Year 6 - English
Characterisation of Beowulf and Grendel
'Beowulf': reading
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils read and explore a translation and adaptation of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They explore the language and the context of the poem and then explore and discuss the chapters sequentially, gaining strong comprehension.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to outline the key events in the fourth chapter of 'Beowulf' and you can find evidence of how the author has characterised individuals in the text.
Key Notes
- In Chapter 4, Grendel comes to Heorot and kills Leofric.
- Beowulf attacks and he snaps off Grendel's arm, which makes the Geats think that Grendel must then die.
- Beowulf and the Geats are rewarded by King Hrothgar for ridding the Danes of Grendel.
- Authors describe and develop characters' traits through their actions, dialogue and interactions.
- This process of character development is called characterisation and we can find evidence of it in texts.
Vocabulary To Learn
- prediction: an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
- in role: when you take on the perspective of a character in a text
- characterisation: the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story through their actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others
- evidence: information or facts to show something is true
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may struggle to understand the concept of characterisation.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
In Chapter 4, Grendel comes to Heorot and kills Leofric. Beowulf attacks and he snaps off Grendel's arm, which makes the Geats think that Grendel must then die.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'prediction'
an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may struggle to understand the concept of characterisation. Correction: Explain that the author is trying make us feel certain things about the characters; characterisation is just the process of doing that. If the author wants us to think Grendel is scary, they have to make that happen through their descriptions.
More Lessons In This Unit
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