Beowulf Choice Activity
Name: Date: Class #:
Beowulf – Choice Activity
DIRECTIONS: For this activity, you will demonstrate your understanding of the readings from Beowulf by completing a combination of questions / assignments as directed below. You must complete a total combination of assignments worth 10 points for 100% credit.
Please circle which questions / activities that you are completing. Complete questions/activities on your own paper. Attach this sheet to completed work.
GRADING: 10 Points = 100% / 9 Points = 90% / 8 Points = 80% / etc. Extra points, above 10, will be given up to a max of 5 points extra credit.
Remembering / Understanding(Up to 1 Point Each) / Analyzing
(Up to 2 Points Each) / Evaluating / Applying
(Up to 3 Points Each) / Creating
(Up to 4 Points Each)
Who is the leader of Herot, and what is the hall used for?
Be specific. / What do the Christian allusions tell us about the mainly pagan, warrior culture in Beowulf’s time? / What other “monsters” (from movies, tv, etc.) does Grendel remind you of? Name at least three and describe their similarities. / Draw a picture of the lair where Grendel’s mother lives. Use details.
Describe what happens to Grendel when he raids Herot and encounters Beowulf. Be specific. / Why does the author use “sin stained demon” and “serpent sliding silently” in his descriptions of Grendel? / What might be a modern substitute for Herot hall? How is the modern substitute similar and different to Herot? / Instead of violence, imagine that the Anglo-Saxons valued diplomacy. Compose a dialogue between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother that resolves their hatred peacefully.
How does Beowulf defeat Grendel? Be specific. / Why is it important to Beowulf that he fight Grendel without armor or weapons? / Name three other female “monsters” from pop culture. What do these monsters show us about our culture? / Draw an outline of Beowulf’s head. Get “into” his thoughts and imagine what is running through his mind when he seeks out and battles with Grendel’s mom. Use words and images.
Why does Grendel’s mother attack Herot, and what does she take with her? / Based on the descriptions of Grendel’s mother, does she seem more human or monster? Explain. / Compare what traits make Beowulf a hero in the Anglo-Saxon culture, and discuss how he is similar to or different from “our heroes” today. / Draw a picture of Grendel using descriptions from the text and your own imagination. Include a quote from the story that captures his character.
What obstacle does Beowulf face in his confrontation with Grendel’s mother, and how does he overcome the obstacle? / Why does Beowulf take the head of Grendel instead of Grendel’s mother? / The Anglo-Saxon culture thrived in part due to the relationship of loyalty and generosity between its leaders and followers. Compare/Contrast this value system with our world today. / Make a playlist: Make a list of songs that illustrate the characters, action, and themes in this story. Write a brief explanation for 3 of the songs explaining why they are the “perfect” play list songs.