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Medieval Literature

You know, ever since my senior English class started, I have been awaiting the chance to study Beowulf. Generally, Beowulf is looked upon as boring by high school students, as well as other who don't find reading very entertaining (which I can safely say counts many people out.) I really don't know why I'm interested in the story, maybe because it sparks my imagination, I don't know. Grendal, the monster whom Beowulf fights in the story, is a dragon-like creature, just the name sounds evil: I like the idea. It sounds like something I'd like to read more about.
I'm also interested in reading 1001 Arabian Nights on my own. I loved the stories of Aladin's Lamp and Ali Baba and the Fourty Thieves, not only from the cartoons which I saw (inlcuding the Popeye the Sailorman version of Abi Baba which pwnz0rs), but from the movies. However, I want to read the actuall story from the book or online, because, in my opinion, the book is always better than the movie or cartoon.

Have any of you read these stories or want to read them?

Re: Medieval Literature

I've read some Shakespeare before, in-school, of course, and I suppose it technically can count as "Medieval Literature". Shakespeare's work is good if you understand it, it can be hard at first, but understanding comes as you read more of it. We're reading The Tradgedy of Julius Ceasar right now, and it's interesting.

Re: Medieval Literature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aeroflot

I, and PropheticKarma, are both reading Beowulf, as is the rest of my class. Personally, i like it. Its a good story with action, myths, true character types, but it does go off on tangents every now and then.

As for the others, can't help you there.:uhm:

Re: Medieval Literature

I read Beowulf last year and I didn't think it was boring. It was pretty cool. And Grendel was the spawn of Cain, the dragon is another part of the story. I also read The Canterbury Tales and thought it was pretty good.

And Ghost, I would think that Shakespeare would be more Elizabethian literature than medieval, but whatever.

Re: Medieval Literature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix_22

How far have you got into Beowulf, and how are you guys studying it?

My teacher wants us to 'translate' the older English into modern English (not the OLD ENGLISH, but the 'middle English'.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by torpov

And Grendel was the spawn of Cain, the dragon is another part of the story.

Oh yeah, my bad. Got the two mixed up. :P

Re: Medieval Literature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aeroflot

How far have you got into Beowulf, and how are you guys studying it?

My teacher wants us to 'translate' the older English into modern English (not the OLD ENGLISH, but the 'middle English'.)

Ah, well we are currently about halfway through, or actually a little more than halfway. We are reading the version that is in middle english and set up as a story rather than a poem. All we do are chapter summaries and a packet that has questions in it.

Some of them:
1. What contrasting characteristics are found in the epic Beowulf?
2. When was Beowulf most likely composed?
3. Why is the poem's tone somber?

etc. those kinds of things.

Re: Medieval Literature

It was a good story. Read it many, many years ago.

I believe it's dated to be over a thousand years old. One of oldest stories surviving now, in English.

Re: Medieval Literature

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Ghost-

I've read some Shakespeare before, in-school, of course, and I suppose it technically can count as "Medieval Literature".

:Puzzled:

Seriously, who told you that? Its right off the scale. Medieval times were way before the 16th century.

Re: Medieval Literature

I enjoy medievil literature, heck, I enjoy all reading, Better than doing math... :p

Re: Medieval Literature

My mum read Beowulf the day it was released. She likes me telling people that.

I remember reading it, vaguely. School can make anything seem boring though, from Arnie movies to hardcore pornography, let alone Medieval literature, so I wasn't impressed at the time. You'd be best to read these things on your own.