Beowulf Study Guide Questions

Beowulf Study Guide Questions

Part One (from the textbook)

1. If Beowulf is an archetype of an epic hero, of what is Grendel an archetype? What details support your answer?

2. Why do you think Beowulf allows Grendel to slaughter one of the Geats before taking action?

3. What details in lines 44-56 demonstrate Beowulf’s superhuman strength?

4. Lines 76-81— In what ways is this battle between Grendel and Beowulf really a battle between good and evil? What details in the description of the battle make this clear?

5. Lines 88-94—According to these lines, why can’t Beowulf’s men harm Grendel?

6. How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?

7. Lines 108-119—As this episode ends, what details remind us that Beowulf is a hero of epic proportions, able to represent a people and their values?

8. Lines 123-126—How does Beowulf prove his victory over Grendel? Why might he do this?

9. Lines 131-142—What has happened to Grendel?

10. Many princes and leaders travel to Herot after Beowulf’s victory. How does this add to Beowulf’s status as an epic hero?

11. What images in the description of Grendel’s lair associate Grendel with death and darkness?

12. Lines 172-178—What is Hrothgar asking Beowulf to do?

13. Lines 179-203—Describe how Beowulf comes to the lair of Grendel’s mother. What details remind you that Beowulf is not an ordinary man?

14. What characteristics of an epic hero does Beowulf display during his fight with Grendel’s mother?

15. Lines 216-241—What details in this description of the battle between Grendel’s mother and Beowulf add to your suspense about the outcome? At what point do you think Beowulf may not be successful? What saves him?

16. How does Beowulf kill Grendel’s mother?

17. What is Beowulf’s final revenge against Grendel? What action of Beowulf’s provides a resolution, or wrapping up, of the episode?