A Christmas Carol: by Charles Dickens

I collaborated with Erika Snell.

1. In this book Ebenezer Scrooge is living a horrible life. He's not honest with those around and doesn't quite live a happy life. So one night he is visited by three ghosts: ghost of Christmas past, present, and yet to come. On each visit they show a glimpse of what Scrooge's life was, is, and will be like. Scrooge is confounded and scared and doesn't really know what to make of it. He however looks within himself and finds the true spirit of Christmas.
2. I believe the theme of this book is to learn from your past in order to change your present and gain a better future. Scrooge had somewhat of a happy childhood, but as he grew up he became dark and aloof. He was not an honest man, and didn't associate with them either considering who his partner was. However once the ghost of Christmas yet to come showed Scrooge that he will eventually die with nobody by his side he realized what an idiot he was being by being so distant and dishonest. He changed his ways to have the hope that a brighter future would be his.
3. The tone the author used came across as comical to me. I thought it was hilarious that in the beginning of the story he was so set making sure that we knew Scrooge's partner, Marley, was dead. He even made allusions to Hamlet to make us believe, as if we wouldn't have! “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” The author made Scrooge a cold person, but he wrote in a way so that we didn't think of the whole story as dark and 'unreadable'.
4.

• allusion: referenced Hamlet in the beginning so the audience would believe Marley was dead
• analysis: obviously showed when breaking up the different Christmas' to see how Scrooge was
• analogy: when Dickens wrote that Marley was as dead as a door nail
• argumentation: Dickens was able to make the audience believe Marley was dead with truth
• denouement: wrote that Scrooge made up with his family and treated Tiny Tim as his own
• evocation: used with the ghost of Christmas past brought Scrooge to his past
• imagery: author used great details to explain each situation
• motif: a ghost, different each time but fighting for the same cause
• poignant: audience feels when it's learned that Scrooge dies alone
• suspension of disbelief: were the ghost always perceived as real?

CHARACTERIZATION
1. Direct: "External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him." & "Scrooge, referring to Marley's ghost which he believes is a hallucination from food poisoning." These quotes show that Scrooge isn't really affected by anything. He stays who he is and isn't really open to anything else.
Indirect: "Scrooge returned. 'It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly.'" & " "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy." These quotes show the growth that Scrooge goes through. He begins without a care in the world besides his own of course and then how he changes for those around him and show the spirit of the holiday.
2. The author is basically always focused on who Scrooge is and what he does with his life so the syntax and diction doesn't change all that much. He used language not many of us use today, but it was easily understandable. The author's use of adjectives was very high as well because he often explained everything in great detail to really get the feel of the story.
3. Ebenezer Scrooge is definitely a round, dynamic character. There really wouldn't be much of a story without him being this way. If he had stayed the cold, cynical person he was after the journey with the ghosts, then we would know where he would end up, dead and alone. This is not how a Christmas story should be told so the author had him grow up and become a man that truly lives his life so we can picture a better future for him.
4. After reading this book I feel like I read a character. This is how I feel when I read most stories, unless I get so caught up that I find myself wanting to meet them. Scrooge turned out to be a great guy, but he is not necessarily someone I need in my life so I find myself at a distance when thinking about his character.

Literary Analysis: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

I collaborated with Alex Lane.

1. Robin Hood is a man that helps out whoever he finds that needs help the most. It takes place in the medieval era. Story starts with Robin Hood being declared an outlaw for hunting the King's deer. He meets Little John, wrestles him, wins, Little John joins Robin. Robin wins the shooting match, wins the Golden Arrow, then rubs it in the Sheriff's face. Robin's band grows as he meets more merry men. They all go to church and meet Friar Tuck. King Richard comes to Sherwoood. Robin Hood goes to his Cousin, a prioress, with a fever. She cut his arm then ran and locked the door behind her leaving Robin to bleed to death. Eventually Little John comes and rams the door down but Robin is too weak and with his last ounce of strength he shoots an arrow out the window and tells Little John to bury him where it lands.

