Definitions:
1) Accoutrements: an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device —usually used in plural
2) Apogee: the farthest or highest point
3) Apropos: by way of interjection or further comment, with regard to the present topic
4) Bicker: petulant quarreling
5) Coalesce: to unite into a whole
6) Contretemps: an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation
7) Convolution: a complication or intricacy of form, design, or structure
8) Cull: to select from a group
9) Disparate: markedly distinct in quality or character
10) Dogmatic: characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very strongly as if they were facts
11) Licentious: marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness
12) Mete: to give out by measure
13) Noxious: physically harmful or destructive to living beings
14) Polemic: the art or practice of disputation or controversy, usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
15) Populous: densely populated
16) Probity: adherence to the highest principles and ideals
17) Repartee: a quick and witty reply
18) Supervene: to follow or result as an additional, adventitious, or unlooked-for development
19) Truncate: to shorten by cutting off
20) Unimpeachable: reliable beyond a doubt
Sentences:
1) There are different accouterments of status that define our social classes.
2) Jean dresses reached the apogee of their popularity way before my time, and have not made a rise since then
3) I remember as a child one of my greatest fears was the doctor; apropos, Honey have you scheduled your appointment for your check-up yet?
4) From the morning to night, there is a constant bickering going on between my sisters about pointless problems.
5) The various U-18 girl's soccer teams around the area coalesced into the Varsity team during the high-school season.
6) There was a bit of a contretemps during the wedding when the bride's divorced parents realized they were placed to sit at the same table.
7) Because she was not a fluent speaker, Karla found the convolutions of the Mexican soap opera to be confusing.
8) The high school senior culled her few favorite pictures from the 134 pictures the photographer had taken the week before, and made a decision.
9) There was disparate opinions between the students on whether the amount of homework that weekend was too much or a good amount.
10) My dad is such a dogmatic arguer that I usually try and ask him for things when he's in a good mood, and won't put up a fight.
11) We live in such a licentious culture that stars like Miley Cyrus can make lewd gestures on TV, and still have the show be aired.
12) After finding that his class stole answer keys to tests from his desk, the usually relaxed teacher had to mete harsh punishments.
13) The knowledge of the noxious side affects of smoking cigarettes is so wide-spread is makes me wonder why people are still smoking them.
14) For a group of people with such different ideas, it was hard to start a conversation on any topic without resorting to polemics.
15) I can't imagine living in a populous region when I'm older: the fumes and noise of big cities are too much for me.
16) The probity of the member of the student council made him an undeniable choice as the president.
17) My blind and clever friend always has a repartee for people that ask him what his walking cane is for.
18) We were completely financially prepared for any disaster until the fire that burned down our house supervened.
19) The truncated version of how she got her wounds protected her from additional questions about why she was climbing the fence.
20) She trusted her friend as an impeachable confident during her affair.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Beowulf Comprehension Questions
To accomplish this assignment, I worked online with Hannah Savaso , Taylor Duguran , Bailey Wineman and Zach Roy. It took me around 30 minutes because some answers were hard to find, and additional time to add in my partner's responses as well.
[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34) (MEGHAN)
1.Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?
-Shield was first an orphan that ascended to king status. His funeral was very grand, for he was put out in a boat with a lot of treasure as his tomb. Shield is actually an ancestor to Hrothgar.
[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36) (MEGHAN)
1.What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?
-Hrothgar decided to build a magnificent mead-hall, but caught the attention of Grendel, a demon ascended from Cain, who attacked the hall, killing 30 men in the first night alone. The attacks lasted for 12 years, and put Denmark and the King in a state of depression.
[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42) (MEGHAN)
1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?
-Beowulf decided to come to Denmark and help Hrothgar defeat Grendel, and selects 14 of his bravest men to accommodate him.
2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?
- The Geats first meet a Danish guard, who asks them who they are and what they are arrived to do, while shaking his spear. Beowulf responds that they are the Geats, and have came to help Hrothgar defeat the monster Grendel.
3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?
-Hrothgar's herald is Wulfgar, who is known for his great wisdom. He tells Hrothgar about Beowulf's mission, and Hrothgar comments on how well he knew Beowulf's father, and how he remembers him as a child. I'm not too surprised that Hrothgar has a connection with Beowulf because it makes more sense now that Beowulf would come to help him.
4.What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?
-Beowulf tells Hrothgar of his past glories and offers to fight Grendel without weapons. Hrothgar mended a feud between Beowulf's father and the Wulfing tribe.
[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46) (MEGHAN)
1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?
-Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match to Breca, but Beowulf counters with his own version of the story, and accuses Unferth of drunkenness. This episode shwos truly how confident and likable Beowulf is, and how people tend to believe in him.
