Beowulf Comprehension

Beowulf Comprehension Questions

[Prologue] Judith Lee

1. It was unusual how Shield came to be the ruler of Danes as he started off as

an abandoned orphan, but soon built his power to become king. His funeral was a

grand affair. He was shipped off in a boat filled with treasures and gifts.

Hrothgar is Shield's great grandson.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1. The magnificent work that Hrothgar undertook was a mead hall, Heorot,

dedicated to the enjoyment of him and his serving men. Grendel attacked the hall

slaying many of Hrothgar's men eventually taking over the hall; it lasted for

twelve years. In response, the Danes prayed at shrines wishing harm on the

monster.

[The Hero Comes to Herot]

1. When Beowulf hears news of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he sets sail for

Denmark with an army to kill the monster, Grendel.

2. The Geats first meet a Danish watchman who stops and questions them. Beowulf

explains that they arrived to help the Danish get rid of Grendel.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42) Sierra Sanchez

3. Hrothgar’s herald is Wulfgar of the Wendla tribe. He first asks the Geats, why they carry so much armor, and then he infers that they are there for adventure rather than primarily self-gain, because they seem courageous. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar that he shouldn’t deny their help because Beowulf is their leader. In reply Hrothgar says he knows Beowulf’s father, and tells Wulfgar to go get the Geats. I’m not that surprised of Hrothgar and Beowulf knowing each other, because Beowulf wouldn’t put his life and lives of others in harm’s way if he didn’t know Hrothgar.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he is very skilled and experience and he plans to take on Grendel without any weapons, and for Hrothgar not to refuse him. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s debts during a warning period for the Geats.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth’s jealousy causes him to claim that Beowulf can’t beat Grendel, and he brings up a time in the past when Beowulf lost a swimming competition to Breca. Beowulf tells Unferth that he’s drunk and the true story was that he was separated from Breca and pulled underwater by a sea monster, that he later killed. This episode shows how brave and confident Beowulf is throughout the story. Beowulf then accuses Unferth of him not being as brave as he said he was supposed to be, and if he was then Grendel would’ve never came to Herolot.

2. Queen Wealhtheow hands out mead Goblets to Hrothgar and then to the rest of the men during the feasting. Then she thanks God for Beowulf and after sits down next to Hrothgar.

The Fight with Grendel Haley Kestler

1. Beowulf's preparations for his battle with Grendel differ from normal heroes in poetry in that he shed his armor instead of putting more on because he planned to fight Grendel with his bare hands instead of with a sword and such.

2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he immediately begins to eat the sleeping soldiers as he did many times before. Instead of eating Beowulf, Grendel is surprised with a fight as Beowulf never fell asleep and Grendel wasn't initially able to escape Beowulf's tight grasp. Despite Beowulf's death grip, Grendel managed to escape, but not without leaving his arm behind.

Celebration of Heorot

1. Sigemund was a great hero who slayed a horrible dragon that was a keeper of a treasure chest that hr won by slaying him. The treasure won by Sigemund symbolizes the gold rewards that Beowulf earned from the ring-giver, King Hrothgar. Sigemund's story is told to celebrate Beowulf and compare both of their heroic acts. Heremod is known as an evil Danish king who turns against his own people. This clearly resembles the reverse of Beowulf’s characteristic and by comparing and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator indicates that Beowulf will be king later in the story.

2. Hrothgar responds to Beowulf's deed by celebrating him and pronouncing him as both a son and man that will never be forgotten. Hrothgar then goes on to give Beowulf many gifts, including a sword. Since Beowulf was successful in his attempt to save the Danes, Unferth doesn't have much to say to him as he has become much more humble.

Imanie Patel

3.	The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes? The singer sings the story of Finn during the feast. Basically, in the story Finn, Lord of the Frisians, marries Hildeburgh, a Dane, to end a feud between the two tribes. The idea was to use the bride to ensure that the families wouldn’t feud anymore but obviously this was a bad idea. The Frisians killed Hildeburgh’s brother when he came to visit her. Finn was also eventually killed out of revenge.
4.	When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do? .Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf, but to trust in his biological son’s abilities to rule as king. She believes that the throne should stay in the bloodline
5.	Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do? It is foreshadowed that Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wears it until he dies in battle. She also asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children, but not to take the throne from them when Hrothgar dies.
6.	Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because they believe it is as safe as it once was now that Grendel is dead. This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother comes to the hall for revenge for her son. She takes one of Hrothgar’s esteemed men and the arm of Grendel back to her cave.

BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (Victoria Tonascia)

[Another Attack]
1. Grendel's mother came to Heorot to take her son's claw. It was out of anger and vengeance, not exactly similar to Grendel's reason.
2 Hrothgar's response was asking Beowulf to go to her lair and kill her, too. She had killed Hrothgar's best friend.

3. The mere (her lair) was an underwater lair under a dark lake. It had an eerie feel and was described as being very dark.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother]

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond (if he should die) in a caring way for his own men that he should leave behind.

Taylor Williams

2. Beowulf sinks into the water for a few hours before he enters the mere.

3. He prepares for the battle by telling Hrothgar what he desires just incase he

dies. Beowulf takes his ring-marked blade sword.

4. When Beowulf enters the mere, Grendel's mother grabs him but his armor

defended him. It's surprising that it take half a day to get down there but

those monsters have each other.

5. The sword breaks while Beowulf trys to strike Grendel's mother.

Beowulf Fights Megan Stevens

6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

Beowulf escapes because his mail protected him from the blow.

7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

Beowulf notices and uses an enchanted sword hung on the wall. He escapes by drawing the unnaturally heavy sword built by giants and slicing Grendel's mothers neck with it. When she died, the cave burned with light. The sword melted so that the hilt was all that was left.

8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

When Beowulf returned to the surface, he found his men waiting, but none of the Danish. It is clear that the Geats were skeptical of his return, so they were pleasantly surprised.

[Further Celebration]

1.What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar?

He gives Grendel's head and sword hilt.

