Beowulf
Time Required: 2-3 class periods
Suggested Grade Level: 12
Arkansas Standards of Learning – Social Studies
EF.1.E.3 – Explain the concepts of tradeoffs
EF.2.E.1 – Analyze the four factors of production (natural resources, human resources, capital
resources, entrepreneurship)
MA.9.E.1 – Discuss the role of governments in the economy (*provide public goods and
services)
MA.10.E.9 – Explain different types of taxes (progressive, regressive, proportional)
Common Core State Standards – Reading, Literature and Writing
CCSS.ELA – Literacy.RL.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support
analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text, including determining
where the text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7: Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem
(e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded
novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the
source text.
CCSS.ELA – Literacy.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey
complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and
accurately through the effective selection, organization, and
analysis of content.
CCSS.ELA – Literacy.W.11-12.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and
well-structured event sequences.
Economic Concepts:
Capital resources – goods used to make other goods and services
Human resources – knowledge and skills possessed by workers and used in production
Natural resources – resources that occur naturally in the environment
Opportunity costs – next best alternative foregone when a choice is made
Progressive tax – a tax that takes a larger percentage of a higher income and a smaller
percentage of a lower income
Proportional tax – a tax that takes the same percentage of all incomes
Public goods – a good that is both non-excludable and non-rival so that individuals cannot be
effectively excluded from use and where use by one individual does not reduce
availability to others
Regressive tax – a tax that takes a larger percentage of a lower income and a smaller percentage
of a higher income
Tradeoffs – a choice that involves giving up some of one thing to have more of another
Activity 1: Beowulf’s Choices
When preparing to take Grendel by surprise in King Hrothgar’s castle Herot, Beowulf decides
not to bring his weapon into battle. What other options might he have in terms of fighting
Grendel and defending himself? Explain the potential benefits and costs of each option,
ultimately choosing the one that benefits him the most while costing him the least.
#1.__________________
Costs:
Benefits:
#2. _____________________
#3._______________________
Activity #2: Compensating Beowulf (Writing Assignment)
Consider the exchange of goods and services in the poem. How is Beowulf paid for his feats of
courage? What would be fair compensation in today’s terms? Please explain in your own
words.
Activity #3: Beowulf’s Characteristics (Group Activity)
Six characteristics for Beowulf are provided below. Rank these 6 characteristics from most to
least important for Beowulf in his role as the HERO who defeats Grendel and his mother. How
would the order of these characteristics change for Beowulf in his role as KING? Present your
answers to the class, explaining why your group chose that particular order.
STRONG
INTELLIGENT
LOYAL
BRAVE
GENEROUS
RESOURCEFUL
Activity #4: Did Beowulf Pay His Taxes?
When Beowulf returns home to King Higlac, he offers him a portion of the spoils from his
journey. How can this action be compared to taxes paid today?
What type of tax would this be (progressive, proportional, or regressive)? Why?
How would you assume the public goods of Beowulf’s time would compare to those of today?
Activity 5: Writing Assignment
Watch Beowulf on film. Compare and contrast the scene where Beowulf fights the dragon in the
book as well as the film. What differences and similarities can you identify? Please explain in
your own words.