I. READING: For Beowulf, you are only reading the pages on the right;
pages on the left are in Old English.Beowulf fights three adversaries.In between there is a series of celebrations.You are only responsible for the three battles. For your analysis, please attend to the reading guide below:
Read pages 3-top of 57 (27 pages) – Fighting Grendel
II. RESEARCH: Research and review TWO first pieces of fiction or nonfiction - one from Iran and one from a country of your choice. Choose one that is unfamiliar to you. Take notes and create a WORKS CITED with the sources you have found in your studies. Assignment: Compose a 1-2 page analysis of your findings AND include a works cited to be posted on Turnitin.com. This will count as a double blog/quiz grade. THIS MUST BE POSTED ON TURNITIN.COM BY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH.
III. JOURNAL: Compare and contrast your work in a comprehensive journal response. In three sections, tell the story of Beowulf, the story your researched from Iran, and the story of your country of choice. The journal response should be 6-10 pages in length. It will be part of your term 3 grade. THIS IS DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH.
IV. GRAPHIC NOVEL: Develop a 6-10 page graphic novel in three parts, telling the story of Beowulf and your two other selections. The graphic novel will count as a major writing grade, and the seminar will count as a quiz/blog grade. THIS IS DUE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH FOR CLASS SEMINAR AND SHARE.
The C Graphic Novel(D-F showcase less than the following)
·Concept fulfills the assignment
·A basic outline of three stories, with a general topic,
and list of moments to explore
·At least six basic pages (two for each) of a graphic
novel, covering the topics at hand
·Logical progression from page to page
·Artwork is appropriate for the task
·Narration is clear and includes examples
from the text
·Dialogue is clear and includes examples
from the text
·A logical conclusion
The B Graphic Novel
·Creative concept is thoughtful and
immediate
·A detailed outline, with a specific
thesis, and list of moments to explore
·Six plus pages with a thoughtful
selection of cells, covering the topic at hand, with a purpose
·Purposeful progression from page to page,
stemming from a thoughtful concept (thesis)
·Artwork is thoughtful and drawn, inked, and
colored with care of the finished product
·Narration is analytical, explaining the
purpose, as well as propelling the story.
·Dialogue is thoughtful and makes for
pleasurable reading
·Logical conclusion and a point
The A Graphic Novel
·Concept is complex and lends itself to
meaningful analysis that shows universality
·Comprehensive outline, with a nuanced
thesis, and list of specific moments & quotations to explore
·Eight plus pages graphic novel with carefully
selected cells that combines all three tales and shows the univeral elements that connect to the meaning and message of the stories
·Nuanced progression from page to page,
using the techniques of literature and graphic novels to create suspense and
action
·Artwork is neat, inked, has artistic
flourishes of color, shows action, purpose, and the author’s signature
·Narration is intelligent and is a nod to
graphic novels and the works being analyzed
·Dialogue is genuine, thoughtful,
meaningful, and immediate; the voices of all characters are distinct and
match the text (perhaps even in a satirical way)
·Exciting conclusion, leaving the audience
wanting another issue
1) Read "Beowulf" pages 89-113 (12 pages) – Fighting Grendel’s mother
2) Be prepared to give a brief performance.
3) Complete and Share your Old English names/words/phrases.
The chart above shows samples of the changes in the English language.
#1 is Old English or AngloSaxon (circa 450-1066 CE).
#2 is Middle English (circa 1066-1450 AD).
#3 is Modern English from about the time of Shakespeare.
#4 is another sample of Modern English, but it is more recent than #3.
Old
English Poetry: Beowulf
Beowulf
is the idealized warrior of a heroic age and the exemplar of what the
Anglo-Saxons chiefly admired as masculine qualities. He is fearless but not
foolhardy, uncomplicated but intelligent, serious but not dull. He is thoroughly
adjusted in mind and body to a soldierly code and a “kill and get killed”
expectancy. His stolid, essentially pessimistic view of life is reinforced by
the author of the work with nature scenes of somber magnificence. Ironically,
the first great work of English literature is set entirely in Scandinavia
without any mention of England or the English.
Definition:
Epic or Heroic Poem
A long narrative poem on a great and serious
subject, related in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine
figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human
race.
Characteristics
of Old English Verse:
1. Four stress line. Each line of Anglo-Saxon
verse contained four accented syllables.
2. A pause or caesura divided each line into two
staves . Each stave contained two stressed syllables.
3. Alliteration to bind the line together and
reinforce rhythmic effect.
4. Repetition through synonymous words or
phrases. This parallelism resembles that of Old Testament Hebraic poetry and allows
for much of the same kind of stately, solemn progress and emphasis.
