Reading Notes: The Story of Beowulf

Creative notes on the Epic:

Try to remember what you've read of Beowulf in the past.

Themes: Individual Identity vs. Family Reputation/Heritage

A lot of bravery, strength and courage is deemed necessary and almost the foremost goal to be a hero as told in the Epic.

Examines the difference between a warrior and a king.

** Creative Note** Think about making this into a modern day military story. Focus on the family "Military Brat" that transitions into upholding the family name/lineage as a military man/woman.
-Make note to demonstrate the high authority and ranking of the M.B. father to emulate in sorts the difference between a warrior and a king (or, a Lt. Colonel and a private).
-Make note to demonstrate that the M.B. finds passion in community efforts, sympathy & emotion while the father is cut-throat, demanding and stiff.

Symbolism to focus on:
The 3 monsters Beowulf fights - what does each monster represent
Grendel: Think resentment to people, not remorseful ; demonstrates Beowulf's superhuman strength
Grendel's Mother: Revenge, perhaps? ; the use of the sword (dying strength)
**Creative Note** Think in the defense of M.B.s fellow private, the ongoing struggle to protect his fellow starts with hand-to-hand combat and then grows in intensity/or/start with weapons and move to h-t-h to keep in modern.
Dragon: Fully loaded protection and weaponry (demonstrates Beowulfs aggression, age, and his greediness for the Dragon's treasure...DING DING * Drop in values) Killed the Dragon Obvi, but died of wounds.
**Creative Note** The M.B. can die in battle after amending through the ranks/or/die a good man that amended through the ranks and retains the noble and perfect association as the Epic's hero.

The Golden Torque - a bond from one family to another
** Creative Note** Think about the M.B. in battle with a fellow private and attempting to save his fellow man. Receives a token of their appreciation for his efforts in war. (Finding comfort in another families home and lifestyle?????)

Keep in mind that Beowulf represents this idea of the perfect hero in the Epic.
-Pay attention to the growth of Beowulf into a more perfect hero (think values)
-Hrothgar is the person who helps develop Beowulfs maturity and creates this stability with the Epic's hero. (Think M.B.'s Mother?? perhaps another relative or friend?)

Bibliography - The Story of Beowulf
Author: Strafford Riggs
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/search/label/Unit%3A%20Beowulf