2. The essential theme of the adventures of Robin Hood is good versus evil. Robin and his men are always pictured as good-hearted, even to those from whom they rob. As he gathers men to be part of his merry band, they vow not to harm women or children, and, "when the people began to find that no harm was meant to them, but that money or food came in time of want to many a poor family, they came to praise Robin and his merry men, and to tell many tales of him and of his doings in Sherwood Forest, for they felt him to be one of themselves."

3.His narrative delivery has a gentle tone that contrasts well with the rough characters, reminding the reader that Robin Hood's story is a legend. There's lots of fighting, but the emphasis on Robin's cleverness and his code make it a classic.

4. Rhetorical Question-"Now how about we get some ale into the hands of these Merry Men?"
Oxymoron- Little John.
Hyperbole-"Those that stood around saw the bravest display of fighting with a staff ever seen in Nottingham."
Simile-"He Fell like an angel from the sky."
Alliteration- "All Hail our Hooded Hero"
Flashback- "I am sorry i killed that forester as a youth, but I am not sorry i killed you Guy of Gisbourne."
Irony-"I believe you draw a better bow than that coward Robin Hood, who dared not come today." The Sheriff talking to Robin Hood in disguise.
Symbolism- Robin Hood winning the Golden Arrow was symbolic in that it showed no matter how many obstacles the sheriff would throw at him Robin would always come out on top.
Symbolism- Shooting the arrow out the window = Robin wanting to be one with the force that guides his arrows true.
CHARACTERIZATION 
1. Direct: Robin Hood- "No one who went to jolly Robin for help ever left empty handed." Jumps out and tells you Robin is generous and jolly.
Little John-"The large man stood a head taller than Robin and boasted Robin couldn't best him." Tells the reader Little John is large in stature and likes a challenge.

Indirect:The Tinker- "..came at Robin with more furry then Robin had ever seen.." Tells of how furious the Tinker was when Robin stole from him, yet the Tinker sings lovely ballads and is a very kind individual.
The Prioress- She is cousins with Robin Hood and was said to be  nice throughout the book, but at the end she cuts Robin and he bleeds to death. very dynamic and indirect.

2. The diction and syntax change with the different personalities that are presented in this novel. Robin who is smaller and better with the bow displays his skills when necessary. Little John is boastful and his diction and syntax have a hint of cockiness to them. A lot of his emotions are actually expressed through challenges, and his arrogance is shown as he worries how others view him (which we see degrades as the novel progresses).

3. Robin Hood is very static. He is known as the good guy throughout the whole story. Always very clever in the way he thinks and plans things out. Never changes as the story progresses. However he does have tons of great traits which are displayed throughout the book. He is round in the fact that he steals and resists authority.

4. No, Robin Hood in my mind will always be a legend. Almost a fairy tale. Although with the movie that came out not too long ago I did get a more realistic view on what Robin Hood could have resembled if he were real.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

I collaborated with Ryan Nguyen on this because i ran out of time to read another book.

1. The play begins with Willy Loman returning to his house in Brooklyn after a failed sales trip. Linda, his wife, asks him to talk to his boss, Howard Wanger, about working in New York so he wouldn’t have to travel. Willy and Linda argue over their son Biff who, according to Willy, has yet to make something of himself. Willy departs to the kitchen as Biff and his younger brother, Happy, reminisce about their younger years. As Biff and Happy, dissatisfied with their lives, dream about buying a ranch out West, Willy begins to daydream. In Willy’s daydream he praises his sons, children in the dream, for washing his car. Still in the dream Willy confides in Biff and Happy that he is going to open his own business one day, even bigger than his neighbor’s, Charley. Charley’s son, Bernard enters looking for Biff, and Willy comments that although Bernard is smart, he is not “well liked”. A younger Linda enters and Willy boast about his hugely successful business trip. Linda, however, is able to coax out of him that the trip was only meagerly successful and soon he won’t be able to make payments on their appliances and car. From nowhere Willy hears the laughter of his mistress, which leads him off on another daydream, this time off her.

Willy soon fades from the daydream of his mistress back to his prior dream. Willy begins to fade from daydream to daydream and eventually shouts at his daydreams. Happy attempts to calm Willy down but Willy continues to shout. Willy begins to shout his regret about not going with his brother, Ben, to Alaska. Charley enters and they begin to play cards. Charley offers Willy a job but Willy refuses feeling the offer was more of an insult. Willy then imagines Ben entering and telling him he must catch the train soon to go to Alaska. Confused, Charley questions Willy who intern yells back at him. Charley leaves and Willy begins to slip off into daydreams once again.

