Beowulf/Anglo-Saxon History

BEOWULF/ANGLO-SAXON HISTORY

REVIEW SHEET

General Information about Beowulf

1.  What is a scop? Why were they important in Beowulf?

2.  Who is the poet of Beowulf?

3.  When was Beowulf written?

4.  What is an epic poem?

5.  Give at least 3 characteristics that define an epic.

6.  What is the heroic code of honor and how does this play out in Beowulf?

Context of Beowulf

1.  What is the main purpose of Beowulf?

2.  What is a Kenning? Give an example from the poem.

3.  What was Beowulf actually written on and what is it made of?

4.  The Danes are from what modern day country?

5.  The Geats are from what modern day country?

6.  What is a meadhall? How did it get its name? What is the name of the meadhall in Beowulf?

Grendel and His Battle

1.  What do the Danes sing about which makes Grendel angry?

2.  Who has Grendel been conceived from? Who is his ancestor?

3.  How long did Grendel rule the meadhall? What season is associated with these years?

4.  What might be the symbolism of this season (see question #3)?

5.  How does Beowulf act like an epic hero when he defeats Grendel?

6.  What is so important about Beowulf keeping Grendel’s arm and hanging it in the meadhall?

Beowulf

1.  How long does Beowulf rule the land of the Geats?

2.  Who is Beowulf’s father? Why is he significant to the poem?

3.  Why might Beowulf have come to Hrothgar’s aide? (see #2)

4.  What does Beowulf fight for? What does this say about him as a hero?

5.  How does Beowulf change as a young hero to an older hero?

6.  Who is Beowulf’s heir?

Monsters

1.  How does the author view women? How does Grendel’s mother contradict this?

2.  How does Beowulf view his earthly life? How does he view the next life?

3.  What would make Beowulf’s death softer? How do you know this? Provide some lines from the text.

4.  Why does Hrothgar have Beowulf fight Grendel’s Mother?

5.  What two things fail when Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother?

6.  Who helps Beowulf during the last battle? What does he say to other men? What becomes of this man at the end of the poem?

7.  What do the Geats build for Beowulf after his death? Why is this important?