(Further Celebration) #2,3 Elizabeth Smith

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf an important story about how someone good with deeds and intentions can just as quickly turn bad. Heremod let greed take him over and that led to his ultimate demise. Hrothgar wants Beowulf to know not to let the praise he is receiving go to his head.

3. Beowuld gives Unferth the sword before he leaves.

(Beowulf Returns Home) #1,2

1. Hrothgar is worried Beowulf may become too arrogant and be unable to fight successfully if these small battle victories get to his head.

2. Hygd is Geat’s queen. She is a good queen where as Modthryth is a bad, evil queen.

Shailyn Joesph

3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to
Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will
be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace
will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or
are we seeing a new side of him?
- Beowulf reports to Hygelac because he knows that the wedding could cause
problems with the family. Beowulf expects the wedding to recreate family tension
and violence and Hygelac to not like the idea. We would expect this from Beowulf
because he likes to stop situations before they occur and likes to plan for the
problem If it can't be fixed.
4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?
-Beowulf reports about his own adventures as slightly exaggerated, but mostly
accurate in the ways they are told.
5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give
him?
-What Beowulf does with the treasures he is given is he offers them to his Lord
and gives it to other people also. What Hygelac gives Beowulf is land, a large
house, and the sword of the Geats.
BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)
[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)
1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile?
What danger now exists?
-Part 2 takes place fifty years later. The king that have died in the mean while
are King Hygelac and King Heardred. The danger that now exists Is a dragon.

Haley Stowe

2. The dragon is angry because someone stole its treasure even though the man only took the cup because he was scared by the dragon. The treasure was put there by a lord who had lost all of his friends and family.

3. He destroyed everything as he searched for the thief.

4. Beowulf thinks he is being punished for something he has done. He decides to order a new shield and fight the dragon with only a few people.

5. Hygelac died fighting a monster and after Beowulf swam through the ocean with 30 sets of armor. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the chance to become king but he declined and decided to advise Heardred.

[The Dragon Wakes] Me

6.) Heardred was killed along with his father at the shield wall fighting the Heatho-Scilfings. After Heardred's death, Beowulf was ascended to the throne. Under his reign, the feuding with the Sweden terminated when Beowulf avenged Hygelac and his sons deaths. Conscious of avenging his fellow lords, Beowulf befriended Eadgils (one that was provided shelter by Heardred but was part of his death) and assembled an army to scrutinize Onela.

7.) Beowulf was accompanied by 11 others when approaching the dragon.

8.) Herebeald was killed by his brother on accident. Hrethel was devastated to see his young son be sent to the heavens so early on in his life. From this devastating loss on, Hrethel grieved his sons death and gradually lost his passion, love, and care of his kingdom. War sprung up between Swede's and the Geats over waters which resulted in the death of Haethcyn, a Geat member. In revenge for Hygelac's death, Beowulf attacked the dragon with a sword, failing to harm the monster, and was blasted by the enraged dragon's fierce, powerful, and poisonous fire Breath, bitten on the neck by the dragons sharp teeth and was killed.

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] 1.) Beowulf tells his companions to not fight the dragon because he knows it

will be his very last battle.

Beowulf Attacks the Dragon Courtney Reyburn

2. The first time Beowulf and the Dragon fight, Beowulf enters the fight with confidence as he had defeated all of the major giants with just a sword and armor. When he throws his first blow with the sword he is frightened when the sword breaks. Beowulf's companions all leave except for one of them, Wiglaf. Wiglaf remains loyal to Beowulf because he had provided so much for them and gave them gifts even when he had done all the killing. Wiglaf could not imagine going against someone who had remained so loyal to him and his family. Wiglaf tells the others that Beowulf has provided them with good armor and weapons and that if one man falls they all fall together. He also explains that although Beowulf usually does the killing on his own, they must be there to support him when he needs it. Wiglaf calls out to Beowulf telling him that he has come to help. Wiglaf then goes to help him and the dragon blows fire, which makes his shield useless.

3. The second time Beowulf attacks the dragon, Wiglaf works with him. Beowulf is bitten in the neck and is extremely wounded. Wiglaf is able to stab the dragon and wound him very badly. Beowulf gains one last serge of energy in order to strike the dragon one last time to his death. Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon together; if one had not been there the dragon would not be dead. Beowulf dies in the fight with the dragon as he has been struck in the neck.

4. Beowulf asks Wiglaf to go and find the gold that they had just recaptured from the dragon. He wants Wiglaf to bring the gold to him before he dies. Beowulf finally sees the gold and thanks god for allowing him to defeat the dragon and provide treasure for the people. Beowulf wanted his body to be burned at the coastal headland and for it to be known as Beowulf's Barrow.

Beowulf's Funeral

1. As Wiglaf attempts to save Beowulf, the rest of the Geats return, but Beowulf is dead. Wiglaf tells the men that Beowulf had left all the treasure to them but that it was worthless because they had not stayed to fight with Beowulf. Wiglaf says that death will be better then such a life of shame to the men who had left their lord wounded on the battle field. Wiglaf expects that the Geats empire will be destroyed in the future.

Beowulf’s Funeral Hannah Hurd

2. The messenger tells the city of Beowulf’s death. After Ongentheow killed Haethcyn, the Geats were threatened by Ongetheow, but they were saved by Hygelac the next day. Hygwlac proceeded to then kill Ongetheow and his men to avenge the death of his kin even though that morning Ongetheow and his men retreated the area. The messenger said to not get involved with the gold because it was cursed and anyone who steals it will get the punishment on the to. The final image of the messenger’s speech was the dragon that killed Beowulf.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd that if Beowulf listened to the people then he still would be alive. He also states that Beowulf was a brave and honorable man and not to think less of him or what he did. Although this was a disappointment, he was still given a proper burial because he was a military warrior/hero.

4. The dragon that killed Beowulf is pushed of a cliff by Wiglaf’s men and falls into the ocean and everyone was relieved.

5. During the funeral celebration (weird) everyone is sad of the great loss of Beowulf and mourns. It is ten days long and everyone places rings and jewelry to give respect to the fallen hero. After the funeral celebration, the people of Beowulf’s kin praise him and talk of his achievements.