2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?
During the feasting, the Queen brings around a goblet and makes a toast thanking God for bringing Beowulf to defeat Grendel, then sits next to Beowulf.
[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49) (MEGHAN)
1.Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?
- Beowulf plans on not using weapons to fight Grendel.
2.What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?
-When Grendel enters Herot he kills one man and tries to swipe at Beowulf but gets his claws caught by Beowulf's string hands. Grendel tries to escape but his arm comes clean off due to the strength of Beowulf's hold on him so he escapes but is fatally wounded.
[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60) (TAYLOR)
1. Beowulf is like Sigemond in that he loves displaying his courage and valor through warring battles. However, he is unlike Sigemond in that he would rather go into battle alone and rely on his own strength, than to do well commanding others and being a leader.
2. Hrothgar is esctatic about Beowulf's deed, and celebrates his victory by awarding him many gifts. Among those gifts is a sword. Unferth is rather quiet after Beowulf succeeded, because he was proven wrong.
3. In the story of Finn the Frisians and the Danes are at war, and until Hildeburgh, a Dane, married Finn, Lord of the Frisians. This idea of using a bride as a way to heal two warring states was proved ineffective, because Hildeburgh's brother was killed when visiting her and Finn was later killed out of vengeance.
4. Wealtheow asks Hrothgar to not give Beowulf the throne, but instead to keep the throne in the bloodline.
5. Beowulf gives the necklace to Hygelac, who later wears it in the battle in which he dies. Wealtheow asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children.
6. So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because, now that Grendel is dead, they think it is completely safe. This is a mistake because Grendel's vengeful mother comes in the night and takes one of Hrothgar's men and her son's arm.
BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (lines 1251-2199, pp. 60-79)
Another Attack (TAYLOR)
1. Grendel's mother comes to Heorot to get revenge for her son's death. This is different than Grendel's reason for tormenting the hall. Grendel just enjoyed the thrill of killing the men and stopping their constant celebrations.
2. Hrothgar's response is to ask Beowulf to kill Grendel's mother. Grendel's mother had killed Aeschere who was Hrothgar's close friend and advisor.
3. The mere is a strange swampy lake, where Grendel and his mother live in an underwater cave.
Beowulf Fights Grendel’s Mother (lines 1383-1650, pg.63-68) (HANNAH)
3 In preparation for his battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf dresses in his new armor he was given by Hrothgar. Beowulf brings with him a sword borrowed from Unferth.
4. When Beowulf enters the mere Grendel’s mother reaches out and pulls him under with her claws. She pulls him far enough down so that other sea monsters will not interfere with their fight.
5. When Beowulf uses the sword it is unable to cut Grendel’s mother and she remains unscathed.
6. Beowulf is protected from Grendel’s Mother largely due to his armor. To combat her attacks he uses his bare hands to break free.
7. In battle, Beowulf sees the sword of Eoten’s and uses it to slay Grendel’s mother. He then proceeds to cut off her head and a bring it back with him. The sword is melted because of the monster’s blood.
8. The men had been mourning before Beowulf returned because they thought he had failed below. The men rejoiced at the sight of their hero.
Further Celebration at Heorot (lines 1651-1798, pg. 68-71) (HANNAH)
1. Beowulf gives Hrothgar the hilt of his sword as a symbol of his victory.
2. Hrothgar praises Beowulf but tells him that in order to be successful he needs to be a fair ruler and give wealth to the worthy. He tells the story of Heremod who was a cruel ruler who soon lost the support of his followers. The king was murdered by his people. Hrothgar urges Beowulf to not follow in his footsteps.
3. Beowulf returns Unfeth’s sword, Hrunting.
Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79) ZACH
3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?
- Beowulf plans to do this because he wants Hygelac to be aware that Ingeld and Dane may turn against Geat. Beowulf expects the result to be bad because he thinks the peace will be broken by someone bringing up the old violence and feud. Over time with everything he has been through, Beowulf has become focused, confident, and gained courage.
4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?
- Beowulf reports that his adventures are accurate for the most part, but at times he exaggerates a little.
5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?
- Beowulf, out of respect, gives the treasure to Hygelac. In return Hgelac gives him a jeweled sword, 7000 hides, land, a hall, and a throne.
[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86) ZACH
1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?- Part 2 takes place 50 years later. The kings that have died in the meanwhile are Hygelac and Heardred. Danger now exists and it is a dragon.
2.Why is the dragon angry? Why did the man take a cup? How did the treasure come to be there in the first place?
- The dragon is angry because a thief stole a goblet from the treasure trove the dragon was guarding. The treasure got there because an ancient race that was doomed to perish began to bury their treasures there, and the dragon found it.
