Beowulf Group 1: Emma Taline Noradounkian, Julia Ros-Larocque, Yasmeen Khan and Iline Guan
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Andrew Burton
Jan 31, 2012, 2:21:52 AM1/31/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
*** Your Initial Commentary ***
In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
or insensitive.
If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL230E1A0EADD11552
All initial commentary must be posted by midnight Sunday February 5th.
*** Your Responses to other Students ***
In roughly 50-60 words, each student must respond to the posting of
another student. Point out what you agree/disagree with and why,
justifying your opinion with careful reasoning and references to the
trailer when appropriate. Be sure your response is significantly
original relative to what has already been posted. Be courteous and
keep your comments focused on students’ writing/ideas. Only respond
to a student who has not yet received feedback.
All responses must be posted by midnight Friday February 10th.
In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
or insensitive.
If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL230E1A0EADD11552
All initial commentary must be posted by midnight Sunday February 5th.
*** Your Responses to other Students ***
In roughly 50-60 words, each student must respond to the posting of
another student. Point out what you agree/disagree with and why,
justifying your opinion with careful reasoning and references to the
trailer when appropriate. Be sure your response is significantly
original relative to what has already been posted. Be courteous and
keep your comments focused on students’ writing/ideas. Only respond
to a student who has not yet received feedback.
All responses must be posted by midnight Friday February 10th.
Iline G
Feb 4, 2012, 9:01:47 PM2/4/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
The trailer for “The Hobbit” kicks off with Bilbo telling Frodo “You
asked me once if I had told you everything there was to know about my
adventures. While I can honestly say that I have told you the truth, I
may not have told you all of it” (0:10-0:23). As the following scenes
illustrate Bilbo’s said great adventures, Jackson evidently suggests
that the story is recounted by Bilbo. An immediate link to be made
with “Beowulf” is thus that of the importance of oral tradition in the
passing of great stories in Germanic culture. These stories are also
similar in the fact that they tell tales of great characters
undertaking journeys and fighting evil on the way. “The Hobbit” and
“Beowulf” however diverge in the way the protagonists are thrown into
their quests: Beowulf starts his journey as a hero but Bilbo grows to
become one. This part of the movie is appropriately titled “An
Unexpected Journey” for Bilbo is an ordinary Hobbit who ends up in a
dwarf-party despite himself. Gandalf the great Grey bearded wizard
himself darkly announces around the 2:13 mark that Bilbo is bound to
come back “not the same” if he comes back at all, (which [spoiler
alert] he does).
On Jan 31, 2:21 am, Andrew Burton <a.bur...@marianopolis.edu> wrote:
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
> The trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playn...
asked me once if I had told you everything there was to know about my
adventures. While I can honestly say that I have told you the truth, I
may not have told you all of it” (0:10-0:23). As the following scenes
illustrate Bilbo’s said great adventures, Jackson evidently suggests
that the story is recounted by Bilbo. An immediate link to be made
with “Beowulf” is thus that of the importance of oral tradition in the
passing of great stories in Germanic culture. These stories are also
similar in the fact that they tell tales of great characters
undertaking journeys and fighting evil on the way. “The Hobbit” and
“Beowulf” however diverge in the way the protagonists are thrown into
their quests: Beowulf starts his journey as a hero but Bilbo grows to
become one. This part of the movie is appropriately titled “An
Unexpected Journey” for Bilbo is an ordinary Hobbit who ends up in a
dwarf-party despite himself. Gandalf the great Grey bearded wizard
himself darkly announces around the 2:13 mark that Bilbo is bound to
come back “not the same” if he comes back at all, (which [spoiler
alert] he does).
On Jan 31, 2:21 am, Andrew Burton <a.bur...@marianopolis.edu> wrote:
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
Julia Ros-Larocque
Feb 5, 2012, 1:49:06 PM2/5/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
Bilbo Baggins house can be seen has the banquet hall in the Germanic
culture and Beowulf. When they start singing about some sort of
adventure or story in Biblo's house near the fireplace, we can link it
to Beowulf, when he and his men are sharing the table with Hrothgar in
the banquet hall right after their new alliance, the minstrel sings
about this alliance between the Geats and the Danes. Also in the
trailer there are many images of adventurers using Bilbo house like a
banquet hall, when they are sharing the table, or drinkining and
singing or even when Bilbo opens the door and they fall in. Therefore
the usage of his house has a reunion place for him and his fellow
adventurers, can be understood as a newly created communial place like
a banquet hall.