Linda finds Willy outside and Biff and Happy begin to discuss Willy’s condition with their mother. Biff and Happy offer to take Willy to a nice restaurant that night.

The scene changes to Willy and Howard in Howard’s office. Willy tries to talk to Howard about working in New York and Howard, who appears rather uninterested, rejects the idea. Willy launches into a lengthy rant about Dave Singleman, a legendary salesman. Howard leaves with the remark that Willy should take sometime off and as Howard leaves the younger Linda, Ben, and Biff enter each talking of past events. Ben leaves and Bernard rushes in, eagerly awaiting Biff’s big football game. Charley enters to tease Willy about the game and Willy chases him off. The lights dim on this portion of the play.

Charley’s secretary asks Bernard to quiet down the still yelling Willy. Charley enters and sees Bernard off. Willy asks money that Charley usually loans him and Charley, again, offers Willy a job. Willy again takes this as an insult and again refuses.

Biff and Happy are chatting up girls at Frank’s Chop House and Biff tells Happy that he waited six hours for Bill Oliver and Oliver didn’t even recognize him. Biff wants to clear up the illusion that he was a salesman for Oliver but at that moment Willy enters and blurts out that he had been fired. Happy cuts in with remarks suggesting Biff’s success, and Willy eagerly waits good news. Biff yells at Willy for not being able to listen and again Willy drifts off into a dream. Only once Biff claims that he might be receiving money from Oliver and his partner does Willy return to reality. Biff becomes more irritated and shouts at Willy and in return Willy hits Biff. Biff and Happy argue about their father till both of them leave.

A flash back arises with Willy and his mistress flirting. A knock at the door causes the mistress to hide in the bathroom. Biff enters telling Willy that he failed math. Willy tries to usher him out but when Biff imitates his math teacher’s lisp the mistress laughs and Biff uncovers the affair.

Back again in the Loman kitchen Happy enters looking for Willy. He finds Biff and Linda and Linda begins to scold the boys, slapping away Happy’s flowers. She yells at them for abandoning Willy and Biff leave to find Willy. Biff finds Willy planting seeds by flashlight and supposedly talking to Ben about a $20,000 proposition. Biff brings Willy inside and Willy once again becomes angry over Biff’s failings. Happy attempts to calm Biff but Biff and Willy erupt into a full blown argument. Everyone in the house hold eventually goes to bed except Willy who renews his conversation with Ben. Linda calls out to Ben and all anyone can hear is Willy’s car speeding away.

Linda and Happy stand in shock after Willy’s poorly attended funeral. Biff states that Willy had the wrong dreams and Charley defends Willy as a victim of his profession. Biff invites Happy to go out West with him but Happy decides to stay in New York. Linda asks Willy for forgiveness for being unable to cry. She beings to sob, repeating “we’re free….”

  

2. The theme of the novel is the failure of the American Dream. Willy believed whole-heartedly in it and it inevitably causes him nothing but dispair.

3. The tone of the play can be considered gloomy and rather depressing. Willy’s hallucinations and the tendency of the play to take place either at night or in the rain contribute to this tone.

4. · Symbolism – “What the hell is that seed?” (pg 127) Seeds are Willy’s attempts to prove his worth. His last ditch attempts to grow vegetables at night symbolizes his shame of not being able to provide for his family.

· Foreshadow – “From the darkness is heard the laughter of a woman.” (pg 37) The laughter of the woman is foreshadowing the laughter of Willy’s mistress with betrays him to Biff.

· Allusion – “Smell the stink from that apartment house!” (pg 17) The apartments are an allusion to the early days of urban development in New York and sets the time period of the play

· Characterization – “He is past sixty years of age, dressed quietly.” (pg 12) Throughout the play stage direction and descriptions are offered to the actors but not the audience. A view of how the writer views his own characters.

· Conflict – “Don’t you care whether he lives or dies?” (pg 123) Willy’s conflict is with himself and his hallucinations but this causes secondary conflicts that the rest of the Loman family must deal with.