5. End-stopping of the lines.
6. The use of the kenning, a compound word of metaphoric quality.
Examples:
swan-road = the sky
battle-sweat
= blood
peace-weaver = wife
/ mother
ring-giver = generous
king
7. Specialized poetic vocabulary which employed
words unfamiliar to current conversation.
8. An elevated and aristocratic tone pervaded,
since poetry was primarily intended for recital with harp accompaniment to gathered
nobles and warriors in mead halls.
9. A rapid narrative style, which often omitted
explanatory details and abruptly turned from one event to another.
10. Oral, not written composition . The scop (poet) composed and the gleeman (minstrel) chanted OE verses
long before they were committed to manuscript.
PAGAN /
CHRISTIAN ELEMENTS IN BEOWULF
The pagan elements in Beowulf are numerous.
--The
dead are cremated
--Omens
are observed to direct human conduct
--Sacrifices
are vowed at the temple of idols
--The
praise of worldly glory
--The
theme of blood vengeance
--Frequent
references to the power of Wyrd (fate)
However, the Beowulf poet shows knowledge of and
employs terminology from the Christian Scriptures and liturgy.
--Cain
(putative ancestor of Grendel)
--Giants
before the flood
--The
deluge
--Satan
--Virtues
of moderation, unselfishness, and service to others are highly praised
--The
final tribute to Beowulf by his faithful thane
Company Name: The
Admirals Men were a theatre troupe in Shakespeare’s day. Give yourselves a name. Something that says, “Hey, we know our
Shakespeare. Hire us, okay?”
Timeline: Two Classes: Writing Script One Class: Rehearsal One Class: Performances
Script: Ten-minute
Shakespeare: We should see a script with 50% Shakespearean text and 50% popular
music lyrics. You must choose a theme
and express it in either a series of moments in the play or you can do a quick
cross section of the major moments. You
must, however, have a unified beginning and end for the piece.
Soundtrack: How will
you incorporate music into the piece?
Will you develop a pop music soundtrack to line-up with the
performance? Remember, that we also need
to hear the actors. Will you use a
classic music backdrop? Whatever you do,
MAKE SURE THAT THE MUSIC FITS WITH YOUR THEME AND OVERALL VISION. In other words, if you choose a hip hop
soundtrack, that will certainly influence the performance and theme. It may also influence how you cut the
script. Maybe lines from the play can be
sung or performed in spoken word (It certainly was meant to be sung, in a
sense). Will you go Glee or Moulin Rouge
and sing a pop song at major intervals.
KEY: TAKE PRE-EXISTING SONGS AND
TURN THEM INTO DUETS.
CHANGE AND TWEEK LYRICS TO FIT PURPOSE.
Rehearsing and Choreography:
THIS IS WHAT I WILL ALSO BE THINKING ABOUT WHEN I GRADE YOUR FINAL
PERFORMANCE. MOVE AROUND PEOPLE! I will help you during rehearsals. For the songs (at least) have the lines and
cues memorized. All prose and
Shakespearean verse should be memorized to help the performance flow. Also, make sure all costumes and sets are
ready to go and easy to execute. Also,
make sure you have the music cued up and ready to go. Rehearsals are key.
Performances. If you
are sick or cannot make it, you need to make the necessary arrangements with
your group and Mr. Pellerin. Treat this
assignment with the same respect as an exam. If you leave your group high and
dry on performance day with no phone call or explanation, expect an F on the
assignment.
So, what do I hand in?
1. A final cut script with song lyrics.
2. A timeline explaining what was accomplished, as well as a
list of who did what and when.
3. An actual performance. No more than 10 minutes long.
NOTE: Use of
class/homework time will be a huge factor in your grade!!!
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark.
(Romeo enters with a sword to attack Tybalt)
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare.
ROMEO (TO TYBALT)
See how I'll leave, with every piece of you
TYBALT (TO ROMEO)
Don't underestimate the things that I will do.
ALL
There's a fire starting in my heart,
Reaching a fever pitch
JULIET
it's bringing me out the dark.
(Tybalt and Romeo fight while Juliet looks on)
JULIET
The scars of your love, remind me of us.
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
(Tybalt wounds Romeo)
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling
(Romeo touches the wound and in a fury stabs Tybalt)
We could have had it all
(Romeo pulls sword out of Tybalt’s chest)
Rolling in the deep
(Romeo looks at the blood on his hands)
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it
To the beat – (music stops abruptly)
ROMEO
O I am fortune’s fool!
BENVOLIO
Romeo stand not amazed be gone
(Romeo goes to Friar Laurence who enters from the left)
ROMEO
Spakest thou of Juliet? how is it with her?
