Name: ______Pd. ______

English 3 CP

Beowulf: Who’s Who?

Beowulf takes place in 6th century Scandanavia.

Beowulf Questions

(The Wrath of Grendel - The Coming of Beowulf)

DIRECTIONS: Answer all of the following questions by reading the Beowulf excerpt in our book. You should read from “The Wrath of Grendel” to and including “The Coming of Beowulf.”)

1.  Compare/contrast Grendel’s lair to Herot. (lines 1-29)

Grendel’s Lair Herot

*What did Herot symbolize to the people before Grendel’s attacks?

2.  Describe Grendel. Why does Grendel attack Herot and for how long? (lines 16-79)

*Why won’t Grendel attack King Hrothgar’s throne?

3.  From lines 79-103, the poet makes references to Christian and Pagan beliefs. Write down one line representing a Christian idea and one line representing a Pagan belief.

a.  Christian –

b.  Pagan –

c.  Describe the Danes’ (Hrothgar’s people) state of mind and faith before Beowulf comes.

4.  Characterize Beowulf (his personality, beliefs, looks, accomplishments, etc.). You should consider what the narrator, the watchman, King Hrothgar and Beowulf, himself, all say.

5.  Why does Beowulf think he should be able to fight Grendel? Why does Beowulf say he won’t use any weapons? (lines 237-284)

6.  Who does Beowulf say will ultimately decide who will survive and who will die in this battle? Cite the line.

Name: ______Pd. ______

English 3 CP

Beowulf Questions

(The Battle with Grendel - The Battle with Grendel’s Mother)

DIRECTIONS: Answer all of the following questions by reading the Beowulf excerpt in our book. You should read from “The Battle with Grendel” to and including “The Battle with Grendle’s Mother.”)

1.  Write down the line that foreshadows that this is Grendel’s last fight. (lines 285-324)

2.  Write down at least one kenning used to refer to Grendel. (lines 325-365)

3.  Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel from start to finish.

4.  Write down at least two lines in which the poet tried to incorporate Christian themes. (lines366-410)

5.  What does Beowulf do to prove to the Danes that he won the battle?

6.  Grendel’s Mother:

  1. Write down 3 descriptions of the place where she lives:
  1. Why does she attack Herot? What does she take with her?

7.  What does Beowulf ask of Hrothgar as he agrees to fight Grendel’s mother? (lines 448-466)

8.  Describe the fight with Grendel’s mother from start to finish.

9.  What is the difference in the Geats’ and the Dane’s reactions to Beowulf’s fight while they’re waiting on shore? Who do the Geats thank when Beowulf returns to shore?

10.  What does he bring back with him to prove he was victorious?

11.  Write down at least one kenning used to refer to Beowulf.

Name: ______Pd. ______

English 3 CP

Beowulf Questions

(The Last Battle - The Farewell)

DIRECTIONS: Answer all of the following questions by reading the Beowulf excerpt in our book. You should read from “The Last Battle” to and including “The Farewell.”)

1.  How does Beowulf get to be king and how long did he rule before the dragon battle?

2.  Beowulf says, “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me…And this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything hidden in that tower, will be mine or war will sweep me to a bitter death!” (lines 624-649) Knowing the time period and how a warrior should act, explain the significances of this quote.

3.  Write down a line foreshadowing that this is Beowulf’s last battle.

4.  What do Beowulf’s followers do when they realize he’s losing? How is Wiglaf’s reaction different and why?

5.  Paraphrase lines 806-842.