PS: because there are men, dwarf and hobbit that are together for the
adventure, I had no idea how to call them. I couldn't say the men...
On 31 jan, 02:21, Andrew Burton <a.bur...@marianopolis.edu> wrote:
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
> The trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playn...
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
Emma Taline Noradounkian
Feb 5, 2012, 8:33:58 PM2/5/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
One of the most famous and influential men of our time once said,
“Courage is found in unlikely places”, whether this is the case in Bag
End or in a simple halfling. This same man, J.R.R. Tolkien, is
responsible for the creation of "The Hobbit" that invokes the
importance of establishing one’s identity, one of the key elements of
pagan Germanic culture. Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit from Bag End,
is tricked into undergoing an adventure with thirteen dwarves. Even
though he does not possess their warrior-like qualities, he takes
pride in his family name when he asserts himself, “I am a Baggins of
Bag End!” (0:31-0:33). Unlike Beowulf who was born a hero, the heroic
reputation that Bilbo lacked initially develops throughout his journey
as he’s faced with goblins, trolls and Gollum (1:52-2:32). He boasts
about these doings in a book that enables him to preserve his fame for
following generations to read. When he returns, he will not feel the
same. However, the cause of his identity’s transformation is
uncertain, for in the end, does he change because of his quest or the
influence of the stolen ring of power?
“Courage is found in unlikely places”, whether this is the case in Bag
End or in a simple halfling. This same man, J.R.R. Tolkien, is
responsible for the creation of "The Hobbit" that invokes the
importance of establishing one’s identity, one of the key elements of
pagan Germanic culture. Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit from Bag End,
is tricked into undergoing an adventure with thirteen dwarves. Even
though he does not possess their warrior-like qualities, he takes
pride in his family name when he asserts himself, “I am a Baggins of
Bag End!” (0:31-0:33). Unlike Beowulf who was born a hero, the heroic
reputation that Bilbo lacked initially develops throughout his journey
as he’s faced with goblins, trolls and Gollum (1:52-2:32). He boasts
about these doings in a book that enables him to preserve his fame for
following generations to read. When he returns, he will not feel the
same. However, the cause of his identity’s transformation is
uncertain, for in the end, does he change because of his quest or the
influence of the stolen ring of power?
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
> The trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playn...
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
YasmeenKhan
Feb 5, 2012, 11:55:38 PM2/5/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
Towards the end of the trailer for "The Hobbit", the news is broken to
Bilbo that he may never return from this trip that he is being told to
go on (2:10). This information is delivered to him after the trip has
already been fully planned. The danger of the voyage is almost
irrelevant as the importance is placed on the benefits the success of
this trip will bring. This connects to the idea of Beowulf and his men
who leave Gaetland despite the danger that awaits them in Heorot. In
this time period especially, the success of a brave fighter was so
highly respected that one wouldn’t question risking their life for it.
Bilbo that he may never return from this trip that he is being told to
go on (2:10). This information is delivered to him after the trip has
already been fully planned. The danger of the voyage is almost
irrelevant as the importance is placed on the benefits the success of
this trip will bring. This connects to the idea of Beowulf and his men
who leave Gaetland despite the danger that awaits them in Heorot. In
this time period especially, the success of a brave fighter was so
highly respected that one wouldn’t question risking their life for it.
> *** Your Initial Commentary ***
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
> The trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSoD4BBCJc&feature=results_main&playn...
>
> In roughly 100 words, each student must observe how the trailer for
> The Hobbitt invokes one or two elements of pagan Germanic culture and/
> or Beowulf. You may wish to consider elements of the trailer other
> than the dialogue. Observe how the element(s) of Germanic culture do
> and/or do not undergo change in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien/Peter
> Jackson’s fictional world. Ensure that your analysis is original,
> nuanced and makes specific references to the trailer. Please be
> respectful of your classmates – do not post anything that is offensive
> or insensitive.
>
> If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Hobbitt, read a summary
> here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbitt
>
Iline G
Feb 8, 2012, 2:59:42 PM2/8/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
I agree with your statement that in both The Hobbit and in Beowulf,
the journey’s success is more important than the warrior’s survival.