· Epilogue – “Linda doesn’t react. She stares at the grave.” (pg 136) At the end of the play a requiem is written in. It acts very much like an epilogue providing information about after the end of the play.

· Euphemism – “Ah, it’s a dog’s life.” (pg 99) This is used to express the same level of distaste as more fowl language.

· Foreshadow – “The Woman enters, laughing.” (pg 116) Nearly every hallucination in the play is a flashback to a period in Willy’s life where he was much happier than he is currently.

· Point of View – “The curtain rises.” (pg 1) The fact that this is a play complete with stage direction and instructions to the actors makes it that you, as a reader, is something other than the audience. The actors act, the audience watches, and we read as more of the director of the play who knows exactly what is happening.

· Tragedy – “I can’t cry.” (pg 139) I’m not sure if this play is considered a tragedy but it certainly seems like it is.

CHARACTERIZATION

1. Direct

“…she more than loves him, she admires him…” (pg 12)

“He is past sixty years of age, dressed quietly.” (pg 12)

Indirect

“I’m tired to death.” (pg 13)

“I’m the New England man.” (pg 14)

Direct and indirect characterizations have different purposes in this work because it is specifically a play. The direct characterization is meant for the actors so that they could imitate the character and the indirect is meant for the audience during an actually production of the play.

2. When the author focuses on a character description in this case it is generally through stage direction not in actually dialogue of the play. So the diction and syntax become much simpler and more directed towards specific people, the actors.

3. I feel like the protagonist is a static flat character. It doesn’t seem like their character values really change over the course of the play nor does it seem like Willy, the main character, have the full gambit of characteristic that a person should have.

4. I feel like I have read a character but that is not it is poor characterization. It is because it is a play, meant to be acted in front of an audience by actors, not so much read like a novel. The actors bring the character to the characters, not the piece of literature itself.

“The curtain rises.” (pg 1)

Literary Analysis A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

General:

1) In the beginning of the novel you are introduced into the hatching facility in London where they are creating five different levels of intelligence in humans. They used a factory like method of preparing the different humans. They also have programs for the kids once they start growing to implement a brainwashing method so they do not want to read but they will only want to do what they are trained to do. We switch over to Lenina who is talking to one of her friends about being almost exclusive with Henry. Bernard finds out about this and he is a bit mad so he tries to get Lenina to go with him somewhere and she accepts. They go to a reservation but the director is upset with how Bernard has been acting and is going to exile him when he returns. At the reservation Lenina and Bernard see the world where it has people that actually show signs of aging and illness. They meet a person named John who was born by a person named Linda who was ostracized because she would sleep with anyone. John learned to read by reading Shakespeare and another book about science. Lenina and Bernard want to take John back to the World State but he will only come if he can bring Linda. They head back to the World State and the director almost exiles Bernard but then he is ashamed that he had a kid with Linda. John becomes very popular in the World State and Lenina becomes really confused about her feelings toward John because he does not want to have sex with her. Bernard becomes really popular with the ladies by having John at his house but when John does not show up for one of the parties his social level plumits. Lenina tries to seduce John but it does not work and responds by being mean and saying bad things to her. John gets a call that his mother Linda is on her death bed, so he heads down to her. John gets mad at some kids who say Linda was not beautiful and starts a riot by throwing soma out of a window. John, Bernard, and Helmholtz are arrested and so Bernard and Helmholtz both take their exile while John hides away in a light house. People of the World State find out about John and all rush the light house saying he should be whipped. Lenina comes up to him and tries to hug him and in an outbreak of emotions there is an orgy that takes place. John becomes disgusted that he has fallen into the society of the World State that he hangs himself.

2)With all of the power that the World State has on its citizens there is a price that must be paid. With this so called "perfect" society there is no freedom in what you can do. So with that being said there can never be a perfect society or Utopia that can come if citizens want a free will and the ability to make their own choices in what they can and cannot do.

3)The author focused on a satirical rendition of how a "perfect" society could be. With a free country people are able to share themselves however that may be. “I like being myself. Myself and nasty.” The way the government in this story is able to brainwash everyone they have makes it seem like a perfect society but there is no way anyone can change. “Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly -- they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.” 

