Ballads

Ballads were the poetry of the common people. As we will learn when we get to Chaucer, "serious" poetry was composed in French or Italian. This was the way for the commoners to record their stories, history, thoughts, and ideas. Since they were not able to write down their stories, it only made sense to put those words to music so they wouldn't be forgotten. The best ballads are of Scottish and/or Irish descent, and they mimic the highbrow poetry of the time.

In the 70s, ballads and ballad form returned to music with the help of such groups as Simon and Garfunkel. For example, here is a classic example of a Scottish ballad that is still commonly played today:

"Hey Jude" is an awesome example of a modern ballad. While you listen, think about our six criterion for evaluating ballads:

1. Impersonal (Who is talking? Is Jude the speaker?)

2. Concentrated (Does it limit itself to one storyline?)

3. Dramatic (Is there conflict implied?)

4. Ironic (Is there a twist in the song?)

5. Incantory (Do the lyrics repeat?)

6. Simple (Is the verse structure uncomplicated?)

Can you think of other modern ballads that follow the old fashioned format?

Homework, September 15, 2011

1.) Use the weekend to finish, polish, and/or expand your extended simile. Due 9/20

2.) In 300-500 words, examine what Beowulf says a hero is. Then, find a modern example/definition and compare and contrast with the ancient concepts. Are there differences? In what ways has heroism stayed the same? Due 9/20

3.) Create a riddle for the class to solve! Remember you should use any/all of the tools in your riddle: imagery, personification, and morality. Due 9/20

Extra credit: Kennings

Come up with kennings for any or all of the following prompts: a parent, your favourite food, your favourite activity, a pet, a bookshelf, a work of art, a cup of coffee (or drink of your choice). Include the definition of your kenning as well. (Ex: Sprightly Squirrel Slayer = My Dog). Feel free to do as many or as few as you like; each kenning will be worth 1/4 point of extra credit! Due 9/29

Sutton Hoo

Today in class, we discussed the how the great hall "Herot" translates to the "hart" or "stag" hall. We also talked briefly about how stags were the symbol for kings to the Anglo-Saxons.

On the East side of England, burial mounds have been uncovered dating from the Anglo-Saxon period. The area is now an archaeological dig, and it gives scholars a detailed look into the lives of these ancient people. The awesome thing is that the more they find out about this time period, the more insight we gain into the literature!

Please take a few minutes to visit the Sutton Hoo site and look at some of the pictures and reports from the project. When you get to the main page, make note of the scepter pictured on the left side of the screen. Do you see the stag on top of the circle? Through clues gleaned from literature such as Beowulf, we know that it belonged to a king of some tribe. You'll also seem some great boat pictures that will help you picture that riddle 32 much more clearly!

Welcome to British Literature!

Hi there, and welcome to the always exciting British Literature blog. Here, I will post assignments, notes from class, links to websites, information, pictures- basically anything that will help you enjoy our class a little more!

I'm very excited about this year. Britian has some of the most varied and interesting writings available to study, as you all will see as we start our journey through 1,000 years of literature. I hope that you all enjoy the class!