3.What did the dragon destroy that evening?
- The dragon came out to attack Geat people and destroyed their properties.
4.Why does Beowulf think his home was burnt? Why does he order a new shield? How will he fight this battle? What will happen to him?
- He thinks his house got burnt because he did something that displeased the gods. He orders a new shield that cannot be burned by the dragon. He ends up fighting the battle without a sword or shield, but he is bringing men with him. He is confident about this battle.
5.How did Hygelac die? (The description in lines 2354-2379 begins one of several versions of Geatish history and Hygelac's death we will get.) What did Beowulf do after Hygelac's death? What happened when he returned home? Did he accept Hygd's offer to become king?
- Hygelac died in Friesland during a battle by a Frankish king. Beowulf killed the Frankish king because he killed Hygelac. When Beowulf returned home Hygd offered him to be king, but he refused out of respect for his younger cousin.
6.What happened to Hygelac's son Heardred? (That's the story in lines 2380-2390.) How did Beowulf plan to revenge Heardred's death (lines 2391-2396)
- He was killed in battle against the Swedes. He helps Eagils kill Onela, the Swedish king.
7.How many men accompany Beowulf as he goes to meet the dragon?
- Twelve men including himself went with him to meet the dragon.
8.What happened to Hygelac's oldest brother Herebeald? Who killed him? What did this do to his father King Hrethel? What happened between the Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death? What happened to Haethcyn? How did Beowulf revenge Hygelac's death?
- Herebeald was killed by accident by the Haethcyn with an arrow. His father died for grief over his sons death. Battles broke out between the Swedish and Geats after Herebeald's death. Haethcynwas killed during battle. Beowulf got his revenge for Hygelac's death by killing Dayraven, a Frankish warrior.
Beowolf Attacks the Dragon (BAILEY)
1. What did Beowolf tell his companions to do?
- Beowolf told them to stay back, and let him kill the dragon.
2. What happens the first time Beowulf and the dragon fight? What do his companions do? How is Wiglaf different? What does he tell the others? What does he then do?
-The first time Beowolf and the dragon fight, Beowolf gets hurt. All of his companions fled except for Wiglaf. He is different because he actually kept the promise they had all made by being brave when their leader needed them, and he tells the others this. He then helps Beowolf defeat the dragon.
3.What happens the second time Beowulf meets the dragon? What happens to Beowulf? Who kills the dragon?
-The dragon bites Beowolf's neck, and he dies. Wiglaf kills the dragon.
4.What does the dying Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do? What happens when Beowulf sees the gold? How does Beowulf want to be buried?
-Beowolf asks Wiglaf to go into the cave and see what treasure he earned. When he sees the gold, he gives his golden necklace, his helmet, rings etc. to Wiglaf. He asks to be buried right where the dragon was killed.
Beowolf's Funeral (BAILEY)
1.What happens when the companions return? What does Wiglaf say to him? What does he expect will happen in the future?
-Wiglaf is angry at them for not helping in a time of need. He believes that the Geats will get destroyed.
2.What does the messenger tell the city? (This passage, lines 2900-3027, is the third account of the history of the Geats and the death of Hygelac. These are the enemies that will attack the Geats when they learn of Beowulf's death.) What happened overnight in Ravenswood after Ongentheow killed Haethcyn? What happened the next morning? What happened to Ongentheow? What does the messenger say to do with the gold? What is the final image (animal) of the messenger's speech?
- The messenger announces the news of Beowolf's death. The messenger states that the treasure was cursed, and that Beowolf was never greedy. The last image is of the Dragon.
3. What does Wiglaf tell the crowd that comes to see the dragon and Beowulf?
-Wiglaf tells the crowd about Beowolf's incredible fighting skills.
4.What happens to the dragon?
- They pushed the dragon over the cliff, thinking that it didn't deserve to be buried.
5.What happens during and after the funeral celebration?
-The crowd celebrates Beowolf's accomplishments, but are also very sad about his death.
6.What did the Geats say about Beowulf in the last three lines of the poem? Are these the terms one would expect to be used to describe a military hero?
-They said that no better king had lived who is deserving of praise. Yes, because military heroes need to be brave because they put their life in danger for us.
[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34) (MEGHAN)
1.Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?
-Shield was first an orphan that ascended to king status. His funeral was very grand, for he was put out in a boat with a lot of treasure as his tomb. Shield is actually an ancestor to Hrothgar.
[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36) (MEGHAN)
1.What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?
-Hrothgar decided to build a magnificent mead-hall, but caught the attention of Grendel, a demon ascended from Cain, who attacked the hall, killing 30 men in the first night alone. The attacks lasted for 12 years, and put Denmark and the King in a state of depression.
