Sunday, September 30, 2007

The Battle

Grendal wasn't able to be pierced with swords yet Beowulf could rip his arm off...I don't get it. I mean yes Beowulf is strong and at his prime, but isn't it generally harder to rip something apart then it is to cut it?

-Sandra

Thursday, September 27, 2007

beowulf's huge ego

is it just me or does anyone else feel that Beowulf is setting himself up for a big fall? i was reading and i just kept thinking of all the times in the last two sections that Beowulf talks himself up to be this god-like warrior. this goes back to what we were talking about in class about the whole "pride as a downfall" thing.

~Joe
In last night's reading ("The Hero Comes to Heorot"), Hrothgar tells Beowulf about how his father killed a Wulfing and was banished. Hrothgar said that he stopped the fued by paying and that Ecgtheow acknowledged him oaths of alligiance. My question is, does Beowulf feel obligated to help Hrothgar get rid of Grendel because Beowulf’s father was helped by Hrothgar?

--Laura C.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Grendel

Who or What does Grendel represent?

Monday, September 10, 2007

Welcome to the 2007 MHS English 4 10 Blog!

Welcome, MHS Class of '08! It's a great pleasure to welcome you to your home on the web--your class blogsite.

Ever since we first began using online bulletin boards as a way to converse about literature and writing (all the way back in the early '90's, and please don't feel the need to comment about how long ago that was, or how old you were then), it was always my intent to do the same in my classroom. Admittedly, it took a little longer than I thought, but here we are.

I have put this space together for the benefit of your academic pursuit--to expand your ability to converse about the texts we will be discussing. This space is essentially yours to post relevant--and presumably intelligent--comments and questions regarding our readings. At the moment, that will shortly consist of Seamus Heaney's translation of the Old English epic poem "Beowulf." No doubt you have many question to pose--you can be certain that I did, when I first read it.

Please note the following rules:

1. ONLY students enrolled in MHS English IV Pd. 10 may post comments here. This is not a discussion board intended for the world--or any other MHS students.

2. Anyone who posts must do so with their REAL first name. Any posts found to be made using names other than real (for example, posting using another student's name) will be dealt with according to school disciplinary policy. And what's more, you won't receive due credit if your name isn't linked with your post.

3. All discussion will proceed in respectful, scholarly manner.

4. To ensure that #3 is obeyed, I will personally monitor all discussions on this blog. It's not that I don't trust teenagers to behave in responsible ways. . .oh, wait--yes, it is. I don't. Don't take it personally.

5. Do not expect me to comment on every posting, even if a question has been directly asked of me by one of you. I am much more interested to see whether your fellow scholars are capable of suggesting viable answers and explanations. I reserve the right to comment when and if I deem it necessary. Frequently, I will allow a discussion thread to continue unabated, in order to bring that thread into class for further investigation.

6. From time to time, if the mood strikes me, I may make a comment or pose a question, or refer you to some additional reading I've discovered. Just because I've done that does not make you obligated to respond. . .at least, not yet.

7. Just in case you haven't been told this yet--or you have, but forgot--please remember: this course is designed to prepare you for the traditional Composition class required of all college freshmen. Reconcile yourself to the gravity of that reality right now, and be prepared to handle the work that will reasonably emerge for you this year--if you must, remind yourself that the work you do now will pay larger dividends wherever you find yourself next year. Conduct yourself with that level of academic responsibility in mind.

8. Oh--and, yes, the blog will be a required element of your grade each marking period, so make it a part of your daily online ritual. Check it frequently, and post or comment consistently. The concept of "participation" is now no longer restricted to the classroom walls!

That's all I can think of at the moment, but I also reserve the right to change/adjust/modify/ invent as we go along. Because I can, that's why.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and seeing you all in in class each day.

MR. LAZ