6. At the end of the poem, the Geats said that Beowulf was the “kindest of kings, friendliest, and most honorable man.” He was a most honorable man because he fought for his kin and people and was unselfish in his duties and gratitude. The description of friendliest and kindest is deceiving because although the Geats thought he was kind, Beowulf’s enemies did not think so. He killed them with no mercy and no regrets so his characteristics are based on perception.

My university

While you all were interacting in the classroom I was snorkeling in the waters of Catalina Island. Interacting with kids who share the same disabilities with me was a true blessing. If only I could do that every day....

Awesome shot I snuck up on at my 5 AM hike!

Photo bombed!

CDC 2014 continuation

This is Brianna :)

Camp Del Corazon

Hey, gang, I'm back! five, long days on the beautiful Catalina Island with over 100 other individuals who all contain heart disease just like I do. It was such a great experience and I am so blessed I was given the opportunity to spend a large amount of time with kids who struggle with heart disease just like I do. Although I missed three days of school and its school worth, the trip and its memories were totally worth the stresss :) pictures to come!!! 

Reading in the Textbook Page 31-60 (in collaboration)

Pg 31-37 Judith Lee
From Tristia Ovid, Translated by L. R. Lind: Book 10
-Tristia had moved from her mother country, Dardanian Troy, when it was
attacked by the Grecian Army.
   -Now in the Pontus, feels like the days go by like years
-Despises the common theme of death races (referring to gladiator games and/or
the continuous war between the Romans and their enemies)
-Feels like a barbarian not being able to communicate with people of the new
land, had to use body language
-Was exiled from Rome
-"Injured the power of Caesar the god," in result was sent to assimilate with
the Scythian race as a punishment
   -Believes she deserved to be exiled but not to such a city
Far Corners of Earth by Tu Fu translated by David Hinton
Describes a shift from the Chiang-han mountains where clouds begin to hover
over to "a new waste of highway." Gradual decline in mood.
From Beowulf
-portrays the Anglo-Saxon culture of eighth century Britain
-Beowulf: sword-wielding slayer of monsters, upholder of the right,
warrior-chieftain
-Takes place in sixth century Scandinavia, speaks Old English
-Beowulf seeks to help the Danish King Hrothgar in fighting the swampland
monster, Grendel.
   -first of the three mortal battles
-Scops often told long narrative poems by mouth in Anglo-Saxon England which
resulted in it's change and growth
   -finally written down in eleventh century
-main themes: bravery, loyalty, heroism
-The Electronic Beowulf Project revived the burnt original manuscripts of
Beowulf.
Epic: a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the
deeds of a legendary or heroic figure
  -hero battles for the order of his world
  -story told in serious matter with sophisticated language
Legendary hero: a larger than life character whose accomplishments are
celebrated in traditional tales
Important words/vocab (pg. 37)
Kenning
Caesura
Reparation
Solace
Purge
Writhing
Massive
Loathsome
Sierra Sanchez Pages 38-41

Background

- England was changing from a pagan to Christianity, when Beowulf was created.

- Pagan Anglo-Saxons told tales rued by fate where people struggled against monsters in regards to their place in the world.

-The Christian converts taught that human choices between good and evil were at the center of creation.

- Beowulf interprets both the Christian and Pagan traditions

- Starts out during a celebration at Herot and outside is the murderous monster, Grendel

The Wrath of Grendel

- Grendel, the powerful monster grew upset with the constant music that played in the banquet hall of the Danish King Hrothgar that rejoiced in the beauty of Earth.

- Thousands of evil spirits formed from their murderous crimes due to God’s banishment of them by Cain’s responsibility for the death of Abel, who opposed God’s will.

- Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve; Cain killed his brother because he was envious of the attention Abel received from God.

- When all the warriors in the hall were done partying, Grendel went inside killed thirty men and took them back to his lair.

- In the morning the king mourned his companions that he lost, and knew it wouldn’t be the end of Grendel’s wrath.

- The only way the warriors could try to stay alive were if they escaped Grendel.

- For twelve winters Grendel’s defeat of the Danes ruled, killing many and most men.

- Grendel wouldn’t make peace or accept a truce or price

- Grendel continued to kill but wouldn’t touch King Hrothgar’s throne because it was protected by God, and the king’s council debated over remedies to get rid of Grendel.

- The King and council were conflicted by doing the Devils work by trying to get rid of Grendel and banishing him to hell, but trying to do right by God.

The Coming of Beowulf

- The death of the King’s son was extremely painful for the King and kingdom

Haley Kestler Pg. 42-44

 - Higlac was the king of the Geats and Beowulf's feudal lord and uncle as well as a very strong man

- Higlac heard that Grendel violently forced and demanded a boat to be fitted out for him to go see Higlac

- Beowulf chose the mightiest, bravest, and best men of the Geats he could find to accompany him on his journey to Hrothgar (14 men total)

- He knew the sea would lead them straight to that distant, Danish shore

- They sailed their boat and arrived fully dressed in mail with the best armor and uninvited

- Hrothgar's lieutenant met them on the shore, demanding to know who they were and why they came unannounced

- He asked Beowulf to immediately explicate their reason for their visit before they take action against them

- Beowulf explained who they were and that they were there to hunt Grendel and protect the people and their King from the monster

- The mounted officer believed their words and that he and his men would guard their ship and protect it, saying that any warriors who battle Grendel successfully should go home bearing their love

- Once Beowulf and his men arrived at Herot, they were called in to see the King

- Beowulf arose and went to meet Hrothgar with some of his men, ordering a few to remain behind with their weapons

Vocab!

- reparation: (n.) something making up for wrong or injury

- solace: (n.) comfort; relief

- mail: (n.) flexible body armor made of metal (in this context)

Pg 45-47 Imanie Patel

Beowulf and his men arrive at Herot and are called to see the King 

-Beowulf ordered some of his men to stay with their weapons, while he took others and himself "into Hrothgar's Presence"

-Beowulf describes himself to the kind to make him seem more favorable, by saying things like "They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me ride form the darkest of war, Dripping with my enemies' blood."

