Beowulf begins his quest
I can outline the key events and characters in the first two chapters of ‘Beowulf’ and I can explain the impression given by particular language choices made by the author.
Beowulf begins his quest
I can outline the key events and characters in the first two chapters of ‘Beowulf’ and I can explain the impression given by particular language choices made by the author.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Beowulf' is an epic poem set in Denmark and Sweden during the 500s CE and written in England in around 1000 CE.
- The story follows the heroic deeds of the warrior Beowulf. It was written in Old English by an unknown author.
- In translation, the text still includes archaic language due to its historical context.
- Beowulf, a Geat, volunteers to travel to Denmark to defeat Grendel, a monster who has been terrorising the Danes.
- The author makes specific language choices in order to give us particular impressions of characters and events.
Keywords
Epic poem - a long, narrative poem telling the story of an extraordinary individual
Hero - a protagonist (main character) with noble qualities, often saving or helping others
Archaic language - old-fashioned language that is no longer widely used today
Historical context - the time period in which a text is set
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to understand archaic language.
Use your teacher assessments to inform how you have pupils read; you may wish to have the majority of the class reading in mixed-ability pairs while you read to a small group, having them say the next word when you pause to ensure engagement.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2013 Oxford Children’s Classics edition of ‘Beowulf’ written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Charles Keeping for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
a hero from Geatland
the king of Geatland
the king of Denmark
the monster terrorising Denmark