Beowulf
Learning Stations
Directions: Learning Stations are designed to provide purposeful activities linked to varied approaches to literature and interpretation. We will learn and interact in small group settings and move throughout the room. After Day 2, you will assemble a small portfolio of products from the station.
Day 1
Station 1: Summative Chapter Titles (Part I)
Review and re-read the Prologue through Chapter 27 of Beowulf. Analyze the text for main ideas, plot events, key characters and settings. Develop a summative chapter title, like a newspaper headline, for 12 of the chapters in Part I of Beowulf. PRODUCT: Create a visually appealing and organized list of 12 chapter titles.
Station 2: Hero Comparison (Beowulf vs. ______)
Think of a modern hero; fictitious or real, living or dead. Compare that hero to Beowulf examining their characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, morality, beliefs and their legacy. Analyze similarities and differences between the two heroes. PRODUCT: Create a visually appealing and organized Venn Diagram –or- Three Column Chart that lists 5-7 comparisons and contrasting elements. Write a brief paragraph concluding your findings.
Station 3: In Defense of Grendel
There is no questioning Grendel’s guilt in the epic poem Beowulf. However, if you were the defense attorney and your client was Grendel, how would you defend the monster? Be creative, think of examples of criminal defenses from film, literature, or the news, and most importantly analyze Grendel’s character in the text. PRODUCT: Develop a ½ to full page opening remarks for Grendel’s hypothetical trial as his defense attorney. Clearly state justification for your defense and provide proof of this from the text.
Beowulf
Learning Stations
Directions: Learning Stations are designed to provide purposeful activities linked to varied approaches to literature and interpretation. We will learn and interact in small group settings and move throughout the room. After Day 2, you will assemble a small portfolio of products from the station.
Day 2
Station 1: Summative Chapter Titles (Part II)
Review and re-read the Chapter 28 through Chapter 43 of Beowulf. Analyze the text for main ideas, plot events, key characters and settings. Develop a summative chapter title, like a newspaper headline, for 10 of the chapters in Part II of Beowulf. PRODUCT: Create a visually appealing and organized list of 10 chapter titles.
Station 2: Build-a-Hero
Think of the qualities of a hero. 1) Sketch a picture of a fictional hero. 2) List four heroic characteristics your hero possesses (physical, mental, ethical). 3) Name one weakness or flaw the hero possesses. 4) Name your hero. PRODUCT: A labeled sketch of your fictional hero and their heroic qualities.
Station 3: Beowulf Eulogized
What would you, or others, say about Beowulf upon learning of his death. Reflect on Beowulf’s legacy. Eulogize Beowulf by praising his heroic deeds and other characteristics. Tell an anecdote, obvious or subtle, that reflects his greatness. PRODUCT: Develop a ½ to full page Eulogy to be delivered at Beowulf’s burial.
Eulogies
Writing and delivering a eulogy is a noble gesture that is worthy of thought and effort. It is an opportunity to make a contribution to a memorial service, a contribution that your friends and family will remember for a long time.
Writing a eulogy, a tribute, a letter, or keeping a journal represents another equally valuable opportunity for you. The ability to use the writing process as a therapeutic tool to help you deal with your grief. The power of writing is undeniable and there is no better time than now for you to discover and take advantage of this.
What a eulogy should accomplish
There are two common misconceptions about the purposes of a eulogy. Some people think: 1) it should be an objective summation of the deceased's life; or 2) it should speak for everyone who is present at the memorial service. Both of these assumptions are unrealistic.
A eulogy is much more simple. It should convey the feelings and experiences of the person giving the eulogy. The most touching and meaningful eulogies are written from a subjective point of view and from the heart. So don't feel compelled to write your loved one's life story. Instead, tell your story.
Clearly, the burden of the eulogy does not have to be yours completely. If you have the time, ask friends or relatives for their recollections and stories. In a eulogy, it is perfectly acceptable to say, for example, "I was talking to Uncle Lenny about Ron; he reminded me of the time Ron came to our Thanksgiving dinner with half of his face clean-shaven and the other half bearded. It was Ron's funny way of showing that he had mixed feelings about shaving off his beard."
Honesty is very important. In most cases, there will be a lot of positive qualities to talk about. Once in a while, however, there is someone with more negative traits than positive qualities. If that is the case, remember, you don't have to say everything. Just be honest about the positive qualities and everyone will appreciate the eulogy.
Remember, you do not have to write a perfect eulogy. Whatever you write and deliver will be appreciated by the people at the funeral. If you are inclined to be a perfectionist, lower your expectations and just do what you can given the short time frame for preparation and your emotional state. http://www.jarfh.com/eulogies.htm