Beowulf Persona Poems: A Hero's Perspective
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Beowulf Persona Poems: A Hero's Perspective

Grade 9English4 days
In this 9th-grade English project, students will explore the epic poem Beowulf by writing persona poems from the perspectives of its characters. The project delves into the enduring themes and Anglo-Saxon values present in the epic, using poetic devices to capture character voices and emotions. Students will analyze how a character's perspective shapes the understanding of events, revise their poems for coherence, and ultimately perform their work to demonstrate a deep connection with the text and its cultural context.
BeowulfPersona PoemAnglo-Saxon ValuesCharacter PerspectivePoetic DevicesLiterary AnalysisEpic Poetry
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as poets, channel the voices of Beowulf's characters to reveal the epic's enduring themes and Anglo-Saxon values through persona poems?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How does a character's perspective shape our understanding of events and themes in Beowulf?
  • How can we use poetic devices to effectively capture a character's voice and emotions?
  • In what ways do the values and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon culture influence the characters' actions and motivations in Beowulf?
  • How can we use persona poems to explore and interpret different perspectives within the epic?
  • What is the role of revision in crafting a powerful and meaningful poem?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to write persona poems from the perspective of Beowulf characters.
  • Students will be able to explore themes and poetic devices through persona poems.
  • Students will be able to perform persona poems.
  • Students will be able to understand how Anglo-Saxon values influence characters' actions.
  • Students will be able to revise poems for coherence and cohesion.
  • Students will be able to reflect personal or cultural values through Anglo-American poems.
  • Students will be able to correctly use word order, punctuation, interjections, and literary devices in their poems.
  • Students will be able to capture a character's voice and emotions effectively through poetic devices.
  • Students will be able to interpret different perspectives within the epic of Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to analyze how a character's perspective shapes the understanding of events and themes in Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to craft a powerful and meaningful poem.
  • Students will be able to identify and explain the enduring themes present in Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to connect Anglo-Saxon values to character motivations and actions.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Anglo-American poetic forms.
  • Students will be able to use persona poems as a tool for literary analysis.
  • Students will be able to refine poetic expression through revision.
  • Students will be able to develop performance skills in presenting poetry.
  • Students will be able to apply literary devices to enhance character voice in poetry.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast different characters' perspectives in Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to justify the selection of specific poetic devices to create character voice.
  • Students will be able to assess the impact of cultural values on character development and plot events.
  • Students will be able to critique and improve the poetic techniques of their peers through constructive feedback.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of their poem in conveying character perspective.
  • Students will be able to synthesize textual evidence from Beowulf into creative poetic expression.
  • Students will be able to utilize research skills to understand Anglo-Saxon cultural contexts.
  • Students will be able to adapt historical contexts into relevant and contemporary poetic expression.
  • Students will be able to design a performance that enhances the meaning of their persona poem.
  • Students will be able to reflect on the creative process of writing and performing persona poems.
  • Students will be able to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of poetry.
  • Students will be able to foster empathy by stepping into the perspectives of diverse characters.
  • Students will be able to create original literary works inspired by classic literature.
  • Students will be able to analyze the interplay between form and content in poetry.
  • Students will be able to enhance communication skills through poetry performance.
  • Students will be able to connect with the themes of Beowulf on a personal and emotional level.
  • Students will be able to understand and use interjections effectively to convey emotions in persona poems.
  • Students will be able to select and justify appropriate literary devices to represent a specific character's voice and perspective.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the impact of word choice on the overall tone and effectiveness of their poem.
  • Students will be able to analyze how their interpretation of Beowulf characters and themes is influenced by their own cultural background and experiences.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of epic poetry conventions through their persona poems.
  • Students will be able to develop an understanding of how the social hierarchy and warrior culture of the Anglo-Saxons are reflected in the characters and events of Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to explore the relationship between personal identity and historical context through persona poems.
  • Students will be able to develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language to shape understanding and empathy.
  • Students will be able to understand and apply principles of effective revision to enhance the impact of their poetic expression.
  • Students will be able to synthesize historical and literary knowledge into creative poetic expression.
  • Students will be able to develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of heroism, fate, and morality as portrayed in Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to connect the timeless themes of Beowulf to contemporary social issues and personal experiences.
  • Students will be able to utilize literary analysis skills to interpret character motivations and thematic implications in Beowulf.
  • Students will be able to compose and perform original poetry inspired by the epic tradition.
  • Students will be able to refine their ability to analyze and interpret complex literary texts through creative writing.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Anglo-Saxon cultural values by representing them accurately and thoughtfully in their poetry.
  • Students will be able to develop and refine their ability to communicate complex ideas through creative expression.
  • Students will be able to foster a deeper connection to the human experience by exploring universal themes of courage, loss, and redemption.
  • Students will be able to enhance their understanding of literary history and cultural context through creative engagement with classic texts.
  • Students will be able to develop a lifelong appreciation for the art of poetry and its ability to illuminate the human condition.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how poetic form and structure can enhance or shape meaning in their persona poems.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the impact of cultural and historical contexts on their personal interpretation of literary texts.
  • Students will be able to synthesize information from diverse sources to create a cohesive and compelling portrayal of a character's perspective.
  • Students will be able to develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and responding to the diverse perspectives and interpretations of their peers.
  • Students will be able to enhance their ability to articulate and defend their interpretations of literary texts through creative expression.
  • Students will be able to reflect on the choices they made during the writing and performance process and explain how these choices shaped the impact of their work.
  • Students will be able to connect their own experiences and perspectives to the universal themes and challenges explored in classic literature.
  • Students will be able to develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of cultural identity and its influence on individual behavior and values.
  • Students will be able to utilize poetic expression as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
  • Students will be able to enhance their ability to engage with and appreciate diverse forms of artistic expression.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in representing diverse perspectives and experiences in their creative work.
  • Students will be able to develop a sense of confidence and self-expression through the performance of their original poetry.
  • Students will be able to foster a deeper connection to the literary arts and its ability to inspire, challenge, and transform individuals and communities.