4) - Symbolism - “All that happens means something; nothing you do is ever insignificant.”
      - Allusion - “Chronic remorse, as all the moralists are agreed, is a most undesirable sentiment. If you have    behaved badly, repent, make what amends you can and address yourself to the task of behaving better next time. On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.”
      - Foundation - “No social stability without individual stability.” 
      - Foreshadow - “...reality, however utopian, is something from which people feel the need of taking pretty frequent holidays....” 
      - Satire - I ate civilization. It poisoned me; I was defiled. And then," he added in a lower tone, "I ate my own wickedness.” 

Late On Literature Analysis

I am going to have all 5 of my literature analysis's up by tomorrow night

Tools That Change the Way We Think

How does extensive Internet/media/technology use change the way you think?

Using the internet is a major part in how I live. When I think of having fun it will most likely involve the internet in some way. If the internet was to somehow just stop it would make things very interesting. This leads me to think of all the things that would change if there was no internet. Most of the things I do in my free time involve internet and so I would have to pick up something new to do. The internet has also changed the way everyone looks things up. If we want to know something everyone is just ingrained to do a Google search. With all this being said the internet has changed the way everyone lives their lives. In some ways it makes things easier but in others it can make them more challenging.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook?

With Facebook there are many different ways that it helps you, but there are also ways that it can be harmful to you. With Facebook it is really easy for everyone to stay connected and share information even if they are halfway around the world. A problem with this is that most everyone can see this information that is being put up on Facebook. Also Facebook sells your information to companies in order for them to advertise things that you are most likely going to click on because they know things about you and are putting up incentive ads that relate to you. Reading the article really helped emphasize the ability that Facebook has at controlling what you can see when you use their website and the limited amount of privacy that makes you feel a bit more in "control" of what you think your privacy is.

Hamlet Remix

I decided that for my remix I would create a meme of Hamlet using the well know "Philosoraptor". I think this fits for how high school students think of Hamlet. We all try to understand what some of it means but in the end it is just like us trying to understand what happened to the dinosaurs.

Vocab Midterm Autopsy

After I took the midterm I knew i did not do well, this is because I did not study like I should have. This was a mistake that I hope to change as soon as possible. I think if i make note cards and go over them at least every other day will help me with the next final.

Vocabulary List #6

Beatitude- Supreme blessedness

bete noire (anathema)- someone or something which is particularly disliked or avoided; an object of aversion, the bane of one’s existence.

Bode- Be an omen of a particular outcome; announce beforehand

Dank- unpleasantly damp, musty, and typically cold

Ecumenical- general; universal; Promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches

Fervid- Intensely enthusiastic or passionate; heated or vehement in spirit or enthusiasm. 

Fetid- Smelling extremely unpleasant or having an offensive odor

Gargantuan- gigantic; enormous; colossal:

Heyday- The period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, vigor, strength, or success; an exclamation of cheerfulness, surprise, wonder

Incubus- A male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; a cause of distress or anxiety like a nightmare

Infrastructure- the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organization

Inveigle- to acquire, win, or obtain by beguiling talk or methods

Kudos- Praise and honor received for an achievement  

Lagniappe- Something given as a bonus or extra gift.

Prolix- Using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy

Protégé- a person under the patronage, protection, or care of someone interested in his or her career or welfare

Prototype- the original or model on which something is based or formed

sycophant-A person who acts obsequiously toward someone in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer

tautology- A phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words

truckle- to submit or yield obsequiously or tamely; A small barrel-shaped cheese

Vocabulary List #5

acumen (noun)- keen insight.
adjudicate (verb)- to settle or determine.
anachronism (noun)- something or someone that is not in its correct historical time.
apocryphal (adj)- of doubtful authorship or authenticity. 
disparity (noun)- inequalityThere will always be disparity of wealth within this society.
dissimulate (verb)- to disguise or conceal under a false appearance.
empirical (adj)- derived from or guided by experience or experiment
flamboyant (adj)- strikingly bold or brilliant; showy
fulsome (adj)- offensive to good taste, especially as being excessive;overdone or gross
immolate (verb)- to sacrifice
imperceptible (adj)- very slight, gradual, or subtle.
lackey (noun)- a servile follower
liaison (noun)- a person who initiates and maintains such a contact or connection. 
monolithic (adj)- consisting of one piece; solid or unbroken
mot juste (noun)- the exact, appropriate word 
nihilism (noun)- total rejection of established laws and institutions.
patrician (noun)- a person of noble or high rank; aristocrat. 
propitiate (verb)- to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
sic (verb)-to incite to attack 
sublimate(adj)-to make nobler or purer

