Beowulf Study Guide–College Prep

Beo= ______Wulf= ______

Name: ______Runic:______

Activity #1: LITERARY TERMS - As you read the first few pages of the story, complete the chart by comparing and contrasting the way in which the author characterizesGrendel and Beowulf (use at least 5 specific & different adjectives for each- 10 total). Also cite a page number after each adjective [ex. grateful (24)].

  1. ______: A literary technique in which the author reveals the personality of a character—not physical attributes, although they may be symbolic of personality traits.

2. ______ is to place 2 things side-by-side for comparison purposes, such as with the characters above. What is the effect of doing this in the story? What does it show?

Activity #2: LITERARY ANALYSIS

  1. On p. 45, what literary technique is used to describe Beowulf’s ship? ______
  2. How is it described, and why is this technique effective? ______

______

  1. On p. 45, what kenningis used as a metaphor for the ocean? ______

What does it tell us about the ocean? ______

  1. On pg. 47 (lines 214-223), what specific diction is used to describe the warriors from Geatland?

______

______

(b) How does it characterize these men?

______

______

Activity #3: THEME ANALYSIS- For each subject below, explain the theme. Then cite a specific quote/passage to support your answer.

  1. Exile:
  1. Fate:

Activity #4: TECHNIQUES ANALYSIS

Writers often repeat things to get the reader’s attention. Sometimes they repeat letter sounds (alliteration & assonance), and other times, they repeat words or phrases (parallelism, anaphora, epiphora).

  1. The repetition of words or structure is called ______. Complete the chart below regarding the specific effects of this technique in Beowulf:

Textual Example / What word or phrase is exemplifying this technique? / What is the effect on the reader? What meaning is implicitly conveyed?
“At night that lake / Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom,/ No wisdom reaches such depths.” (lines 431-33)
“The iron sang its fierce song, / Sang Beowulf’s strength”(lines 494-495)

2. The kenning, “Edgetho’s brave son” (line 449) is a metaphor for whom? ______.

3. Write an original kenning for the following:

BEOWULF CHARACTER: ______

*Which character are you describing? ______

YOURSELF: ______

  1. List at least 5 words that are used to characterize the monster’s lair:

______

(b) What is the implied message or effect of these words in the story?

______

(c) How does the diction in lines 543-545 differ? What is the implied meaning?

______

Activity #5: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS – These are the most important ideas of the unit.

  1. How does literature shape/reflect society? How is this text influenced by its context? Give several specific textual examples as your evidence and explain how they reflect this literary period.
  1. What is an epic hero? After reviewing all of the characteristics of an epic hero (P. 34-35), explain specifically how Beowulf is an example.

Activity#6: GRAMMAR – Write an original example for each comma

rule, incorporating facts from the story.

RULE #1: Use commas to separate independent clauses when joined by any of these coordinating conjunctions:and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. {Ex. The game was over, butthe crowd refused to leave.}.

Ex.

RULE #2: Use commas after introductory clauses, phrases, words that come before the main clause. [Ex. WhileI was eating,the cat scratched at the door. To get a seat,you'd better come early.} Common introductory words:yes, however, well.

Ex.

RULE #3: Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. {Ex. The Constitution establishes the legislative,executive,and judicial branches of government.}

Ex.

RULE #4: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are NOT essential to the meaning of the sentence & interrupt a complete sentence. {Ex. That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday,is the only day when I am available to meet. I appreciate your hard work; in this case, however,it was not necessary.}

Ex.