Teacher-Provided Standards

LC (T)
Primary
Compose an original Anglo-American poem that reflects personal or cultural values, using correct word order, punctuation, interjections, and literary devices.Reason: Directly addresses the core task of composing original poems using specific elements.
LC (T)
Primary
Revise the original Anglo-American poem for coherence and cohesion.Reason: Focuses on the revision process, essential for improving the poem's quality and impact.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Unearthing Beowulf's World: A Mystery Unfolds

A mysterious package arrives containing fragments of ancient poems and artifacts related to Beowulf. Students must examine these clues to decipher the story's central conflicts and characters, sparking their curiosity and setting the stage for exploring different perspectives through persona poems.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Character Deep Dive

Students choose a character from Beowulf and create a character profile detailing their traits, motivations, and relationships. This activity encourages deep engagement with the text and prepares students to write from the character's perspective.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a character from Beowulf (e.g., Beowulf, Grendel, Hrothgar, Wealhtheow).
2. List the character's key traits based on textual evidence.
3. Describe the character's motivations and goals.
4. Outline the character's relationships with other figures in the epic.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed character profile for the selected Beowulf character.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses LC (T) by requiring students to select a character and begin to embody their perspective, setting the stage for writing a poem that reflects that character's values.
Activity 2

Values Vanguard

Students research Anglo-Saxon values (e.g., courage, loyalty, hospitality, honor) and identify how these values are reflected in their chosen character's actions and beliefs. They will collect textual evidence to support their analysis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research common Anglo-Saxon values and their significance.
2. Find examples in Beowulf where these values are displayed.
3. Connect specific values to your chosen character, providing textual evidence.
4. Explain how these values influence the character's decisions and behavior.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA documented analysis of Anglo-Saxon values and their connection to the chosen character, with specific references to the text.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers LC (T) by guiding students to identify Anglo-Saxon values within the text and relate them to their chosen character, ensuring the poem reflects cultural values.
Activity 3

Voice Weaver

Students use the character profile and values analysis to brainstorm and draft a persona poem. This poem should capture the character's voice, emotions, and perspective, using Anglo-American poetic devices and reflecting Anglo-Saxon values.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm ideas, emotions, and events from the character's perspective.
2. Choose a poetic form suitable for Anglo-American poetry (e.g., kennings, alliteration).
3. Draft the poem, focusing on capturing the character's unique voice and perspective.
4. Incorporate Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs into the poem.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA first draft of a persona poem from the perspective of the chosen Beowulf character.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with LC (T) by scaffolding the writing of an original poem using correct word order, punctuation, interjections, and literary devices to reflect Anglo-American poetic form.
Activity 4

Poetry Polisher

Students revise their poems based on peer and teacher feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and emotional impact. They will refine their use of poetic devices and ensure the poem accurately reflects the character's perspective and Anglo-Saxon values.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Share your poem with peers for feedback.
2. Receive feedback from the teacher on areas for improvement.
3. Revise the poem based on the feedback received, focusing on clarity, coherence, and emotional impact.
4. Ensure correct word order, punctuation, and effective use of literary devices.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised and polished persona poem, ready for performance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses LC (T) by emphasizing the revision process for coherence and cohesion, ensuring the final poem is polished and impactful.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Beowulf Persona Poem Rubric

Category 1

Character Deep Dive

Assessment of the student's ability to create a detailed and accurate character profile based on textual evidence from Beowulf.
Criterion 1

Character Analysis

Accuracy and depth of character analysis, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the character's traits, motivations, and relationships as portrayed in the text.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides an exceptionally detailed and insightful character profile, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the character's complexities and nuances. Includes comprehensive textual evidence and goes beyond surface-level observations.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a thorough and accurate character profile, demonstrating a clear understanding of the character's traits, motivations, and relationships. Includes relevant textual evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic character profile, demonstrating some understanding of the character's traits, motivations, or relationships. May include limited textual evidence or superficial observations.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides an incomplete or inaccurate character profile, demonstrating minimal understanding of the character's traits, motivations, or relationships. Lacks textual evidence or shows misunderstanding of the character.

