Berard/English IVAP and English IVAPG



Berard/English IVG – Summer Reading 2017-18

Read, examine, and annotate (underline, highlight, or take notes) Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, the epic poem by an unknown author, and John Gardner’s novel Grendel. While reading these works, keep a dialectical journal (a written record of thoughts, feelings, and questions). You may choose from the following prompts or use your own thoughts and/or questions as entries for the journal:

1. What expectations do you have after reading the opening lines of the poem? Of the novel?

2. Any sudden realizations about characters, setting, events

3. Details that puzzle you or seem not to make sense

4. Points where characters or events change

5. Connections you make to person, places, experiences that you’ve known

6. Similarities to other stories you’ve read

7. Responses upon understanding or empathizing with characters

8. Interesting associations that you might make with the language

9. Any symbolic images, figures of speech, unusual quotes

10. Try to identify characteristics of the epic illustrated by Beowulf.

11. In what way are the feasts in the story rituals? Compare feasts in modern life that have become rituals.

12. What does the role of family play?

13. What is the role of women in the poem? In the novel?

14. From the novel, describe Grendel’s first encounter with men. Why does he call them “the most dangerous things I’ve ever met”? What does he conclude about them?

15. From the novel, what is Grendel’s first reaction to the Shaper’s songs? Why does he describe himself as “torn apart by poetry”?

16. From the novel, describe Grendel’s conversion. How do the Danes react to him? What does he wish for? Why does he go back again two nights later?

17. From the novel, explain the dragon’s advice to Grendel.

1. You should have a 6 different entries for each work which particularly engage, trouble or confuse you. Write the quote, event, or episode you are referencing (or indicate the lines) and page(s) or briefly summarize the quote, event or episode and write a reflection on what makes this quote, event, or episode such a powerful one. The responses need to be relevant, honest, and detailed. The length of your response to each quote, event, or episode should be about 150 words each. Reach below the surface in recording your thought. Give specific reasons and examples from the works or from personal experiences to support your thoughts. (5 points each entry = 30 points)

2. Select 5 challenging or unusual words from each work, record the textual sentences and lines and page number(s), define the word, and create a sophisticated sentence or drawing of your own. (3 points each word = 15 points)

Type the entries, using Times New Roman 12 font with 1 inch margins, double-spaced. Use an MLA heading in the upper left-hand corner: your name, my name, Grendel or Beowulf Reflections (whichever assignment is appropriate), date (24 August 2017). Please proof read for grammar and mechanics.

Assignments are due two weeks after the opening day of school or August 24, 2017, at which time, you will take an reading quiz on both works.

Beowulf and Grendel will be your textbooks for the 1st quarter, so you must bring them to class every day.

Direct any questions to my email address: artedgmb@

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