In the text, Beowulf is said to be “indifferent to death” (1443) just
moments prior to fighting Grendel’s mother and himself says that
“Living in this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win
glory before death” (1385-8). Similarly, Gandalf says that Bilbo might
not come back alive from his trip (2:14) and shows that putting
people’s lives in danger is a necessity and of lesser importance than
the goal of the journey. As you have said, both The Hobbit and Beowulf
demonstrate the importance of valuing success and reputation over life
in Anglo-Saxon culture.
the journey’s success is more important than the warrior’s survival.
In the text, Beowulf is said to be “indifferent to death” (1443) just
moments prior to fighting Grendel’s mother and himself says that
“Living in this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win
glory before death” (1385-8). Similarly, Gandalf says that Bilbo might
not come back alive from his trip (2:14) and shows that putting
people’s lives in danger is a necessity and of lesser importance than
the goal of the journey. As you have said, both The Hobbit and Beowulf
demonstrate the importance of valuing success and reputation over life
in Anglo-Saxon culture.
Emma Taline Noradounkian
Feb 9, 2012, 10:03:29 PM2/9/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
In general, I fully agree that Bilbo’s house represents a banquet hall
where warriors gather to celebrate and form new alliances. However, by
the looks of the trailer, it isn’t clear if traditional activities
that usually took place in a banquet hall such as the rewarding of
loyalty or the spreading of reputations are being held in Bilbo’s
house. Also, this safe haven is only temporary (which defeats the
purpose of the permanency of a banquet hall), for there is no mention
of the thirteen dwarves’ return to his house, and Bilbo’s fate is
uncertain (1:42-1:48). These small doubts can be resolved if one were
to watch the movie, but overall, the idea of Baggins’ house
symbolizing a banquet hall is accurate.
On Feb 5, 1:49 pm, Julia Ros-Larocque <juliaroslaroc...@gmail.com>
wrote:
where warriors gather to celebrate and form new alliances. However, by
the looks of the trailer, it isn’t clear if traditional activities
that usually took place in a banquet hall such as the rewarding of
loyalty or the spreading of reputations are being held in Bilbo’s
house. Also, this safe haven is only temporary (which defeats the
purpose of the permanency of a banquet hall), for there is no mention
of the thirteen dwarves’ return to his house, and Bilbo’s fate is
uncertain (1:42-1:48). These small doubts can be resolved if one were
to watch the movie, but overall, the idea of Baggins’ house
symbolizing a banquet hall is accurate.
On Feb 5, 1:49 pm, Julia Ros-Larocque <juliaroslaroc...@gmail.com>
wrote:
YasmeenKhan
Feb 9, 2012, 11:30:33 PM2/9/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
I agree with your statement that both Beowulf and the trailer for "The
Hobbit" are examples of the importance of oral tradition in Germanic
culture. Another example of this idea is at 1:00-1:14 where the
warriors are reciting together what seems to be a well known poem
about another battle. This appears to be a common ritual for the group
which again shows how present oral tradition was, and how integrated
it was in their lives.
Hobbit" are examples of the importance of oral tradition in Germanic
culture. Another example of this idea is at 1:00-1:14 where the
warriors are reciting together what seems to be a well known poem
about another battle. This appears to be a common ritual for the group
which again shows how present oral tradition was, and how integrated
it was in their lives.
Julia Ros-Larocque
Feb 10, 2012, 7:05:14 PM2/10/12
to Literary Survey Section 73
I understand the link with the fact that Bilbo is proud to be a
Baggins even if he doesn't have the warrior like qualities of Beowulf,
but I think you could have explore this fully because I am confuse
with how this is conected with establishing one's identity. Are the
warrior qualities part of discovering oneself? And how does Bilbo
being proud of his family name affect the journey and his lack of
heroism?
On 5 fév, 20:33, Emma Taline Noradounkian
Baggins even if he doesn't have the warrior like qualities of Beowulf,
but I think you could have explore this fully because I am confuse
with how this is conected with establishing one's identity. Are the
warrior qualities part of discovering oneself? And how does Bilbo
being proud of his family name affect the journey and his lack of
heroism?
On 5 fév, 20:33, Emma Taline Noradounkian
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