Beowulf
Answer on separate paper or document by rephrasing the questions in a complete response. A
complete response should be several sentences in length and cite quotations, including
paraphrasing, and line numbers from the Collections version (PDF in Schoology).
Grendel
1. Reread lines 1-29, describe the setting (Time and Place), the inciting incident that begins the
conflict, and the characters that are introduced in the beginning of this narrative poem.
2. In the same lines (1-29), explain the contrast that is developed between Herot (Mead Hall and
home of the Danes) and Grendel’s home. What initially stirs Grendel? Who or what exiled all the
demons and monsters? Include any biblical allusions that extend this contrast. (You may
compare to imagery in Genesis 1-5, light vs. dark, good vs. evil, Cain and Abel, etc.)
3. Reread lines 33-40, what sound or sounds is alliterated throughout these lines. What does the
repetition of this sound emphasize?
4. What is the tone of lines 44-49? What details and specific word choice help to convey the
attitude of the poet?
5. What happens to king Hrothgar’s mead hall? What does Herot represent to the Danes? Why
does the poet say, “hate had triumphed (line 59)?”
6. Identify details in lines 59-81 that add to your understanding of the threat Grendel poses to
the Danes and what his unwillingness to accept gold or land to settle the feud means for the
beleaguered thanes?
Beowulf
1. In lines 109-124, identify details that epitomize Beowulf as the heroic ideal of Anglo-Saxon
society and culture.
2. Anglo-Saxons believed that fate controlled one’s life. The way a warrior responded to his fate,
however, determined how he was remembered or immortalized. Therefore, explain why “none of
the wise ones regretted his going (lines 116-117).
3. Who is Wulfgar? Why does he request that the Geats leave their weapons outside of the hall?
(lines 125-134).
4. In lines 142-152, Examine the main points of what Beowulf says to king Hrothgar. Why does
Beowulf boast about his accomplishments to king Hrothgar?
5. In lines 160-175, explain Beowulf’s reasoning behind the method he will use to fight Grendel.
What does this reveal about the relationship between the warrior (Beowulf) and the king
(Hrothgar)? How does Beowulf still show his respect to the king?
6. In lines 190-207, explain the relationship between Ecgtheow (Beowulf’s father) and Hrothgar.
What favor did Hrothgar do for Ecgtheow? (Remember Weirguild)
7. In lines 214-224, Hrothgar responds to Beowulf’s long speech with on of his own. What
important cultural values, traditions, beliefs, and behaviors are emphasized?
The Battle with Grendel
1. In lines 233-240, how does the rhythm of the caesura reinforce the actions described in the
lines?
2. In lines 241-261, what details about Grendel create suspense? Identify an example of
foreshadowing in these lines. Explain why the poet most likely included this detail for the
listeners.
3. In lines 290-305, explain what the setting details in this passage reveal about Anglo-Saxon
civilization.
4. Epic heroes typically confront enemies who have supernatural qualities that make them
particularly difficult to defeat. Explain why Grendel is such a formidable opponent (lines 314-
327). And why Beowulf’s men cannot help Beowulf in the defeat?
5. In lines 332-359, identify evidence that supports the idea that the fight between Grendel and
Beowulf is symbolic of the struggle between good and evil.
6. In lines 356-359, how does the symbolism of Beowulf’s gesture reveal a theme resulting from
this conflict?
7. In lines 376-380, how does this passage relate to the Anglo-Saxon view of immortality? How
are heroes immortalized?
The Battle with Grendel’s Mother
1. In lines 450-473, note the setting of the second epic battle. Discuss why Grendel’s mother’s
intentions on taking Beowulf there and how she inadvertently gives Beowulf an advantage.
2. In lines 475-510, explain how this battle is similar and different from the Battle with Grendel.
Include details about Hrunting (the name of Beowulf’s heirloom sword), how Beowulf fights,
how he is nearly defeated and what motivates Grendel’s mother.
3. In lines 513-523, discuss the significance of Beowulf’s ability to wield the magical sword he
encounters in Grendel’s mother’s lair. How does this further the concept that Beowulf is an epic
hero? What later happens to the sword (line 561-563)
4. Explain the transformation of the lake in lines 370-375, 425-446, and finally 575-578. What
has Beowulf metaphorically restored? Note imagery, similes, personification, and words with
sinister or placid connotations.
5. In line 578, What does the line, “That noble protector of all seamen” indicate? How will
Beowulf be buried? What purpose will it serve to future sailors?
6. In lines 587-605, cite text evidence that reinforces the idea that Beowulf is superior to all
others.
7. What treasure (if any) has he stolen from Grendel’s lair?
Beowulf’s Last Battle
1. In lines 606-630, when Beowulf talks about himself, which traits is he the proudest of? In
what ways does Beowulf exemplify the characteristics of an epic hero?
2. In lines 655-660, how does the poet show that the dragon is like Beowulf? What are those
similarities? Support your answer with explicit textual evidence.
3. In lines 652-691 explain the main events of the battle so far. What major setbacks occur?
4. In lines 709-735, what do Wiglaf’s unspoken thoughts reveal about obligations that a king and
his people have to one another? What do you learn from Wiglaf’s speech to the other men? What
do Wiglaf’s actions indicate?
The Death of Beowulf
1.What does the narrator reveal about Beowulf’s final thoughts in lines 740-764? Which of
Beowulf’s spoken words echo his unspoken thoughts?
2. How does Beowulf summarize his 50-year reign in lines 744-755? What ideals are reflected in
his speech?
3. What early statement of Beowulf’s (lines 608-610) is reflected in his last wish (810-819)?
4. Reread lines 812-819. Why is it important that Beowulf leave a legacy behind?
5. What does Wiglaf’s speech in lines 851-862 tell you about the importance of honor and the
consequences of dishonorable behavior in Beowulf’s time?
6. Reread lines 889-893 aloud. Notice the alliteration in the phrases “words for their lords” and
“warm with love.” How would you describe the tone of these lines?
