Beowulf Study Guide

ALA Notable Book Award.

Through Seamus Heaney's gripping translation of this epic, Beowulf, students will learn:

Author Biography: Learn more about Learn about the Beowulf poet.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: In context, Old English Poetic Forms - (alliteration, kenning, maxims), characterization, Anglo-Saxon boast, foreshadowing, irony, allusion, compare/contrast, tone, synonym, dramatic structure, plot, hero.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Good kings/leaders, authority, fate, boasting, fame, immortality, death, revenge, care for the needy, put God first, wealth.

Activities and Writing Assignments: 8th-10th century A.D., mapping, manuscripts, Old English, music, folk heroes, Burial mounds, mead halls, art, write a boast, drama, crossword, essays, poetry, music, cooking, family heirloom, swords, wordsearch, runes, dragons, journalism, women in Anglo-Saxon history, game design, architecture, chain mail.

Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

• Large 8.5x11 printed workbook format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes
• Every question has plenty of whitespace for student's answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the student's work
• Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!
• Study guides do not contain the text of the story, play, poems, or book.
• Recommended for grades 10-12
• Setting: 6th Century Scandinavia
• Genre: Ancient Literature, British Literature, Historical Literature