1/16/20 Orson Jiang Period 2

Orson Jiang

Period 2 - 1/16/20

Aim: How are the themes of “loyalty and kinship” developed and contrasted against “jealousy and pride”?

Do Now: Pair-Share

What seems to motivate Beowulf to come to Danes’ aid?

We discussed that Beowulf would come to Danes’ aid for pride and honor. Fanny said that when he first heard that there was a monster to be fought, he wanted to fight it and beat it because it was another person he wanted to beat for his accomplishment. Others also said it was for honor and bravery because of his classic hero character. Selena said that Beowulf’s father owed a blood debt, and it was transferred to the child.

The child always pays for the debt and sins of the parents, even after the parents pass away.

Unferth’s Challenge

Whole Group Discussion

Why does the Beowulf author introduce Unferth?

Derrick said that the author introduced Unferth to challenge his honor and add a character. Ben further adds on the fact that it was added on as a moral challenge instead of just the physical part of his fight. It also illustrates Beowulf’s sense of pride and how much of an ego he has.

Robert said that Unferth was introduced to bring up Beowulf’s response. Unferth is Beowulf’s foil, similar to a human antagonist. Unferth shows how Beowulf is a kinslayer, and he attacks his reputation, which was all based on him bringing down others.

Whole Group Discussion (After reading a short slide on how loyalty and kinship in this time*)

What is the purpose of establishing kinship and loyalty? What can we foresee for Beowulf?

Unferth was who you wouldn’t want to be, and Beowulf was the prime example of whom you want to be, almost like a goody-two-shoes. If you were to be asked how they wanted to be like Beowulf, the answer would be loyalty and kinship.

Loyalty and kinship were often bound together during this period. Kinsmen, above all, were expected to be most loyal to one another. 

Reflection

During the lesson, I learned why, even in our modern-day society, we still generally dislike people who bring down others to make themselves look better and inflate their egos. After today’s lesson, I realized that while loyalty and kinship are critical and provide a powerful bond, it can all be destroyed with a little jealousy and pride. In today’s discussion while we see Beowulf being the optimal character to represent the loyalty and kinship. He shows this by being loyal to Higlac, his king, and also fighting Grendal to repay his father’s debt.

On the other hand, Unferth being the exact opposite of Beowulf, kills his brothers and is the exact opposite of Beowulf. Not only does he provide the role of a real monster, but he is a moral antagonist as well. We can compare this to Cain and Abel and the destruction of kinship. Learning and understanding more about your story Beowulf, we can see how the myths reflect human actions and our moral fiber.