Category 2

Values Vanguard

Evaluation of the student's ability to research Anglo-Saxon values and connect them to the chosen character, supported by textual evidence.
Criterion 1

Values Integration

Thoroughness of research, accuracy of identified values, and strength of connection between Anglo-Saxon values and the chosen character, supported by textual evidence.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional research and provides insightful analysis of Anglo-Saxon values, making strong and well-supported connections to the chosen character with comprehensive textual evidence. Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how these values shape the character's actions and beliefs.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates thorough research and accurately identifies key Anglo-Saxon values, making clear connections to the chosen character with relevant textual evidence. Explains how these values influence the character's decisions and behavior.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates basic research and identifies some Anglo-Saxon values, making a limited connection to the chosen character with some textual evidence. May struggle to explain how these values influence the character's decisions and behavior.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates minimal research and struggles to identify Anglo-Saxon values, making a weak or inaccurate connection to the chosen character with little or no textual evidence. Fails to explain how these values influence the character's decisions and behavior.

Category 3

Voice Weaver

Assessment of the student's ability to write a persona poem that captures the character's voice, emotions, and perspective, using Anglo-American poetic devices and reflecting Anglo-Saxon values.
Criterion 1

Poetic Voice

Creativity, originality, and effectiveness in capturing the character's unique voice and perspective through poetic devices, while also reflecting Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs.

Exemplary
4 Points

Crafts an exceptionally creative and original persona poem that flawlessly captures the character's unique voice and perspective. Skillfully employs a variety of Anglo-American poetic devices to create a powerful and evocative portrayal, seamlessly integrating Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs. The poem demonstrates a deep understanding of the character and the cultural context.

Proficient
3 Points

Crafts a creative and original persona poem that effectively captures the character's unique voice and perspective. Employs Anglo-American poetic devices to enhance the poem's impact, reflecting Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs. The poem demonstrates a clear understanding of the character and the cultural context.

Developing
2 Points

Crafts a persona poem that shows some creativity in capturing the character's voice and perspective. Attempts to use Anglo-American poetic devices, but may not be fully effective. Includes some elements of Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs. The poem demonstrates a basic understanding of the character and the cultural context.

Beginning
1 Points

Crafts a persona poem that struggles to capture the character's voice and perspective. Shows limited use of Anglo-American poetic devices and lacks integration of Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs. The poem demonstrates a minimal understanding of the character and the cultural context.

Criterion 2

Poetic Form

Appropriateness and effectiveness of poetic form and devices (e.g., kennings, alliteration) in conveying character and theme.

Exemplary
4 Points

Masterfully selects and utilizes poetic form and devices to create a rich, nuanced, and powerful portrayal of the character and their themes, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of Anglo-American poetic traditions.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively selects and utilizes poetic form and devices to enhance the character's portrayal and thematic elements, demonstrating a solid understanding of Anglo-American poetic traditions.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some awareness of poetic form and devices, but their selection and utilization are inconsistent or not fully effective in conveying character and theme.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates limited awareness of poetic form and devices, with little or no effective utilization in conveying character and theme.

Category 4

Poetry Polisher

Assessment of the student's ability to revise their poems based on feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and emotional impact. Evaluation of their refinement of poetic devices and ensuring the poem accurately reflects the character's perspective and Anglo-Saxon values.
Criterion 1

Revision Effectiveness

Quality and extent of revisions made based on feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, emotional impact, and accuracy of character representation and cultural values.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a deep commitment to revision, making significant and insightful changes based on feedback to create a polished and impactful poem. The revisions enhance clarity, coherence, emotional resonance, and the accurate representation of both the character's perspective and Anglo-Saxon values. The final poem is exceptionally well-crafted and demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thoughtful approach to revision, making substantial changes based on feedback to improve the poem's clarity, coherence, emotional impact, and accuracy of character representation and cultural values. The final poem is well-crafted and demonstrates a strong command of poetic technique.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates some effort in revising the poem based on feedback, making some changes to improve clarity, coherence, or emotional impact. However, revisions may be superficial or not fully address the feedback provided. The final poem shows some improvement but may still have areas for refinement.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates minimal effort in revising the poem based on feedback, making few or no significant changes. The poem lacks clarity, coherence, and emotional impact, and may not accurately represent the character's perspective or Anglo-Saxon values. The final poem remains largely unchanged from the initial draft.

Criterion 2

Technical Precision

Correctness of word order, punctuation, and effective use of literary devices in the final, revised poem.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits flawless correctness in word order and punctuation, and skillfully employs a wide range of literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. The poem demonstrates a mastery of language and poetic technique.

Proficient
3 Points

Exhibits a high degree of correctness in word order and punctuation, and effectively uses literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. The poem demonstrates a strong command of language and poetic technique.

Developing
2 Points

Exhibits some errors in word order or punctuation, and the use of literary devices may be inconsistent or not fully effective. The poem shows a basic command of language and poetic technique but may require further refinement.

Beginning
1 Points

Exhibits frequent errors in word order and punctuation, and the use of literary devices is limited or ineffective. The poem demonstrates a minimal command of language and poetic technique.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did stepping into the persona of a Beowulf character deepen your understanding of the epic's themes and Anglo-Saxon values?

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