Reading Guideand Skill Review

Beowulf

Directions: As you read this first part of Beowulf, answer these questions. You will need to use your own notebook paper.

(Interpretation) In the beginning of section 1, on page 21, what phrase or specific words point to Grendel’s evil nature?

(Humanities Connection) In section 1, Cain, one of the biblical sons of Adam and Eve, murdered his own brother, Abel. Because of this horrible sin, Cain was cursed by God (Genesis 4:8-14). According to the myth, Cain fathered a brood of monsters because of his sin. Knowing this, what does it have to do with Grendel?

(Cultural Connection) At the beginning of section 2, Grendel goes to a placed called Herot. It is the home of the Danish king, Hrothgar and his people. Herot means “hart” or “stag.” The stag was a symbol of kingship. Knowing this, and knowing about the value system of the Vikings, why is Herot an appropriate name for King Hrothgar’s home?

(Noting Important Details) Hrothgar’s men DID make some ineffectual attempts to rid themselves of Grendel’s horrors. What were some of these feeble attempts?

(Cultural Connection) The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings followed a custom of wergild. According to this code of behavior, a person who killed someone had to pay a price for his deed or accept the fact that the victim’s relatives would seek revenge. Knowing this, what does it have to do with Grendel’s behavior?

(Noting Important Details) On page 23, why does Grendel not touch Hrothgar’s throne?

(Author’s Purpose) Concerning lines 85-89, why is this background information about Grendel and Hrothgar in the poem?

(Christian-Pagan References) Although a pagan poet may have originally composed and sung this poem, the Christian monk transcribing it probably added Christian elements. What are some examples that show this dual authorship?

(Epic Heroes) Concerning lines 109-116, what qualities of the epic hero are conveyed here?

(Art Connection) Look at the picture of a horse collar back on page 22. Why might the Vikings decorate such an object?

(Main Idea) On page 25, Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he offer that he is up to the task?

(Making Inferences) Why do you think Beowulf intends to battle Grendel without a sword?

(Cause and Effect) What causes Hrothgar to make this speech, reminding Beowulf of the time he helped Beowulf’s father?

(Cause and Effect) What do you think is the probable effect of Hrothgar’s words from number 17?

(Alliteration and Kennings) Find examples of alliteration and a kenning in lines 212-218. Definitions are on page 49.

(Assessing Motivation) On page 27, what is Unferth’s motive for challenging Beowulf?

(Epic Heroes) A challenge to a hero made by a character of inferior status, like Unferth, is a common motif in heroic poetry. When Beowulf meets this challenge, he shows assertiveness as well as restraint and courtesy. What might Beowulf have said to such a challenger if his goal was to be impolite or vengeful?

(Interpreting an Analogy) On page 30, in what ways does Beowulf compare his defeat of the sea monsters to a feast?

(Connecting to the Text) Look at lines 305 and 306. Do you agree with Beowulf? Or, do you think that his words hold true for his time period only and not in our present day? Why?

(Foils) In literature, a foil is a character who contrasts with another. How does Unferth serve as a foil to Beowulf?

(Anglo-Saxon Women) On page 31, Welthow exhibits the qualities valued in Anglo-Saxon women, as they are described in the Exeter Book (see page 55): beloved, cheerful, generous, and gracious. How well does Welthow fit the description of women given in “Women in Anglo-Saxon Culture”? (see page 10)

(Figurative Language) At the bottom of page 31, how is the coming of night personified?

(Making Inferences) Why do you think Beowulf allows Grendel to slaughter one of the Geats before taking action himself?

(Drawing Conclusions) How do the actions of Beowulf’s men uphold the Anglo-Saxon code of honor?

(Christian-Pagan References) On page 34, what additional evidence do you find of the Christian-tension in this epic?

(Multiple Meanings in Vocabulary) On line 494, what does the expression “bound fast” mean?

(Cause and Effect) On page 35, why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters of Herot?

(Symbolism) Reread the description of the lake in which Grendel lies. How is it suggestive of Hell?

(Alliteration) The lines 539-544 serve as a hymn of praise for the conquering hero. What are some examples of alliteration here?

(Making Judgments) According to the top of page 36, is Grendel good or evil? Explain.

(Imagery) What imagery in the description of Grendel’s lair associates Grendel with death and darkness?

(Anglo-Saxon Art) The cauldron on page 37 is a product of the highest period of Celtic culture, known as the La Tène culture. As is evident here, these Celts were particularly skilled in metalwork. Much of the art on the cauldron depicts the mythology of the Celts. On an inner plate, for example, a figure wearing stag antlers represents the Lord of the Wild Beasts. The significance of the figures can only be guessed at. The cauldron might have been used as a kind of kettle for holding warm water or drink. Thinking of the cauldron, compare/contrast it with the mass-produced cups we use today.