Vocabulary #4

apostate: a person who forsakes his religion, cause, party, etc.
effusive: unduly demonstrative; lacking reserve.
impasse: a position or situation from which there is no escape.
euphoria: a state of intense happiness and self-confidence.
lugubrious: mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially in an affected, exaggerated, or unrelieved manner.
bravado: a pretentious, swaggering display of courage.
consensus: majority of opinion
dichotomy: division into two parts
constrict: to slow or stop the natural course or to contract or shrink
gothic: noting or pertaining to a style of architecture, originating in France in the middle of the 12th century and existing in the western half of Europe through the middle of the 16th century, characterized by the use of the pointed arch and the ribbed vault, by the use of fine woodwork and stonework, by a progressive lightening of structure, and by the use of such features as flying buttresses, ornamental gables, crockets, and foils.
punctilio: a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
metamorphosis: a complete change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation
raconteur to tell
sine qua non: an indispensable condition, element, or factor; something essential
quixotic: extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable
vendetta: any prolonged and bitter feud, rivalry, contention
non sequitur: an inference or a conclusion that does not follow from the premises.
mystique: a framework of doctrines, ideas, beliefs, or the like, constructed around a person or object, endowing the person or object with enhanced value or profound meaning
quagmire: anything soft or flabby
parlous: perilous; dangerous

First AP Book

I am choosing to read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevski.
This book looks very interesting to me about how someone commits a murder and then they try and get out of it. It just caught my eye with the title.

Vocabulary Fall List #3

Accolade: any award, honor, or laudatory notice: The play receivedaccolades from the press.
Acerbity: sourness, with roughness or astringency of taste.
attrition:a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Ourclub has had a high rate of attrition because so many membershave moved away.
Bromide: a person who is platitudinous and boring.
chauvinist :a person who is aggressively and blindly patriotic, especiallyone devoted to military glory.
Chronic:constant; habitual; inveterate:
expound:to set forth or state in detail:
factionalism:of a faction or factions.
immaculate:free from fault or flaw; free from errors
imprecation:the act of imprecating; cursing.
ineluctable:incapable of being evaded; inescapable
mercurial:animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted.
palliate:to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
protocol: the customs and regulations dealing with diplomaticformality, precedence, and etiquette.
resplendent:shining brilliantly; gleaming; splendid:
stigmatize:to set some mark of disgrace or infamy upon:
sub rosa: confidentially; secretly; privately.
vainglory:excessive elation or pride
vestige: a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is nolonger present or in existence
volition:the act of willing, choosing, or resolving

Beowulf Questions

Well I got into a group with Justin Thompson, Kristofer Green, Josh Ng, Ryland Towne, Bernardo Gonzalez, and William Veroski. We split up the questions and we all worked on them. Then we combined all of our problems together. We also went on skype to work things out.

Beowulf Questions

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)

1. The way Shield became ruler of the Danes was unusual because he was an orphan that was adopted by the king of the Danes. Shield’s funeral was one of the most magnificent and noteworthy for a king because he was laid to rest on a ship covered in gold and treasure. Shield is Hrothgar’s great grandfather.

[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)

1. Hrothgar undertook the responsibility to construct Heorot, it was a mead-hall, the greatest the world had ever seen. Grendel attacked the Heorot everynight for 12 years killing many men which brought sorrow to Hrothgar and the Danes. The Danes lost hope in God and went to temples, idols, and even tried praying to the Devil to rid Grendel from their land.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

1. When Beowulf learned of Grendel he gathered soldiers and set sail for the Danish nation that Grendel terrorized.

2. When the Geats first arrive in Denmark they encounter the sea-guard of the Danes. The sea-guard warns the Geats not to raid the Danes, however, Beowulf informs the guard that he has come to help Hrothgar slay Grendel.