[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42) (MEGHAN)
1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?
-Beowulf decided to come to Denmark and help Hrothgar defeat Grendel, and selects 14 of his bravest men to accommodate him.
2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?
- The Geats first meet a Danish guard, who asks them who they are and what they are arrived to do, while shaking his spear. Beowulf responds that they are the Geats, and have came to help Hrothgar defeat the monster Grendel.
3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?
-Hrothgar's herald is Wulfgar, who is known for his great wisdom. He tells Hrothgar about Beowulf's mission, and Hrothgar comments on how well he knew Beowulf's father, and how he remembers him as a child. I'm not too surprised that Hrothgar has a connection with Beowulf because it makes more sense now that Beowulf would come to help him.
4.What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?
-Beowulf tells Hrothgar of his past glories and offers to fight Grendel without weapons. Hrothgar mended a feud between Beowulf's father and the Wulfing tribe.
[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46) (MEGHAN)
1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?
-Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match to Breca, but Beowulf counters with his own version of the story, and accuses Unferth of drunkenness. This episode shwos truly how confident and likable Beowulf is, and how people tend to believe in him.
2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?
During the feasting, the Queen brings around a goblet and makes a toast thanking God for bringing Beowulf to defeat Grendel, then sits next to Beowulf.
[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49) (MEGHAN)
1.Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?
- Beowulf plans on not using weapons to fight Grendel.
2.What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?
-When Grendel enters Herot he kills one man and tries to swipe at Beowulf but gets his claws caught by Beowulf's string hands. Grendel tries to escape but his arm comes clean off due to the strength of Beowulf's hold on him so he escapes but is fatally wounded.
[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60) (TAYLOR)
1. Beowulf is like Sigemond in that he loves displaying his courage and valor through warring battles. However, he is unlike Sigemond in that he would rather go into battle alone and rely on his own strength, than to do well commanding others and being a leader.
2. Hrothgar is esctatic about Beowulf's deed, and celebrates his victory by awarding him many gifts. Among those gifts is a sword. Unferth is rather quiet after Beowulf succeeded, because he was proven wrong.
3. In the story of Finn the Frisians and the Danes are at war, and until Hildeburgh, a Dane, married Finn, Lord of the Frisians. This idea of using a bride as a way to heal two warring states was proved ineffective, because Hildeburgh's brother was killed when visiting her and Finn was later killed out of vengeance.
4. Wealtheow asks Hrothgar to not give Beowulf the throne, but instead to keep the throne in the bloodline.
5. Beowulf gives the necklace to Hygelac, who later wears it in the battle in which he dies. Wealtheow asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children.
6. So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because, now that Grendel is dead, they think it is completely safe. This is a mistake because Grendel's vengeful mother comes in the night and takes one of Hrothgar's men and her son's arm.
BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (lines 1251-2199, pp. 60-79)
Another Attack (TAYLOR)
1. Grendel's mother comes to Heorot to get revenge for her son's death. This is different than Grendel's reason for tormenting the hall. Grendel just enjoyed the thrill of killing the men and stopping their constant celebrations.
2. Hrothgar's response is to ask Beowulf to kill Grendel's mother. Grendel's mother had killed Aeschere who was Hrothgar's close friend and advisor.
3. The mere is a strange swampy lake, where Grendel and his mother live in an underwater cave.
Beowulf Fights Grendel’s Mother (lines 1383-1650, pg.63-68) (HANNAH)
3 In preparation for his battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf dresses in his new armor he was given by Hrothgar. Beowulf brings with him a sword borrowed from Unferth.
4. When Beowulf enters the mere Grendel’s mother reaches out and pulls him under with her claws. She pulls him far enough down so that other sea monsters will not interfere with their fight.
5. When Beowulf uses the sword it is unable to cut Grendel’s mother and she remains unscathed.
6. Beowulf is protected from Grendel’s Mother largely due to his armor. To combat her attacks he uses his bare hands to break free.
7. In battle, Beowulf sees the sword of Eoten’s and uses it to slay Grendel’s mother. He then proceeds to cut off her head and a bring it back with him. The sword is melted because of the monster’s blood.
8. The men had been mourning before Beowulf returned because they thought he had failed below. The men rejoiced at the sight of their hero.
Further Celebration at Heorot (lines 1651-1798, pg. 68-71) (HANNAH)
1. Beowulf gives Hrothgar the hilt of his sword as a symbol of his victory.
2. Hrothgar praises Beowulf but tells him that in order to be successful he needs to be a fair ruler and give wealth to the worthy. He tells the story of Heremod who was a cruel ruler who soon lost the support of his followers. The king was murdered by his people. Hrothgar urges Beowulf to not follow in his footsteps.
