October 23rd, 2013

10/23/13

In Class:
Journal--   Make a T-chart. On one side, list actions that you consider morally or ethically “good” deeds. On the other, list actions that you consider “bad.”

The school is offering a field trip on Friday night to see All the Great Books (abridged), performed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company. The play is worth extra credit for this class, as it features Beowulf.

Reviewed and discussed "The Wanderer," particularly focusing on:
a) standards of masculinity and individuality,
b) the king-thane relationship, and
c) the role of morality.
"The Wanderer" is a prime example of the Old English elegiac tradition.
elegy: a writing (most often poetry or song) incorporating serious, mournful reflection.

Introduced the concept of Guilt- and Shame-Based societies, including the social construct of morality. Although Anglo-Saxon England is considered part of the Western world, which sort of society does it most closely resemble?

Exit ticket: Define 'elegy.'

Homework:
Write a half-page reflection on a time you felt either shame or guilt for a choice you made. What does your specific feeling say about our social structure? 
Read "The Dream of the Rood."