3. Hrothgar’s messenger is named Wulfgar and he tells Beowulf and his men that he has never seen braver strangers as them. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar to exchange words with Beowulf because of his flabbergasting bravery and stature. Hrothgar tells Wulfgar to bring Beowulf to him so that they may discuss about Grendel. I am surprised Hrothgar knows so much about Beowulf.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will slay Grendel if Hrothgar in return provides shelter and food to his men during his time in Denmark. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s feuds and now Beowulf has returned to repay an old favor.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth accuses Beowulf of vanity and losing to Breca in a contest. Beowulf explains that he was busy killing nine sea monsters, and declares his strength. Then he accuses Unferth of being responsible for the death on his family. This does indeed show Beowulf's arrogance and will to prove himself to others.

2. During the feast Queen Wealhtheow greeted everyone including Beowulf, and she thanked god he had come.

[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)

1. Instead of arming for battle Beowulf disarms for battle, removing his armor and putting away his sword.

2. Grendel kills a man grotesquely when he enters the room then goes after Beowulf. Beowulf grabs Grendel and Grendel thrashes around trying to break free. Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm as he tried to escape. He does escape, but loses his arm, a fatal wound.

[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)

1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because he is a hero who saved others from a monster and he's not like Heremod because Heremod was a selfish king who never protected his people, unlike Beowulf.

2. Hrothgar considers Beowulf as a son, and gives him a sword, a shield, a golden set of armor, and a helmet. Unferth has nothing more to say as Beowulf is clearly a hero.

3. Finn's (leader of the Frisians) step brother (leader of the Scyldings) dies in battle, and his second in command makes truce in the war with the Frisians. With the truce the Scyldings stayed with Finn over winter, eventually killing him and leaving back with his sister Hildeburh. Using a woman to heal relations is not a good idea.

4. Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf.

5. The necklace Beowulf is given, Beowulf eventually gives to his uncle Hygelac. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look after and care for her sons.

6. So many men remain in the beer hall because they don't know the danger to come, that Grendel's mother is soon coming to find revenge.

[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)

1. Grendel's mother has come to Heorot because she is angry about the death of her son. It is not for the same reason that Grendel had, she has come in anger and vengeance for her son.

2. Hrothgar is in great sorrow after Grendel's mother takes the kings advisor and close friend, Aeschere. Hrothgar offers Beowulf chests of gold and riches to slay the evil monster and free them yet again from evil.

3.  The mere is like a lake, except it has water that boils and is full of sea serpents and dragons. No man has ever reached the bottom of the mere and very few have ever gone near it. It is where Grendel and his mother have their den.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond to Grendel's mother by sending Beowulf and his men to slay her so that they can be free from the demons.

2. Before Beowulf enters the mere, he shoots one of the serpents with an arrow that lives within the dark waters of the mere.

3. Beowulf prepares for battle by dressing in “noble garments”.  Unferth gives Beowulf the sword popularly known as Hrunting.  It is a sword which has failed no man in battle.

4. When Beowulf enters the mere he spends the majority of the day swimming to the bottom.  When he finally reaches the bed of the mere, Grendel’s mother feels Beowulf’s presence and grabs him.  Grendel’s mother lives in a cave at the bottom of the mere which is engulfed with the blood and gore of humans that the giants have killed.

5. The sword that Beowulf borrowed from Unferth becomes useless when trying to penetrate the skin of Grendel’s mother.

6. Grendel’s mother cannot penetrate the armor of Beowulf which allows Beowulf enough time to escape from yet another blow of her knife.

7. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother by slicing at her neck with a sword made for giants.  When Grendel’s mother dies a light appears guiding Beowulf out of the cave.  Yet before he leaves he cuts off the head of Grendel’s body, and brings it to the surface.  The blood of Grendel melts the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.  The hilt of the sword is still intact however so he brings it to the surface along with Grendel’s head.

