Questions for Beowulf

ENG IV

Directions: The following questions will be used to provide a framework for our discussion of the text. Interspersed throughout are questions relating to a.) basic plot details (i.e. “what’s happening in the story?” b.) use of literary devices (descriptive imagery, symbolism, metaphor, etc.), c.) specific use of Anglo-Saxon terms (wergild, comitatus)

Sec. 8-11

  1. How is Grendel characterized as he makes his way to Herot?
  1. Why does Beowulf allow Grendel to slaughter one of the Geats before taking action himself?
  1. What kennings associate Grendel with evil in line 432?
  1. What descriptive imagery of the battle is given in lines 440-452 (give at least 3 quotes from text).
  1. Why won’t Herot collapse?
  1. Beowulf’s men exhibit comitatus during the battle. What does this term mean?
  1. Why can’t Beowulf’s men harm Grendel?
  1. How is Grendel defeated? What descriptive imagery is given of his final wound?
  1. Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters of Herot?
  1. What “hellish” imagery is given in lines 525-534?
  1. What story do the people begin to tell as they leave the edge of the water?
  1. What similes can you find in the opening of Section 11?

Questions for Beowulf Sections 12-17

ENG IV

  1. What descriptive imagery is given of Grendel’s Mother?
  1. Where are the two opponents fighting? What descriptive imagery is provided here?
  1. What is useless to use against the Mother?
  1. What does Beowulf finally find to defeat Grendel’s Mother? How does he kill her?

Section 14-17

  1. Based on the summary provided at the top of p. 42, how old is Beowulf now, and where is this final battle taking place?
  1. Beowulf’s opening speech brings out the concept of wyrd, or fate. What lines give evidence that he is not as arrogant as he was before, but more accepting of what fate may bring?
  1. In what way could you assert that the dragon is the ultimate form of wergild?
  1. What is the relevance of Beowulf continuing to fight even when his weapons fail him? (see lines 723-741)
  1. Who alone comes to Beowulf’s aid? Why?
  1. What’s the importance/emphasis of Beowulf giving all his treasure to Wiglaf in Sec 16?
  1. What does Beowulf request the Geats to build? From what you know of Anglo-Saxon culture, why should this be important to Beowulf?
  1. Do you think Beowulf remains a hero right to the end of the poem? Why or why not?