Study Guide

Part I: The Monster Grendel, The Arrival of Hero, and Unferth’s Challenge

Sections 1-10

  1. What phrases point to Grendel’s evil nature in Section 1? Explain how

the allusion to Grendel’s ancestors also reinforces his evil nature.

  1. In lines 3-13, the poet describes the bard’s songs in Hrothgar’s hall. How does the content of the songs contrast with Grendel and his world?
  2. What significance can you see in the fact that Grendel attacks at night? What images describing Grendel might associate him with evil and darkness?
  3. Why do you think Grendel hates Herot? What symbolic meaning might underlie the confrontation between Grendel and Hrothgar?
  4. Consider the tale-within-a-tale about Beowulf’s swimming match with Brecca. What does this story contribute to your understanding of Beowulf’s heroic character and his powers?
  5. What symbolism do you see in the uselessness of human weapons against Grendel?
  6. Examine lines 345-372. Describe Welthow’s actions, and make an inference concerning the role of women in Anglo-Saxon society.

Quotations: ID the speaker of each quote, and give a brief explanation of its content and relevance.

  1. “Beowulf, you’ve come to us in friendship, and because

Of the reception your father found at our court” (191-192).

  1. “…My lord Higlac

Might think less of me if I let my sword

Go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid

Behind some broad linden shield…” (169-172).

  1. “…No, I expect no Danes

Will fret about sewing our shrouds, if he wins.

And if death does take me, send the hammered

Mail of my armor to Higlac, return

The inheritance I had from Hrethel, and he

From Wayland. Fate will unwind as it must!” (184-189).

Part II: The Monster’s Mother, The Final Battle

Sections 12-17

  1. What characteristics of an epic hero does Beowulf display during his fight with Grendel’s mother? Review epic hero notes.
  2. Explain how Beowulf’s descent into Grendel’s mother’s world could be representative of baptism.
  3. As Beowulf dies, he asks Wiglaf to lead his people. Make an inference as to what type of leader he will be. Justify your answers using the text.
  4. What punishment does Wiglaf order for the men who fled from the scene of battle? Why does this decision make sense in terms of Anglo-Saxon culture?
  5. By the end of the epic, Beowulf has served as a hero and as a king. Judge his orchestration of both jobs. Do you think that he is better at one than the other? Explain.
  6. In what ways is Beowulf a mixture of pagan and Christian ideas/images?
  7. The epic closes on a somber or elegiac tone. What specific words/phrases contribute to this tone?