3. Beowulf returns Unfeth’s sword, Hrunting.
Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79) ZACH
3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?
- Beowulf plans to do this because he wants Hygelac to be aware that Ingeld and Dane may turn against Geat. Beowulf expects the result to be bad because he thinks the peace will be broken by someone bringing up the old violence and feud. Over time with everything he has been through, Beowulf has become focused, confident, and gained courage.
4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?
- Beowulf reports that his adventures are accurate for the most part, but at times he exaggerates a little.
5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?
- Beowulf, out of respect, gives the treasure to Hygelac. In return Hgelac gives him a jeweled sword, 7000 hides, land, a hall, and a throne.
[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86) ZACH
1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?- Part 2 takes place 50 years later. The kings that have died in the meanwhile are Hygelac and Heardred. Danger now exists and it is a dragon.
2.Why is the dragon angry? Why did the man take a cup? How did the treasure come to be there in the first place?
- The dragon is angry because a thief stole a goblet from the treasure trove the dragon was guarding. The treasure got there because an ancient race that was doomed to perish began to bury their treasures there, and the dragon found it.
3.What did the dragon destroy that evening?
- The dragon came out to attack Geat people and destroyed their properties.
4.Why does Beowulf think his home was burnt? Why does he order a new shield? How will he fight this battle? What will happen to him?
- He thinks his house got burnt because he did something that displeased the gods. He orders a new shield that cannot be burned by the dragon. He ends up fighting the battle without a sword or shield, but he is bringing men with him. He is confident about this battle.
5.How did Hygelac die? (The description in lines 2354-2379 begins one of several versions of Geatish history and Hygelac's death we will get.) What did Beowulf do after Hygelac's death? What happened when he returned home? Did he accept Hygd's offer to become king?
- Hygelac died in Friesland during a battle by a Frankish king. Beowulf killed the Frankish king because he killed Hygelac. When Beowulf returned home Hygd offered him to be king, but he refused out of respect for his younger cousin.
6.What happened to Hygelac's son Heardred? (That's the story in lines 2380-2390.) How did Beowulf plan to revenge Heardred's death (lines 2391-2396)
- He was killed in battle against the Swedes. He helps Eagils kill Onela, the Swedish king.
7.How many men accompany Beowulf as he goes to meet the dragon?
- Twelve men including himself went with him to meet the dragon.
8.What happened to Hygelac's oldest brother Herebeald? Who killed him? What did this do to his father King Hrethel? What happened between the Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death? What happened to Haethcyn? How did Beowulf revenge Hygelac's death?
- Herebeald was killed by accident by the Haethcyn with an arrow. His father died for grief over his sons death. Battles broke out between the Swedish and Geats after Herebeald's death. Haethcynwas killed during battle. Beowulf got his revenge for Hygelac's death by killing Dayraven, a Frankish warrior.
Beowolf Attacks the Dragon (BAILEY)
1. What did Beowolf tell his companions to do?
- Beowolf told them to stay back, and let him kill the dragon.
2. What happens the first time Beowulf and the dragon fight? What do his companions do? How is Wiglaf different? What does he tell the others? What does he then do?
-The first time Beowolf and the dragon fight, Beowolf gets hurt. All of his companions fled except for Wiglaf. He is different because he actually kept the promise they had all made by being brave when their leader needed them, and he tells the others this. He then helps Beowolf defeat the dragon.
3.What happens the second time Beowulf meets the dragon? What happens to Beowulf? Who kills the dragon?
-The dragon bites Beowolf's neck, and he dies. Wiglaf kills the dragon.
4.What does the dying Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do? What happens when Beowulf sees the gold? How does Beowulf want to be buried?
-Beowolf asks Wiglaf to go into the cave and see what treasure he earned. When he sees the gold, he gives his golden necklace, his helmet, rings etc. to Wiglaf. He asks to be buried right where the dragon was killed.
Beowolf's Funeral (BAILEY)
1.What happens when the companions return? What does Wiglaf say to him? What does he expect will happen in the future?
-Wiglaf is angry at them for not helping in a time of need. He believes that the Geats will get destroyed.
2.What does the messenger tell the city? (This passage, lines 2900-3027, is the third account of the history of the Geats and the death of Hygelac. These are the enemies that will attack the Geats when they learn of Beowulf's death.) What happened overnight in Ravenswood after Ongentheow killed Haethcyn? What happened the next morning? What happened to Ongentheow? What does the messenger say to do with the gold? What is the final image (animal) of the messenger's speech?
- The messenger announces the news of Beowolf's death. The messenger states that the treasure was cursed, and that Beowolf was never greedy. The last image is of the Dragon.
