In this lesson, we will focus on very important aspect of Beowulf: allusion. Allusion is a reference to something well known (often literary or historical), to help us make connections and draw conclusions. The most prevalent allusion in Beowulf is to the story of Cain and Abel. One of the main characters in this epic poem is Grendel. Grendel is descended from Cain, who is the oldest son of Adam and Eve in the Bible. When the storyteller introduces Grendel, he alludes to the story of Cain in the Bible.
Christianity was not around when this poem was originally developed as an oral tale. What historians and literary scholars do know is that a missionary became part of the translation (as we know it today), and it is extremely important for us to pick out the biblical allusions as we read through the poem. Without knowledge of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel (their children), it will be hard to understand the complexities of the Beowulf and Grendel characters.
The assignment you will complete today will give you the information you need in order to understand these references in the poem.
Directions
Step 1
First, create your own copy of a prediction chart. Download a prediction chart.
Step 2
Next, read following sections in Cain & Abel to see why the connection between Beowulf and Cain and Abel is made. Create four questions on the left side of your prediction chart as you read. On the right answer, your questions as you locate them in your reading and viewing of the Cain and Abel story. This chart is worth 8 points and will be submitted with the questions below.
Cain and Abel (Genesis)
The Story of the Two Sons of Adam (The Quran)
Cain and Abel (Jewish Legend)
Step 3
Finally, watch the first 13 minutes of the video by clicking the buttons below and answer the following questions:
What offering did Cain make to the Lord? How was this different from Abel’s offering?
What was the result of the conversation between the Lord and Cain?
Why was Cain cursed?
Describe what Cain’s descendants did as professions.
Why is the Cain and Abel story so famous?
What do we learn about “envy” in this video?
How and why do people identify with Cain?
What do the narrators in the video say this story is really about?
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