BEOWULF: The Epic Hero

We have just finished reading Beowulf and discussed the characteristics of the epic hero--the journey/quest, the battle with monsters for the greater good of society, the embodiment of a society's customs, the possession of super strength, the display strong ethics, the glorification by those he saved, and the neverending fight of good vs. evil. Which of the characteristics did you find most believable in the story? Which was hard to accept? Which of the three battles did you feel best conveyed Beowulf as the epic hero? Why? Also, please answer the blog poll about Beowulf on the other side of this post. (You may post a response to this blog until midnight August 29, 2010)

Books That Made a Difference

When I was in the 8th grade, I was extremely bored in my English class. I would finish my work in the first 20 minutes of class and sit there for the next 40 minutes, bored to tears. My teacher, Mr. Bradshaw, noticed that I was bored and he handed me a copy of The Scarlet Letter. "Read this," he said, "I think you will enjoy it and we can talk about it when you are finished." At first I didn't want to read a book I wasn't going to have to write a report on or take a test about, but then I started reading it. It was the most amazing story, filled with inspiration and thought-provoking passages. The book helped me to see the value of being responsible, of being an individual, and of doing good with your life. That book made a difference in my life. What is a book that you have read that taught you something? made you think? or made a lasting impression? How? (The deadline to post a comment on this blog is midnight Thursday, Aug. 12th.)

Decoding the Message

Golding said in his discussion after the book ended that all the matters is not what the author thinks he put in the book, not what a teacher or professor says in the book, but what the reader gets from a book. What did you get from the book The Lord of the Flies? What part of the book really helped you to see this? (This post closes at midnight on Friday, May 7, 2010.)

I am a part of you...

As Simon talks with the The Lord of the Flies, the beast tells him, "I am a part of you..." What is it in mankind that makes us beasts? What can we do to kill the beast inside of us? (This post closes at midnight on Wednesday, May 5, 2010)

LORD OF THE FLIES

Which character are you tracking? What have you learned about your character? Is your character helping or hurting the boys's progress on the island? Explain. (This post closes at midnight on April 23, 2010)

The Canterbury Pilgrims

As we cover the Prologue of The Canterbury Tales, which pilgrim(s) seem most interesting to you? Why? (This post closes at midnight on March 8, 2010.)

HONOR

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the writer focuses much of the story on honor. In what ways is Gawain honorable? What do you feel was Gawain's most redeeming trait? Why? ( This post closes a midnight on March 1, 2010.)