3. What does Wiglaf tell the crowd that comes to see the dragon and Beowulf?
-Wiglaf tells the crowd about Beowolf's incredible fighting skills.
4.What happens to the dragon?
- They pushed the dragon over the cliff, thinking that it didn't deserve to be buried.
5.What happens during and after the funeral celebration?
-The crowd celebrates Beowolf's accomplishments, but are also very sad about his death.
6.What did the Geats say about Beowulf in the last three lines of the poem? Are these the terms one would expect to be used to describe a military hero?
-They said that no better king had lived who is deserving of praise. Yes, because military heroes need to be brave because they put their life in danger for us.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
MY OPINION ISN'T (A) RIGHT
-Interdependence: Everyone depends on everyone else; small ripple effect
-Rights: Feeling that creates an obligation to another
-Logic beats all else
-You have a right to an opinion and ability to accept it, but no one else has to agree
-Limbic: Emotional parts of our brain
-Schema: Ways of thinking to make ways of life more manageable; Organizing way of life
-Rights: Feeling that creates an obligation to another
-Logic beats all else
-You have a right to an opinion and ability to accept it, but no one else has to agree
-Limbic: Emotional parts of our brain
-Schema: Ways of thinking to make ways of life more manageable; Organizing way of life
Monday, August 19, 2013
REFLECTIONS ON WEEK ONE
1) I think that mostly my slow internet and unreliable work schedule will be the factors that most affect my participation in this class. My phones most always has good WiFi, but since it is very hard to write long paragraphs and such on the tiny keyboard I'm left to rely on both my mom and dad's computers, whose WiFi sometimes cuts in and out. Also, I work 16-20 hours a week and do not quite have the same schedule every week, so it is hard to guess which days I will have a lot of homework, and therefore need to try and not get work on.
2) At this moment, I can't exactly think of a moment where I had my "best learning experience." I do know that lot of the times I felt I was learning my best weren't necessarily in a classroom.
3) I'm most concerned about the amount of work we will be receiving in this class, but most excited about this new approach to learning that I only briefly encountered in Mrs. Byrne's class. In learning, I usually look forward to experiencing knowledge that is completely new and ground-breaking to me, and that might even make me switch up my perspective on some things. I think this class may make a practical difference, especially if we are going to get help on things like Senior Resumes, college applications, and scholarships.
2) At this moment, I can't exactly think of a moment where I had my "best learning experience." I do know that lot of the times I felt I was learning my best weren't necessarily in a classroom.
3) I'm most concerned about the amount of work we will be receiving in this class, but most excited about this new approach to learning that I only briefly encountered in Mrs. Byrne's class. In learning, I usually look forward to experiencing knowledge that is completely new and ground-breaking to me, and that might even make me switch up my perspective on some things. I think this class may make a practical difference, especially if we are going to get help on things like Senior Resumes, college applications, and scholarships.
VOCABULARY #1
Definitions:
1) adumbrate: to foreshadow vaguely
2) apotheosis: elevation to divine status
3) ascetic: stern in overall appearance, attitude, and manner
4) bauble: trinket
5) beguile: to deceive by deception
6) burgeon: to grow and expand rapidly
7) complement: something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect
8) contumacious: stubbornly disobedient
9) curmudgeon: an ill-tempered old man
10) didactic: designed or intended to teach
11) disingenuous: giving a false appearance of simple frankness
12) exculpate: to free from charge of guilt of fault
13) faux pas: a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct
14) fulminate: to explode with a loud noise
15) fustian: inflated or pompous in writing or speaking
16) hauteur: arrogance
17) inhibit: to prohibit from doing something
18) jeremiad: a prolonged lamentation or complaint
1) adumbrate: to foreshadow vaguely
2) apotheosis: elevation to divine status
3) ascetic: stern in overall appearance, attitude, and manner
4) bauble: trinket
5) beguile: to deceive by deception
6) burgeon: to grow and expand rapidly
7) complement: something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect
8) contumacious: stubbornly disobedient
9) curmudgeon: an ill-tempered old man
10) didactic: designed or intended to teach
11) disingenuous: giving a false appearance of simple frankness
12) exculpate: to free from charge of guilt of fault
13) faux pas: a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct
14) fulminate: to explode with a loud noise
15) fustian: inflated or pompous in writing or speaking
16) hauteur: arrogance
17) inhibit: to prohibit from doing something
18) jeremiad: a prolonged lamentation or complaint
19) opportunist: one that takes advantages of opportunities as they come
20) unconscionable: not guided or controlled by conscience
20) unconscionable: not guided or controlled by conscience
Sentences:
1) The author adumbrated on the idea of a tragic death near the end of the play.