-Beowulf over does it on the compliments to the king then asks for the kings permission to "purge all evil from this hall" (including Grendal, who Beowulf is willing to go into great battle against) Beowulf is willing to die for his cause and exaggeratedly says so. 

The Battle with Grendel 

-Grendal came from the marsh and journeyed to Herot and was met harshly with Herot being so firmly defended. 

-Grendal stormed through the doors quickly, saw the young and sleepy soldiers lining the halls, grabbed one and killed him, snapping shit and drinking the blood. 

-Grendal clutched Beowulf but was suprised by his strength and attack. Grendal's first reaction was to run but Beowulf didn't let him go. 

-Beowulf and Grendal battled violently. Herot shook and trembled, it was built to only come down in fire but the battle was a much great force. 

 

Pg. 48 Victoria Tonascia 

• He was the strongest man, Beowulf was going to kill the "monster"
• Beowulf's men woke up to Beowulf fighting Grendel and were ready to fight, if needed; they were courageous, but Grendel was pretty indestructible against them and he could easily beat them all
• But, he(Grendel) was now declining, dying, and had been defeated
• His shoulder bone broke, a sign of the battle being over
• Beowulf won "glory, Grendel escaped" to his den though, to die a slow and miserable death
• Beowulf was very prod, the Danes were happy and his accomplishments were listed; he ended Hrothgar's people's problems
• Beowulf hung Grendel's "arm, claw, shoulder and all" on the rafters; it was basically a trophy of the victory and proof of the win

Pg. 49 The Monsters' Lair (there was a celebration of Beowulf's victory, but Grendel's mother kills Hrothgar's best friend and takes Grendel's claw, Beowulf hears from the king about the underwater lair)

• The king is talking the whole time
• peasants in fields saw female and male creatures and told the king's wise men
• Grendel they named the man one, no one knows if there were any before them or any other creatures like them
• The creatures lived in a secret wolf den with rocks and a waterfall to an underground lake (my visual interpretation of the text) It's very dark, roots hanging from the top, no one knows how deep
• The king wants Beowulf to kill the mother, Beowulf is his only help and hope of "being saved", he will reward him with gold and treasure for winning

Pg. 50 The Battle with Grendel's Mother (Beowulf decides to kill her and goes to the lake)

• (Beowulf is speaking to the men) To Hrothgar, if he(Beowulf) should die during battle, he wants Hrothgar to be "Father and protector" of his comrades. He wants Higlac to have the things Hrothgar gave him. To Unferth, who questioned his bravery before the Grendel battle, he leaves his "famous old sword" <symbolic value
• He jumped into the lake without others responding
• Sank for "hours" before reaching the bottom
• Grendel's mother saw him, her "welcome" was trying to kill him, but his armor was too strong to penetrate
• She carried him to her home, he couldn't get out his weapon
• the fight brought other monsters swimming to see...

Pg 51-53 Taylor Williams

-She brought him into her home which nothing could attack them in
-He attacked her but realized he couldn't hurt her
-They continue to fight, and she draws a blade on him, her only son, but she hit
his armor and he was unharmed
-He then struck her across the neck and rejoiced at her death
-He then picked up his sword and went to find Grendel but found him dead
-Beowulf then left taking nothing but Grendels head and the jeweled sword
-The Geats rejoiced when Beowulf returned
-They then gifted the Danes with Grendel's head

The Last Battle Pg. 54-56 Megan Stevens

• Beowulf honored by Hrothgar
• He becomes king
• rules Greatland for 50 years
• Dragon comes into kingdom when Beowulf is an old man
• he decided to slay the beast 
• before battle, tells his men about the royal house 
• wanted to fight without any armor, then realizes the dragon breathes fire 
• believes he's the only man who can do it. 
• wants to claim dragon's riches
• dragon attacked with breathe first
• his armor held up, then started to melt
• first time in life, he fought with fate against him
• his sword broke in two, but got a stab into the dragon
• Beowulf fell back, dragon attacked, breathed fire at him, he suffered
• once king, now a beaten warrior 
• all other men fleed without helping him
• only man that stayed was Wiglaf, Wexstan's son
• Wiglaf's mind was made up, he raised his shield and drew his sword

Page 57-60 Elizabeth Smith

Onela got armor from the king. 

Wexstan kept the shining gifts for his son but was killed. 

His heir, Wiglaf, inherited the treasures. He went into war with Beowulf and was strong and courageous. 

Wiglaf brought the soldiers together, telling them Beowulf had given them the swords, it is time to defend with them. It is better for them to suffer than to cause agony to the king. He yelled encouragement and went into the dragons deadly flames. 

Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon. The Beowulf is wounded and is dying. He asks Wiglaf to retrieve the treasure the dragon was protecting.
The Spoils

Wiglaf goes into the cave. Finds lots of gold and sparkling things. He grabs as much as he can and takes it to the dying king. 

Beowulf says he gave his life for this treasure, use it to help and lead his people. 

He said he wanted to be burned high at the waters edge so sailors could see this tower and call it Beowulf's tower. He gave all he had to Wiglaf and said their family had been swept away as warriors and now he was following them. Then he died. 

Wiglaf is mad at those who deserted Beowulf

The Geats burn his body.

Beowulf Notes Prologue- Chapter X (in collaboration)

Shailyn Joesph Prologue

-A King named Scyld the Scefing was a wealthy man who was looked up to by the people of his town.

-Nobody challenged him, he was better than everyone else

-Had a son and named him Beowulf.

-Son was looked up to and was gernerous to all the people of the town. 

-Ship created to hold dead body, very wealthy items, 

-Description of armor and expensive weapons.

-Ship sent to sea, talk about a flood

-Poeple mourn for the death of the child.

Chapter 1

-A new peson came to the thrown named Healfdean. 

-Was a strong leader

-Had four children Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, one not living 

-Heorogar was known for his bravery on the battle field.

-A hall was built in his honor 

-Creates an award called Heorot

-Talks about a banquet and a fued between father-in-law and father over wealth. 

-Something of evil comes from "moor-land" to hurt the happiness 

- Cain awakens (evil creature) to ruin the fun. 

Vocab

-march-rieve- A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read about him. "Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes.