8. He finds his small group of Geats awaiting his return.  His men did not expect him to return.

[Further Celebration at Heorot] (lines 1651-1798, pp. 68-71)

1. Beowulf gives to Hrothgar the head of Grendel and the sword hilt he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf that he will provide protection for him and that Beowulf must be good to his people.  Hrothgar tells us that Heremod was a terrible king who searched only for death and destruction.  He tells us this so that Beowulf understands how to be a just and fair leader.  Heremod dies alone because of the pain he beset on his people.  Hrothgar teaches us the example of how to lead when given an overwhelming source of power.

3. Unferth receives the sword he let Beowulf borrow when trying the kill Grendel’s mother.

 [Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79)

1. He will be the king of Geats, receive many treasures, and make peace with other nations. It’s a very hopeful future.

2. Hygd is very young and beautiful. She is wise while Modthryth is very evil and merciless.

3. He wants to end the feud between the Danes and Ingeld. Ingled will devoice the daughter and attack Hrothgar. An old warrior will convince Ingeld to fight. No because hero’s are supposed to be always act with honor.

4. He reports his adventures in a very exaggerated way. He’s honest about the story but he explains it in a way that builds himself up more. It’s not that expected because he’s supposed to a noble hero but he is concerned about glory so it makes sense.

5. Beowulf gives most of his treasure to Hygelac and Hygd and in return Hygd gives him treasure and land for himself.

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)

1. Part 2 takes place forty winters (forty years) later. Hygelac has died and there is now a dragon.

2. Thief has stolen his gold (cup). The man was poor and hungry. It was left there by a man from an ancient race who realized he like his ancestors would die and therefore buried the treasure.

3. The dragon just rampaged through the land trying to find the thief and destroys his throne hall.

4. He believes he has angered God. He makes a new shield to fight the dragon. He will fight it alone. He will die.

5. He dies against the Frisians. Beowulf was able to get away but he mourned for his death. He was offered the thrown. He did not out of respect for Hygelac.

6. Heardred is killed while fighting the Swedes.  Beowulf avenges him by killing Onela, the Swedish king.7.  Beowulf brings eleven men (he is “one of twelve”) with him to meet the dragon.

8. Hygelac’s oldest brother Herebeald was killed by a relative (Haethcyn).  An arrow missed its target and him Herebeald, killing him.  King Hrethel was devastated.  There is a lengthy portion detailing his lamentations.  War breaks out between the Swedes and the Geats.  Beowulf avenges Hygelac’s death by defeating Daeghrefn in front of “the legions”.

 [Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1.  Beowulf tells his companions to wait back while he fights the dragon.  He reasons that he is the only one among them that has any hope of killing it.

2.  The first time Beowulf faces the dragon, his shield, helmet, and sword fail him, and he is wounded.  His companions all flee the dragon, except for Wiglaf, who stays to help.  He tells the others that Beowulf chose them as his companions because he believed them to be great warriors, and that they should not abandon him now in his time of need.  He rushes in to aid Beowulf.

3. The second time Beowulf meets the dragon, the dragon bites him on the neck—leaving a mortal wound.  Wiglaf ultimately impales the dragon.

4.  Beowulf tells Wiglaf to bring the dragon’s treasure to him.  Beowulf thanks God for the treasure.  Beowulf wants to be buried in tower on a high cliff by the water.  He wants sailors to see the tower and remember his name.

[Beowulf's Funeral] (lines 2821-3182, pp. 92-99)

1. The warriors see Wiglaf trying to reviveBeowulf. Wiglaf gets mad at them for leaving Beowolf. Wiglaf expects the Geatsto be attacked and their nation destroyed.

2. The messenger announces that Beowulf is dead.Ongentheow and his men make fun of the Geats. Hygelac comes to the Geats with reinforcements.Ongentheow retreated once he saw more men. Ongentheow was cornered by Hygelacand was killed. The messenger says that the treasure is cursed. Beowulf can’tbe cursed because he had never been greedy. The final image is of a dragon.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd how great Beowulf was atfighting.

4. The dragon was pushed off the edge of the cliffinto the ocean because it was evil.

5. The Geats mourned and sung and everyone was sadduring the ten day burial.

6. The Geats say that Beowulf was a kind man. It isnot something you would usually call a war hero who is killing a lot of people.