2) Her apotheosis, proved to be the downfall of her life, instead of the highlight,
3) The ascetic look to my new professor made me even more anxious of my first day of college.
4) While visiting the local thrift store, we picked up some cheap baubles as well as some shirts.
5) The cheating wife beguiled her husband into thinking she was still in love with him.
6) Her success in the stock markets had burgeoned since she took classes on predicting trends in stocks.
7) The sunflower in the vase placed on the kitchen table was a complement to the yellow accents of the room.
8) The teacher usually had less then fair treatment for the more contumacious students that she encountered.
9) The curmudgeons of the neighborhood were usually the first to complain of loud fireworks on the 4th of July.
10) Near the end of the year, the teacher's lessons were less didactic and full more of movies and games.
11) The girl's compliment towards her friend's new shoes seemed disingenuous after her rant on how people constant flaunt their money.
12) The priest exculpated the inmate of his sins after he decided to move in a better direction in life.
13) Coming in last season's styles was a serious faux pas at the high-fashion event.
9) The curmudgeons of the neighborhood were usually the first to complain of loud fireworks on the 4th of July.
10) Near the end of the year, the teacher's lessons were less didactic and full more of movies and games.
11) The girl's compliment towards her friend's new shoes seemed disingenuous after her rant on how people constant flaunt their money.
12) The priest exculpated the inmate of his sins after he decided to move in a better direction in life.
13) Coming in last season's styles was a serious faux pas at the high-fashion event.
14) The microwave fulminated into a broke, smoking mess after heating up a plastic dish for 5 minutes.
15) The fustian speech of the professor secretly intimidated her students.
16) She possessed the hauteur of the type of person who thinks they are the absolute best,
17) His cast on his broken arm inhibited John from riding the roller coasters on the trip he had been planing for month.
18) The man led a jeremiad against he US Government at the protest.
19) The drama student was a true opportunist who jumped on every connection her teacher introduced to her from the professional world.
20) The gang leader had the unconscionable job of dividing his friends from his enemies, who were made his targets.
15) The fustian speech of the professor secretly intimidated her students.
16) She possessed the hauteur of the type of person who thinks they are the absolute best,
17) His cast on his broken arm inhibited John from riding the roller coasters on the trip he had been planing for month.
18) The man led a jeremiad against he US Government at the protest.
19) The drama student was a true opportunist who jumped on every connection her teacher introduced to her from the professional world.
20) The gang leader had the unconscionable job of dividing his friends from his enemies, who were made his targets.
AUSTEN/ MONTAIGNE ESSAY
As David Foster Wallace puts it, “ What goes on inside is
just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely
sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given
instant.” Montaigne’s collection of essays, with both ranging topics and passage
lengths, fully supports Foster’s notion of unconnected and uninterrupted
thoughts, though Austen’s style in Pride and Prejudice contradicts it
completely. Montaigne’s style almost provides a clear window into his mind,
while Austen’s style is completely clear-cut, even in the more emotional parts
of the novel. Though through their different styles, Montaigne and Austen show
two different ways to write a memorable piece of literature.
One thing
that you will walk away from Montaigne’s essays with is an impression of his
distinct style of writing; a style that includes frequent off-topic rambling on
various anecdotes before returning to the topic which is at hand. Montaigne
seems to be aware of his inability to concentrate on one topic, even
occasionally making a quick apology before returning to his original topic.
Another element of Montaigne’s writing is his wide-spread topics, ranging from
thumbs to liars, to even war horses and coaches. Every aspect of Montaigne is
parallel to the views of Wallace; the mind is not something that can be
contained and organized, instead it is an unstoppable force that rarely has an
idle moment.
Contradictory
to this idea, is the style of writing that Austen embodies, an almost detached
sense of approach where her words are calculated and structured in according to
their use. Almost never in an Austen novel will you see a character without the
appropriate answer, or even with a small grammatical error. This approach to
writing is almost what seems like a final copy of work, while Montaigne’s
writing would be the first rough draft. What is missing the most from Austen’s
literature is a sense of strong emotion; even in the most climatic scene of the
book Mr. Darcy keeps complete control of his language, declaring “ I love you
most ardently” to Elizabeth.