-Ettins-Giants

 

Haley Stowe

Chapter 2 

Went to house and found group of people mourning the death of a person 

The next morning Grendel found out his servant of 12 years was murdered

That night Grendel looked for the person who killed his servant and was determined to get his revenge

The murder wasn't hard to find and Grendel found who he thought killed his servant

There was another person continuing to murder people ruthlessly 

People said he still lurked the "moorlands" but nobody said where this place was because they were so afraid 

People prayed that they wouldn't be killed by this person but also prayed he would be forgiven by god 

Chapter 3 

Grendel seen as a hero and people thought his valor should be recognized by the king 

Grendel chosen to lead a group of 14 men (called the Geats) to sea 

He and his men found the place they were sailing to - Danes 

Get off boat armed with weapons and shields 

Met by a warden (" scylding clansman") on horseback that was armed 

Warden explains that his job is to protect the people of Danes from sailors who land there

He also explains he had never seen people come there and be so obvious that they were warriors

Warden tells them that he is praying for them on their voyage 

Stevie Wisz
Chapter 4:
-the warrior (seafarer) leader claims he is the son of Ecgtheow who's widely
known and honored by many
-the warrior got wind of the "monster" that tortures and haunts the Danes and
demands that he and his men attempt to defeat this "scathing", "dark ill-doer"
monster
-agreeing with the plan, his men marched to the village/palace in which Hrothgar
loved
-some men were assigned to gaurd the boat and escort the others to the palace,
protecting the boat from their foes; "gaurd it kept o'er the man of war..."
-the men can see the shimmery, glistening, gold palace from afar
-the men who were assigned to gaurd the boat and also escort the other men then
return to the boat where they spend their time being on the look out
Chapter 5:
-the men, while marching, observe the shiny, well-decorated streets and
atmosphere of Heorot
-the men were approached by a proud, curious warrior who stopped the men and
asked what their purpose of arrival was
-Beowulf, the leader of the men, and Wulfgar(the warrior described above)
discuss the matters. Wulfgar directs the leader and his men to the throne of
Hrothgar
-Wulfgar asks Hrothgar to speak to the men
and exclaims that Beowulf appears to be a strong, firm leader; "In weeds of the
warrior worthy they, methinks, of our liking, their leader most surely, a hero
that hither his henchmen has led."
Hannah Hurd
Characters: 

The Geats- Beowolf’s clan, Beowolf born around 495

The Dantes- residents of Denmark, Scylding is Anglo Saxon lineage

The Swedes- lived in Sweden north of Geats

Finnsburh- The Fight at Finnsburh overlaps with Beowolf estimated time period and so studied together, example of Germanic heroic lay describing warriors experiences in war

Grendel- monster Beowolf killed and symbolic of when bad Cain killed good Abel (revenge), Beowolf is cause of trouble because rebel, Grendel’s mother is constant vengeful and represents cycle of war even when enemy seems to be defeated

I don't know if needed (above) but it was on the website and the characters are kinda confusing to know who are people talking but I think with rest of notes it will hopefully make sense! Thanks again for all your participation!!!

Chapter Six (VI)

• Hrothgar is talking of Beowolf and only legends have been told (like rumors in today’s world) of how strong and great Beowolf is
• They thank god (grateful) for having him send Beowolf to relive them of Grendel and his destruction
• Grateful for someone/thing that they haven’t even met yet, they just know rumors and stories about.
• Like society today when we want to ay someone for their service but really we should just be grateful for their service and sacrifice to be there rather than having to pay them to make ourselves feel better about “hassling them”
• heros don’t get hassled, they just go out and do because that’s their “job”
• People get mad about Beowolf not taking the money and gold but why should he? He did a good deed and shouldn’t it just be left to that?
• Beowolf gets message that Hrothgar will accept him and his kin in his own kingdom for Beowolf’s bravery
• Beolwolf replies by giving story of his own battles and how he came to be known as a strong man. He fought animals and his foes, many at a time, for his people (the Geats) and to avenge them (symbol of hero)
• Beowolf knows his duty, in specific to defeating Grendel, and knows that he must use only himself and no other armor
• knowledgeable of situation and knows what needs to be done. Doesn’t put brawn over brains
• “So, from thee, thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, that I alone with my liegemen here, this hardy band, may Heorot purge!” - I am not sure what he means by I have wandered too far?
• He knows he might die in battle and respects the “rules” of battle and lets his family know that if he is to die in battle, they shouldn’t worry about burying him properly.
• Practical but still with hope that he will win the battle with faith

Chapter Seven (VII)

• Hrothgar retells story of brother’s, Heorogar, death.
• Killed by war between Wylfings and Scyldings over money and gold
• Shows destruction of materialistic world and consequences of it
• “Then was this mead-house at morning tide dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, gory the hall: I had heroes the less,” - descriptive language of how warriors died trying to defeat Grendel. Revenge Hrothgar wants. Passionate
• Sit to eat after this gruesome story, shows culture and how they take death as a apart of life but then want revenge for wrongful deaths as do we in today’s world

Chapter 8 (VIII)

• Always refer to seafarers to tell a rumor or story, Why?
• Enferth (son of Ecglaf) questioned Beowolf’s ability to actually fight Grendel and told of story where Beowolf and “rival” Breca swam the seas together and then Breca got out of the sees unharmed but he worries that Beowolf is not strong like Breca.
• Questioning of strength is key in hero battle/adventure because it makes the hero think about his/her strength and if they really can achieve their goal
• Also gives background to Beowolf and adventures
• Questions that Beowolf will do anything without really thinking about it or consequences
• Beowolf reinforces that he is ready and states that he was a child and didn’t know better but he did bring swords for protection
• He stayed by Breca until the very end until it was impossible to stay together because of the seas tearing them apart
• Beowolf defeated the beast of the sea and that shows give evidence behind why he is worthy of fighting Grendel
• He supports this accusation on inadequacy and backs up his point with evidence as seen in today’s culture with giving effective opinions and if you want people to believe you then you give them reasons to
• He proves himself time and time again which is what a hero has to do because the people are putting their faith into him and they want credibility 

