I imagine that most of you will choose to make this one of your weeks off from writing response papers since the critical paper is due. However, there is plenty to consider for those who want to write response papers as well. I’m sure that you have noted many similarities between the heroic ethos of Rohan and that of Beowulf and/or The Battle of Maldon, so there is much that you might discuss concerning that subject.
Speaking of Maldon, how would you assess Byrhtnoth’s behavior in the poem? The behavior of his followers who continue to fight after his death?
Because of flukes in scheduling, we will be hearing five (!) presentations next Tuesday, October 17th. Therefore, we will not have as much time to discuss the readings that night. With this in mind, here are the readings through the end of October:
—October 17th: continue discussing Maldon; Lord of the Rings, book 4.
—October 24th: Lord of the Rings, book 5; The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth (handout).
—October 31st: Lord of the Rings, book 6.