Though Austen and Montaigne don’t agree in
writing style, they both have successful literature pieces that are remembered
to this day, when our style of writing has been completely reinvented many
times over since their time. Montaigne supports the idea of interconnected
thoughts that do not come to an end, and writing down these ideas as they pass
through him, while Austen has a more organized style. Though polar opposites, both
styles though give an idea that the human mind never ceases to create and
invent as it goes along.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
1987 AP Test
Passage 1:
1) Easiest one of this passage
2) Medium
3) Easy
4) Easy
5) Medium
6) Hard
7) Hardest one of this passage
8) Medium
9) Medium
10) Easy
11) Medium
12) Medium
13) Medium
14) HARD
15) Medium
Passage 2:
16) Medium
17) HARD
18) HARD
19) Hardest
20) Hard
21) Hard
22) Hard
23) Hard
24) Hard
25) Medium
26) Medium
27) HARD
28) HARD
29) HARD
30) HARD
31) HARD
32) HARD, Don't know vocabulary
(Needed to read and re-read whole passage more before attempting questions)
Passage 3:
47) Easy
48) Hard, Seems like many different possible answers
49) Hard
50) Hard
51) Easy (?)
52) Hard, I don't understand the vocabulary
53) Hard
54) Hard
55) Hard
56) Hard
57) Hard
58) HARD
59) HARD
60) HARD
61) Medium
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Paragraph 1 Exile from ones’ home, according to the Palestinian literary theorist Edward Said, is both an “enriching” and “terrible” experience. Though “its essential sadness can never be surmounted,” one that goes through exile may come back a changed person, sometimes for the better. Leah Price, of Barbara Kingsolver’s The Posionwood Bible, is a model example a character that went through this both alienating and enriching journey when she travels with her family to the Congo at the age of 15 to support her father on his missionary trip. Paragraphy 2 The Poisonwood Bible is both a political allegory as well as a personal story of a mother’s guilt. When the Prices arrive in the Congo, everything changed for them. They are now complete outsiders; stared at and whispered about by the natives, as well as now having to live without the material comforts they had in the US. In a country where there is virtually no one that speaks your language, it is easy to feel like an outsider, as Leah soon learns. Back in the US, Leah is already an outcast by social standards (she is in the same class as those years older then her and identifies herself as a tomboy amidst girls who are already wearing make-up and dresses) but in Congo she is excluded for completely different reasons; her race. Among the Congolese, the Price family sticks out like a sore thumb, from their appearance, novelty, and, by Congolese standards, wealth. This is not to say anything bad of standard of Congolese quality of life, but to instead point out how fortunate Americans truly are, even for things we take for granted, like running water and fertile soil. From the Price’s alienation, it says more about America then it does about the setting of the book, the Congo.
Paragraphy 3 Through all these differences though is how Leah is able to change and grow, eventually so much that she chooses to stay in the Congo as other members of her family return to the US. By experiencing how the Congolese live, love, eat, learn, and grow, Leah falls in love with the culture and eventually with Anatole, a Congolese man who she eventually marries. By turning her away from the only thing she had known, Leah gets to experience a life no one in Georgia ever thought of living, all from her exile. Much like the Congo itself, Leah has to manipulate herself and her future to seek a force older then the forests themselves, her first, and only, love.
Paragraph 4 Though exile from one’s past life is not an option most would choose, wisdom, experience, but also pain can be brought down upon the one who goes through it, in this case Leah. After taking a step back from her own country, she was able to see beauty in foreign lands and even decide to never return to her past home.
POETRY #1
1. This Levi's commercial borrows, without credit of course, from Charles Bukowski's The Laughing Heart.
2. The use of this poem by the corporate media can, in many ways, be considered ironic, especially if you know anything about Charles Bukowski. Charles Bukowski was a sort of underground poet and writer in LA in the 1950's-1960's who focused his writings on opposition to the established order and the low-lifes of LA.
3. I feel that this essay may not completely reflect the reputation of Bukowski because he is known as a tough man that focused his writing mostly on alcohol, women, and life in LA. I feel that this poem may be to optimistic and religious to come from a man like Bukowski.
4. To find the answers to questions #1 and #3, I listened to the video and Google searched the two opening lines, which lead me to the rest of the poem and the author. Then I took took the author's name, and Google searched that and clicked on his Wikipedia page and read the articles about his life and work.
2. The use of this poem by the corporate media can, in many ways, be considered ironic, especially if you know anything about Charles Bukowski. Charles Bukowski was a sort of underground poet and writer in LA in the 1950's-1960's who focused his writings on opposition to the established order and the low-lifes of LA.
3. I feel that this essay may not completely reflect the reputation of Bukowski because he is known as a tough man that focused his writing mostly on alcohol, women, and life in LA. I feel that this poem may be to optimistic and religious to come from a man like Bukowski.
4. To find the answers to questions #1 and #3, I listened to the video and Google searched the two opening lines, which lead me to the rest of the poem and the author. Then I took took the author's name, and Google searched that and clicked on his Wikipedia page and read the articles about his life and work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)