Chapter 9:

• Beowulf encounters evil sea monsters that make him feel threatened. So he kills them with his sword. He kills nine of them and they will never bother the sailors again. This is when he was separated from Breca. Reminds me of Moby Dick in a sense.
• He fought a difficult battle and the tides ended up taking him to the land of the Fins.
• Breca was on of Beowulf’s closest kin, but he left Beowulf in the sea where he had to fight giants on his own, but Beowulf doesn’t wish war with him. Beowulf believes that his bad will come to him.
• Grendel is the son of Ecglaf. Grendel was very jealous of Hrothgar so he brought him humiliation. Now Grendel would “rot in hell”. (Dante’s Inferno)
• Beowulf fears no feud with the Danish; he will fight, murder and eat with them and the next day finds out the strength of the Geats.
• Beowulf will fight with them and Hrothgar, jewel-giver, is pleased with his will to fight. The queen snickers at this but still continues to wear her gold and carried the cup of the hall.
• The queen walked around the hall, first giving the king a drink (Hrothgar), and then giving the rest a drink. She was so happy that Beowulf had committed to fight with the Geats and if he didn’t help win the battle he would die in the process.
• The queen thanked the lord for her Savior, Beowulf.
• The son of Healfdene wants to get to bed, but speaks with Beowulf before he goes. They speak of the hopeful glory for the battle the next morning. Beowulf will remain in the hall bequeathing, or giving the power over to him. Healfdene’s son would obtain the power over the hall, which was called Heorot Hall, for the night. ( A will? In case he died in battle the next day, Healfdene would inherit the power?)

Chapter 10

• Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, the queen, go to bed, but have a guard watch their room in order to prevent the monster from getting to them. The monster being Grendel. (Frankenstein was a monster to everyone)
• Beowulf retires for the night and has a guard watch his armor, but he challenges the monster to a battle without armor or weapons. He says the gods will decide who is right.
• Everyone laid down to rest not fearing of dying or not returning home the next day. Although many people had not made it back, they had no worries.
• Metaphor of one man being different than the rest to god ruling over man-kind. Was Beowulf starting to earn the reputation of a god?
• Beowulf was the only man to lie awake looking at the wandering shadow in the hall. Beowulf could only think of the upcoming battle and would not sleep.

Active notes pages 2-14

Help!

Hello, friends, as of right now I am in an uncomfortable position/pickle. I was offered to attend a free camp for kids with heart disease from this Thursday to next Monday. The camp resembles outdoor school, filled with adventurous activities. It will provide me with the opportunity to meet and interact with kids that struggle just like I do.  Although it might seem exciting to you as we'll it does to me, I'm just concerned with a few things. One is missing all those days of school work and the second is I am unable to take my phone to keep up on my life at home while I'm gone. What would you guys do? It's a 5 day, 4 night trip with no communication with the outside world. My main concern is not being able to communicate with my parents and family since I am an extremely family oriented girl. What do you guys suggest? I'm nervous to go but scared that I will pass up a great opportunity. HELP😔

MY OPINION ISNT (A) RIGHT.

After reading the document nearly TEN TIMES and sitting in on the intense seminar in class I have finally settled my OPINION about this article. I believe that this artical is bullshit. Yes I said it. Just because it's not "accurate" or "relevant" to an idea or conversation, who gives a crap! We all have the right to our own beliefs and a right to an opinion. We DO live in a FREE country and are granted the FREEDOM of speech. Each and everyone of us living in this country are entitled to anything in our language. We can say whatever we want, whenever we want, with no circumstances. Although, given the privilege of freedom of speech, we have to respect others. I believe that any individual IS entitled to their own opinion, even if someone else disagrees. Although, we are not allowed to force someone into agreeing with us nor forcing them to listen to what we have to say. We, Americans, were GIVEN the RIGHT to freedom of speech. Opinions are incorporated in the freedom of speech. One has the ability to say whatever the hell they want but they do not have the right to tell anyone that they have to believe it. In the article it basically states that when one dies, someone, whoever it may be, has failed his duty at helping the individual to remain healthy. This is completely a misconception. For example, what if one is diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue? So this author is telling me that that individual or another could have avoided obtaining cancer and therefore failed at remaining healthy? NO!!! What about heart disease? I've suffered from that since I was a baby! There was no way in hell that my mom could have done anything to prevent my heart disease, it's God, he does everything for a reason. Just like he provided us with the right to our own opinion. Who cares what others think, be who you wanna be, believe what you want to believe, because in the big picture things like that DONT MATTER. I don't know I mean this article brings up a huge, controversial topic, that can either have no effect on people or can fire them up like it did to me. I'm glad you assigned is to read this assignment because it really opened up my eyes to my thoughts of my fellow classmates and also others. I may be taking this article in the wrong way but hey we all view things differently, and that's what I love about today's society. 

Novel Choices, HELP! :)

I was reviewing the AP Reading List where we were assigned to choose a novel to read to perform the literature analysis on and I had a few in mind. If any of you have read either Of the Mice and Men, The Scarlett Letter, or The Color Purple, what novel would you suggest I read for my first literature analysis? I am super curios to see what my fellow peers will have to say!

REFLECTIONS ON WEEK #1

1)I do not believe there will be a disruptive amount of factors that will affect my level of participation in this class other than my computer being not so reliable. Although, my family and I have already looked into buying a new desktop computer which will then neglect that specific disruption. :) I am blessed with the best who provide me with everything I need, want, and more! When it comes to my schedule, I am a little concerned about the spring time when softball season comes around. I will still keep my priorities straight, being school and family as my top two, but I stress that I'm not going to have as much time to finish all of my homework tasks for all my classes by a reasonable time each night. I am going to try my absolute hardest to stay on too of things and complete them on time! :) 