Doth she not think me an old murderer,
Now I have stain'd the childhood of our joy
With blood removed but little from her own?
Where is she? and how doth she? and what says
My conceal'd lady to our cancell'd love?
Nurse
O, she says nothing, sir, but weeps and weeps;
And now falls on her bed; and then starts up,
And Tybalt calls; and then on Romeo cries,
And then down falls again.
ROMEO
As if that name,
Shot from the deadly level of a gun,
Did murder her;
Rolling in the Deep continues
ROMEO
Baby I have no story to be told
NURSE
But I've heard one of you
JULIET (from beyond enters)
and I'm gonna make your head burn,
ROMEO (grabs a knife to kill himself)
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Make a home down there as mine sure won't be shared
FRIAR (grabs knife strikes Romeo)
The scars of your love, remind you of….
Juliet enters and sings to Romeo center stage
us. They keep me
thinking
ROMEO
that we almost had it all
JULIET
The scars of your love,
ROMEO
they leave me breathless
JULIET
I can't help feeling
TOGETHER
We could have had it all
(A past version of Romeo and Juliet enter recreating the
balcony scene as the present Romeo and Juliet look on)
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
(Romeo kissing her at the balcony)
And you played it
To the beat (Juliet exits from the balcony and Romeo runs
into the forest)
JULIET (TO ROMEO)
We could have had it all
ROMEO (with remorse)
Rolling in the deep
JULIET
You had my heart inside your hand
(they touch hands like the palmer’s kiss from Act I, Scene
5)
ROMEO
But I played it
With a beating
FRIAR (to Romeo)
Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
(Romeo kisses the Friar’s hand and exits)
JULIET (TO FRIAR)
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
Friar (hands vile to Juliet and pats her head)
You pay me back in kind
(Juliet lies down)
(Romeo takes a vile from the apothecary)
APOTHOCARY
and reap just what you sow (music stops)
ROMEO (enters tomb and sits by Juliet with dram of poison)
I set up my everlasting rest,
And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars
From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last!
Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you
The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss
A dateless bargain to engrossing death!
Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide!
Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on
The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark!
Here's to my love!
JULIET (awakens)
Where is my Romeo?
What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand?
Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end:
O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop
To help me after? I will kiss thy lips;
Haply some poison yet doth hang on them,
To make die with a restorative.
(Kisses him)
Thy lips are warm.
I'll be brief. O happy dagger!
(Snatching ROMEO's dagger)
This is thy sheath;
(Everyone enters slowly from various entry points and look
on solemnly)
PRINCE
Where be these enemies? Capulet! Montague!
See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate,
That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love.
And I for winking at your discords too
Have lost a brace of kinsmen:
all are punish'd.
MONTAGUE (extends a hand to Capulet)
We could have had it all
CAPULET (Accepts Montagues hand)
We could have had it all
(The dead ROMEO and JULIET rise and approach their parents)
We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it to the beat
We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
But you played it,
You played it,
You played it
You played it to the beat
EPILOGUE
For never was there a tale of more woe,
than that of Juliet and her Romeo.
RUBRIC
D or F performances
· Anything less than the C performances below
C performances
· A complete script for Mr. Pellerin & each group member (no trips to copy machine)
· Script contains:
o Clear theme
o Interesting story development
o Pop music and Shakespearean text integrated
· Performance of scripts, in hand, is moderately smooth. Just periodic stops for technical difficulties
· Costumes
· Performance with all members occurs on the assigned date
B performances
· Has all the above and…
· Script contains:
o Meaningfully theme – Nuanced and philosophical
o Complex plot development
o Songs are meaningful and well placed (though perhaps a bit long, and/or one “note” meanings)
o Well chosen moments from the text – a strong cross section of the play
· Performance is smooth. Though not memorized, the performers know the material inside and out. Choices about technology, blocking, costumes, and the like are thought out beforehand.
A performances
· Has all the above and…
· Script contains:
o Themes and concepts are thought provoking. Shows us multiple sides to the issues presented
o Clear theme – Nuanced and philosophical – Goes beyond stereotypes to get at the heart of the matter
o Complex plot development and seamlessly thread together as if this were an original play and not a Frankenstein monster of moments
o Songs are meaningful, well placed and preformed with feeling
o Well chosen – a Strong cross section of the play – Tight!
· Script is nuanced. Every line is thoughtfully spliced and there is a definite beginning, middle and end to the performance.
· Performance is smooth and choreography is fun and meaningful. All props and cues are hit. One or two members attempted to memorize parts. Members tried to use note cards.
· Costumes and staging are thoughtfully planned ahead of time and a world is created