Beowulf
Study Guide
Grendel
- What is the setting of the first part of the epic? (What is it called, who built it, and why?) What does this place symbolize?
- How was Grendel created and where is he required to live?
- Describe Grendel’s attack on the hall. How long have the attacks gone on? What time of day does Grendel appear? What does he symbolize?
- What measures did Hrothgar and his men use in their attempt to stop Grendel?
- Why doesn’t Grendel attack Hrothgar?
*What two religions are evident in this epic? Which was first? What is the belief of the afterlife for each?
Beowulf
- How does Beowulf learn of the Danes’ problem? How many thanes does Beowulf take with him?
- What heroic traits does Beowulf possess throughtout this story? What were the virtues of the Anglo-Saxon’s? Does Beowulf represent them? (Be able to use evidence from the epic.)
- How does Hrothgar know of Beowulf?
- What is Beowulf’s plan for Grendel? What weapons does he come prepared with?
The Battle with Grendel
- Find specific lines which indicate this will be the last battle for Grendel.
- Why does Beowulf allow Grendel to devour one of his best men in the nights attack?
- Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Be specific and sequential.
- Why don’t the swords work to harm/kill Grendel?
- What does Beowulf keep as his prize?
- Describe the home of Grendel the day after the battle (as seen by the warriors).
- Describe the relationship between Unferth and Beowulf.
Grendel’s Mother
- Why does Grendel’s mother appear?
- Describe the Mother’s attack on Herot. What does she take with her?
- Where is Beowulf during this attack?
- Who does the Mother kill?
- Describe the sight of the lake after she leaves.
- What is Hrunting? Where did Beowulf get it?
- Where is Grendel’s Mother found?
- Describe the fight and the use of weapons between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother.
- How is Grendel’s mother killed?
- In Beowulf’s absence, what attitude has come over the Danes and the Geats?
- What is brought back to Herot?
- Compare and contrast the behavior and actions of Gendel and his mother.
Beowulf’s Last Battle
- How many years pass from the battle with Grendel’s mother to the battle with the dragon?
- What events angered the dragon and how does the dragon act towards Beowulf’s people?
- What weapons does Beowulf plan to use against the dragon? Why? How is this different from previous battles?
- Describe the actual battle. How successful is Beowulf in the battle?
- Why do Beowulf’s warriors desert him now?
- Who is Wiglaf? What is his relationship with Beowulf?
Beowulf’s Death
- Who kills the dragon?
- In Beowulf’s closing speech, what ideals does he reflect on?
- How does Wiglaf tend to Beowulf as he dies? How does Beowulf reward Wiglaf?
- What does Wiglaf’s speech tell us about the importance of honor and the consequences of dishonorable behavior in Beowulf’s time?
- What kind of memorial does Beowulf request as he dies? Why is it important that he leave a legacy behind?
- How does the Geats characterize Beowulf as the poem closes?
*Know the character list. There will be a matching section.