2) When I was 15 years old, two years ago, I was given the worst news someone could possibly ever give a teenage girl. I was told that I was required to have an immediate open heart surgery which would provoke me from enjoying the rest of my summer and also from playing two of my favorite sports, soccer and basketball. After a thirteen hour surgery at UCLA Medical Center, and a week after spent in the hospital healing, I was able to make my way on back home. While physically and mentally preparing myself for the difficult trip out to the car with a broken rib cage and chest wall, I experienced the best thing ever. Just as I was about to leave my hospital room a sweet little 6 year old girl who was suffering from cancer and heart disease came up to me, grabbed ahold of my hand and told me,"I'm so happy for you, you're lucky that you get to go home. I've been here for a few months and I would love to go home and see my brothers and sisters. We're lucky we're alive aren't we?" With tears streaming down my face, I hugged the little girl with all my might and told her to keep fighting and her dreams would come true in no time. This specific experience taught me that I have no right to complain about the stupid, little things in life. My disease was easily treated and I was still complaining. On the other hand, the sweet, innocent little girl had been fighting for her life for several months and sill had not gave up the fight. It taught me to be thankful for everything you have in life, even if it's not a lot. There's people who would do anything to love HALF the life we live and have HALF the things we have. The little girl put everything in life in perspective for me. That conversation and little girl has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I'm extremely blessed. 

3) This year I am extremely excited abut forming new relationships with my classmates. Whether it be a hi&bye basis or a full ok conversation daily basis, I want to be able to confront and discuss with each and everyone of my classmates each and every day. I look forward to learning the technological process of education, Open Source Learning, and sharing the opportunity with my peers. This new open source learning will prepare me for my near future in college since a majority of colleges utilize the internet when interacting with their students. Overall, it will contribute to my success as a student, individual, and colleague! 

Vocabulary #1 continuation

1) Montaigne's essays seem to adumbrate his thoughts that race through his mind.
2) The Queen's apotheosis has only sabotaged her and led her straight towards harassment.
3) Individuals in society today believe that one bauble they're "required" to have is a cell phone of some sort.
4) The student was able to beguile the teacher into believing that she completed the assignment even though she had not yet made evidence of it on her blog. ;)
5) People should acknowledge the idea that the economy may burgeon once again.
6) Montaigne's essays strictly burgeon the man and writer he expected himself to be.
7) I believe any individual who has broken the law and appears to be contumacious should be required to spend a minimal amount of time in county jail.
8) While participating in an intense conversation between a few of my peers over the controversial topic of evolution, I realized one of the individuals taking part in the conversation was extremely curmudgeon.
9) My peers and I are provided with an excellent teacher who is didactic when concerning safe computing.
10) In reality, some people will believe what you think is disingenuous while others may think its reliable.
11) Everyone, when being accused of something, love to exculpate themselves even when they have no right to.
12) The King was quite embarrassed after his royal queen performed a faux pas at a royal dining.
13) Many of us fulminate about homework and chores.
14) Often, one will attempt to appear fustian in order to make themselves feel superior to others.
15) After the softball player received her scholarship, her hauteur began to burgeon and irritate her fellow teammates.
16) The teachers harsh criticism did nothing but inhibit the students ability to better his writing.
17) The jeremiad of the controversy of abortion will never disappear.
18) The students participation in class activities has been outrageous and opportunist.
19) Relying on a specific test to decide whether or not students are smart enough to attend a certain college is unconscionable.
20) SHOULD BE NUMBER THREE BUT ACCIDENTALLY SKIPPED: Although Mr. Price failed to keep his family together as they traveled into and throughout the Congo, he was lucky enough for at least one of his dearest daughters to admire his ascetic life.

Vocabulary #1

adumbrate - verb give to understand; describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of
apotheosis - noun the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god); model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
ascetic - adj. practicing great self-denial; pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline; noun someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
bauble - noun a mock scepter carried by a court jester; cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing
beguile - verb attract; cause to be enamored; influence by slyness
burgeon - verb grow and flourish
complement - noun something added to complete or make perfect; either of two parts that mutually complete each other; a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction; number needed to make up a whole force; a complete number or quantity; one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response; verb make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to
contumacious - adj. wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient
curmudgeon - noun a crusty irascible cantankerous old person full of stubborn ideas
didactic - adj. instructive (especially excessively)
disingenuous - adj. not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
exculpate - verb pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
faux - adj. not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article
pas - noun (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
fulminate - noun a salt or ester of fulminic acid; verb cause to explode violently and with loud noise; come on suddenly and intensely; criticize severely
fustian - noun a strong cotton and linen fabric with a slight nap; pompous or pretentious talk or writing
hauteur - noun overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
inhibit - verb limit the range or extent of; to put down by force or authority
jeremiad - noun a long and mournful complaint
opportunist - adj. taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit; noun a person who places expediency above principle
unconscionable - adj. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation; lacking a conscience

The Laughing Heart Poem by Charles Bukowski

http://youtu.be/KFOoZ-33-ZI

My Dad CAN(T) read😂😂😂😂

http://youtu.be/OeKZk7MWWck

This is what results when you've been out if highschool for about 20 years :))))

I CAN READ!

http://youtu.be/5oRNnFmgPCw

First time being exposed to the book, made 11 errors in 5:03! Maybe I'm not such a good reader.... :/ 

Essay #2: Montaigne vs. Austen

     As stated in David Foster Wallace's "Good Old Neon", what emerges from inside of us is "just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant." After reading the magnificent essays of Michel De Montaigne, one could say that the techniques and topics portrayed in his book of essays accurately support Foster's notion. By utilizing the stream of consciousness technique in which an individuals thoughts and conscious reactions are used to tell a story, Montaigne's essays demonstrate his scattered-braininess. He does not simply tell a story like Jane Austen, he goes with the flow of his thoughts, jumping from one incomprehensible topic to another.

