41?
4) Why is the dragon referred to as a "worm"
5)After Beowulf's death, the safety of the Kingdom of Geats is under question. Was it selfish of Beowulf to put himself (and his kingdom) in danger by confronting the dragon by himself?
1. In what ways is Beowulf similar to and different than Sigemund?
ReplyDelete2. How prevalent are dragons in Danish society?
3. Why is the dispute that Hengest and Hnaef partake in relavent to the main story?
4. What is the lineage of the family that includes Hengest and Hnaef?
5. Who are Guthlaf and Oslaf and why are they significant in the story as whole?
1. How is Grendel portrayed? What does Grendel symbolize?
ReplyDelete2. Is Beowulf flawed for tackling the dragon without much support, or is he simply meeting his fate?
3. What is the significance of Hrothgar's speech in Beowulf's transition from warrior to king?
4. What is Unferth's motivation behind lending Beowulf Hrunting?
5. Why is boasting and establishing a reputation so important in Beowulf? What role does the mead-hall play in this?
1. Was it foolish of Beowulf to fight the dragon, considering his age and importance to the Geats?
ReplyDelete2. What is the purpose of mentioning Hygd and Modthryth?
3. Is Sigemund's story foreshadowing for Beowulf's death?
4. Like Beowulf, Hnaef was burned after death. But Beowulf Sr. was sent out to sea, why were they treated differently?
5. What was the purpose of mentioning Hethel's sadness after his son Herebald killed his other son? How does it relate to the main story?
1. Why does the author put these stories in Beowulf?
ReplyDelete2.How does Finn change through the story?
3.How does HIldeburh show strength in the story? Do you think women in Beowulf are given enough credit?
4.What are the differences/similarities between Modthryth and Hygd?
5.What was the benifit of Modthryth's marriage? Were there any disadvantages?
1. What was the purpose of the story of Modryth?
ReplyDelete2. What role do women play in Beowulf? How is this shown in the stories of Hildeburgh and Modryth?
3. How did the story of Sigemund parallel Beowulf's life?
4. What purpose did the stories within the story serve?
5. Even though Wiglaf was the only loyal thane who helped his king, was it right for Beowulf to crown him ruler, when no qualifications of his were mentioned?
1. Are there any subtle comparisons between Sigmund and Beowulf in the actual story (not just the digression)?
ReplyDelete2. If you had to divide the poem into parts, where would you? Where is there a significant change in feel?
3. Is Finn the king's tragic end foreshadowing towards a possible end for Beowulf?
4. Are there minor characters in digressions who mirror characters other than Beowulf, such as Hrothgar or Grendel?
5. Are there any motifs within the digressions which carry through to the rest of the poem?
1. What does Sigemund's defeat of the dragon represent with regards to Beowulf.
ReplyDelete2. How are kennings important
3. What is the reason for Unferth calling out Beowulf (in your opinion)
4. How do you think the poem is organized (by funerals? battles?)
5. What is the significance of Beowulf's sword melting when he fights Grendel's mother?
1. How does each story foreshadow later events in the epic?
ReplyDelete2. How does Hrothgar help Beowulf become a ruler?
3. Are there any similarities between Beowulf and any characters in the story-within-stories?
4. Was Beowulf's slaying of the dragon good for or bad for his kingdom?
5. Was Beowulf's fight with the dragon for boast and pride or to protect his kingdom and people?
1. How is Sigemund different from Beowulf?
ReplyDelete2. Is the story of Sigemund forshadowing or not?
3.Why was the dragons hoard cursed?
4.Whats the importance of the story about the finns and the Jutes?
5.Why did the finns and jutes fight despite the attempt at peace?