Dr. Zimmermann

Anglo Saxon Fatalism and Courage

Beowulf

• “undefeated will”
• “He is a man, and that for him and many is sufficient tragedy” (Tolkein).
• Time: fortune, Kleos: fame

Terms

• Foreshadowing: the presentation of material in such a way that future/later events are expected, prepared for.
• Elegy: a sustained and formal poem setting forth serious meditations on death or another solemn theme.

Assignment

• Draw “The Ruins.” Label at least 15 details from the poem, including specific quotes for your details. (Include the line numbers for the details.)

“The Ruins”

Find	Quote (line)	Comment: poet’s reflection
A quote referring to a superior, better past
A quote referring to present suffering
A quote responding to current suffering
A quote offering hope for the future
Describe the persona. What does he know? Where is he? Who is he? What does he not know?
Describe the audience. What do they assume? What do they question?

The Seafarer

Find	Quote (line)	Comment: poet’s reflection
A quote referring to a superior, better past
A quote referring to present suffering
A quote responding to current suffering
A quote offering hope for the future
Describe the persona. What does he know? Where is he? Who is he? What does he not know?
Describe the audience. What do they assume? What do they question?

The Wanderer

Find	Quote (line)	Comment: poet’s reflection
A quote referring to a superior, better past
A quote referring to present suffering
A quote responding to current suffering
A quote offering hope for the future
Describe the persona. What does he know? Where is he? Who is he? What does he not know?
Describe the audience. What do they assume? What do they question?

• Using quotes from the three poems, comment on the Anglo-Saxon view of the world. How is fate related to this world view? Are they pessimistic, optimistic, or realistic?