     Both Montaigne and Foster depict that the uncontrollable thoughts that race through humans minds is far too complicated to put into words. In the Essays of Michel de Montaigne, these disorderly thoughts are exhibited casually throughout each and every essay. He writes in the spur of the moment, having the reader "on their toes", not knowing what will be said next. Montaigne uses imagination to tell a story which provides his audience with the notion that humans' minds are limitless. Ideas, opinions, and thoughts are boundless, as both men suggest. Montaigne's writing is fueled by imagination. By utilizing the stream of consciousness in his writing, Montaigne provides a window to his thinking in which he incorporates his personal thoughts and opinions into what he is writing. These boundless thoughts, are what ties him and Foster's notion together. The production of the human mind is too complicated to limit, therefore putting these thoughts into words is impossible. 
     On the other hand, Pride and Prejudice author, Jane Austen, portrays a very distinct, customary, form of writing. While Montaigne scatters his thoughts throughout his unorganized form of writing, Austen utilizes characters and their dialogue to tell an organized, structured story which is purposed to make a point. Because of this simplicity, Austen's pieces are much less complex than Montaigne's which enables the audience to understand and comprehend the text easier. The two individuals purposes and forms of writings are so diverse the one cannot compare the two. Austen's form is directed towards the traditional folklore that could be read to future generations, while Montaigne's ideas are limitless, random, and unforeseen. After reading both authors' works, and being exposed to each of their techniques, I would have to say that Austen's traditional form of writing does the better job at getting the audience to comprehend the purpose and themes of the novel. Some may say that Montaigne's "al over the place" thoughts convey a superior story, while others wholeheartedly disagree and favor Austen's style. I believe both authors contain complete distant styles and are not comparable. As for Montaigne and Foster, I believe both men share congruent styles of writing that demonstrate that the thoughts of the human mind are and always will be limitless.

 

 

 

 

 

1987 AP Exam

Dress code. Agree or disagree?

When I came across this picture on twitter a few days ago I was intrigued. I'm a firm believer of this specific post. I am disgusted that schools will restrict girls from wearing certain clothes when we live in a free country. I do understand that some take advantage of it and wear some provocative clothing, but I don't agree with restricting ALL girls from wearing those certain clothes. Recently there has been a dispute over whether or not our school wanted to ban girls from wearing yoga pants. To me that is totally not okay because they are an item of clothing that isn't intended to be provacative, but to be worn for comfort and excersizal purposes. Personally, I wear these types of pants almost every day, not to "show off" ANYTHING, but on simply be comfortable in what I wear!! What do you guys think? :)

Poetry Assignment #1

1) The poem that Levi's borrowed for their commercial without giving credit to the author, Charles Bukowski, was titled The Laughing Heart.
2) The use of the poem by the corporation is extremely ironic in many ways. First, the company used the uplifting, influential poem to promote and sell their product which has absolutely no resemblance or relation to the purpose of the poem. Also, Levi's attempted to provide its audience with the knowledge to be independent and to stand tall when faced with peer pressure all while the company is trying to persuade their audience into purchasing their product which is considered peer pressure. In other words, the corporation contradicts itself big time.
3) Personally, I do think the poem reflects Charles and his own life. I believe because of all of the hardships he had encountered in his life, whether it be his obsession of alcohol, sex, and violence, or his troubles dealing with an abusive dad, drove him to express to the youth that a better life is always awaiting. He desperately wants to encourage his audience to live their life to its fullest and to be independent individuals.
4) I first searched for the "Levi's Go Forth 2011" video on Google browser and then clicked on the first video that popped up. I then watched the video several times before I observed and obtained the gist of the poem. I became curious as to what his intent of this poem was so I researched him and his career on Google.  After acquiring facts about Charles and his successful career, I then made sense of why he wrote the poem.

Essay #1

ESSAY #1
    
     "Exile is strangely compelling to think about but terrible to experience. It is the unhealable rift forced between a human being and a native place, between the self and its true home; its essential sadness can never be surmounted." This famous quote, from the wise mouth of Edward Said, conveys the hardships  one experiences when they are neglected from their "home." Exile is noted as when an individual is either shunned or directed away from their home place. One novel that depicts exile greatly is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingslover. One character that demonstrates this devastating exile is Rachel. When her and her family are forced to relocate to the Congo, she couldn't believe it. Before she even arrived to her new home she had already installed in her brain that she was not going to be in favor of the new culture she was about to be forced into.
    
     In this novel, Rachel Price, the eldest daughter of the Price's, had a hard time adapting to the Congo. Her great amount of negativity portrayed throughout the transition, impaired her ability to connect with and adapt to the culture and people of the Congo easily. All of a the antagonism she brings upon her journey makes her outlook of and journey in the Congo a lot worse and dramatic. If she would have neglected all of it and tried to adapt to the culture first, she wouldn't have felt so depressed about the transition. Also, early on in the move to Congo, she was troubled in which she was extremely worried about her reputation and what the people in both Africa and her original home town would think about her. People in her previous home viewed her as a snooty, lazy, and stubborn girl who doesn't deserve anything without her earning it. Ironically, the citizens of the Congo had never seen an individual who stood out quite like Rachel.  Her being a light skinned, blue-eyed, young girl was very shocking and unusual to them. This was devastating to Rachel and caused her to consider that she was sent to live in this "horrible place" as punishment but little does she know, things will take a turn for the better in a blink of an eye.
    
     Rachel promptly began to realize that maybe the Congo wasn't as bad as she had first expected. As hard as it got for her, she still, somehow, made the best out of what she was provided with. Soon after she begins to think negatively about the Congo, she marries a very wealthy man who is the owner of a luxury hotel which Rachel treats as her own personal kingdom. This is extremely beneficial to her because as she is a very materialistic girl, and  is provided with the prissy lifestyle she had always dreamed to live. This high class life style resulted in her never returning back to the states to continue her life with her family because of the fact that she was intrigued by the attention and reputation she was receiving from her marriage. She was then satisfied with the stereotypical life she was neglected into and blocked out her initial views of and experiences in the Congo. Her relocation to a new home was the best thing that had ever happened to her, in many ways. It gave her the knowledge that life isn't all about reputation and materialistic objects, its about finding in life what you love the best and pursuing your lifelong dreams. This experience gave her a totally diverse outlook on life than she contained in the beginning of the journey in which conveys the story's meaning and purpose. Barbara Kingslover's intent for this novel was for the reader to obtain each and every characters point of view throughout the transition and to form a connection with each and everyone of them. It provided the reader with a scenario in which individuals are exiled and forced to adapt to a diverse culture that is far from the one they were born into.