Read Beowulf
and choose one or more of the following:
-Do a character study on Beowolf - make a T-chart with "inward" on one side and "outward" on the other - write down his inward traits (his values) and his outward traits (how others perceived him). Remember to include page numbers in your examples. Pick a character trait that you would like more of or one that you would like less of and work on it for a day or more. Record what you learned.
-Do you think Beowulf was a good leader? Write or present your answer and reasons. Think of a leadership trait that you would like to develop.
-The writer of Beowulf tried to combine the values of their culture (bravery, revenge, glory, and the need to be remembered in this life) with the new values of Christianity (giving glory to God, forgiveness, and building up treasures in the next life). Do you think he was able to do it well? Do you notice people around you ever trying to mesh their religion with their culture when they differ? Do you do anything in your life that is acceptable culturally, but maybe isn't what Christ would have you do? Record your thoughts.
-Several of our holidays came from trying to give pagan celebrations a Christian focus. Research a holiday to find it's roots. If it had pagan roots, let us know if you think the Christian focus has been successful. Think of one way you can make one of the upcoming holidays more focused on Christ for your family.
The writer of Beowulf uses a literary device called a Kenning in which he substitutes two word phrases for a single word in order to fit the meter (such as earth-candle for sun or whale-road for ocean). Write down all that you find and then write a poem or quote of your own using Kennings.
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