Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Grendel by John Gardner

Grade Level: 9-12 (depending on reading level and maturity)

Subject: English Literature

Time Allotment: This lesson plan is designed for a 50-minute class period, but can be adjusted based on the needs of your students.

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to identify key themes in the novel's opening chapters, such as alienation, existentialism, and the nature of good and evil.
Students will be able to analyze Grendel's perspective as an outsider and how it shapes his worldview.
Students will be able to discuss the significance of symbolism and figurative language in the novel's opening chapters.

Materials:

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Bell Ringer: Begin with a thought-provoking question on the board, such as: "What does it mean to be a monster?" or "Can a monster be a victim?" Have students take a few minutes to write down their initial thoughts in their notebooks.
Background and Context: Briefly discuss the traditional story of Beowulf and Grendel. You can mention it's an epic poem and Grendel is typically portrayed as a villain. Highlight that John Gardner's novel offers a unique perspective by telling the story from Grendel's point of view.

Activity: Character Analysis and Theme Exploration (25 minutes):

Divide the Class: Divide students into small groups.
Close Reading and Discussion: Assign each group a specific passage from Chapters 1-3 that features Grendel's observations or internal monologue. (Examples: Chapter 1 - Grendel describes his view of the meadhall; Chapter 2 - Grendel reflects on the concept of "Shaping"; Chapter 3 - Grendel encounters the Shaper's discarded knowledge).
Group Work: In their groups, students will closely read the assigned passage and answer the following questions:

✵ What are Grendel's thoughts and feelings in this passage?

✵ How does Grendel describe himself and the world around him?

✵ What literary devices (similes, metaphors, etc.) are used in this passage, and how do they contribute to the meaning?

Class Discussion: After a set time, have each group share their analysis with the class. Facilitate a discussion about the recurring themes that emerge from the passages, such as:

✵ Grendel's alienation from the human world

✵ His search for meaning and purpose

✵ The blurred lines between good and evil

✵ The power of language and storytelling

Charting (Optional): If time allows, you can create a chart on the board where students can list the themes and supporting quotes from the text.

Wrap-up and Assessment (15 minutes):

Exit Ticket: Have students write a short reflection in their notebooks to solidify their understanding. Prompts could include:

✵ How does Grendel's perspective challenge the traditional view of the monster?

✵ What questions do you have about Grendel and his motivations so far?

Homework (Optional): Assign students to read Chapters 4-5 and continue to analyze Grendel's character and the developing themes in the novel.

Differentiation:

For struggling readers, provide them with scaffolding questions or a shortened reading passage.
For advanced students, encourage them to delve deeper into the symbolism and philosophical references in the text.

Extension Activities:

Have students write a journal entry from Grendel's perspective.
Create a visual representation of Grendel's world based on the descriptions in the novel.
Research existentialism and discuss how it relates to Grendel's character.
Compare and contrast Grendel's perspective with that of Beowulf (if students are familiar with the original story).

Assessment: