BeowulfTest Study GuideName:
Part 1: Characteristics of the Epic Hero: List the four characteristics of the epic hero AND give 2 specific examples from the poem that illustrate this characteristic in Beowulf.(+3 each)
1. Characteristic:
Example 1:
Example 2:
2. Characteristic:
Example 1:
Example 2:
3. Characteristic:
Example 1:
Example 2:
4. Characteristic:
Example 1:
Example 2:
Part 2: Characteristics of the epic poem: Fill in a brief definition for the characteristics of the epic poem and then give 2 examples from the poem that illustrate this characteristic. (+2 each)
5. Setting is…
Example :
6. Plot is…
Example :
7. Theme is…
Example:
8. Style is…
Example:
Part 4: Questions from the reading (+2 each)
9. Grendel attacks Herot for how many years before Beowulf comes to help?
10. Grendel is a descendent of what human from the Bible?
11. What did Hrothgar do to help Beowulf’s father many years ago?
13. How does Beowulf kill Grendel?
14. How does Grendel’s mom’s attack reflect true Anglo-Saxon life?
15. How does Hrothgar describe the mere/lake where Grendel and his mother live? Give at least TWO SPECIFIC details from poem.
16. What is the name of the sword Beowulf takes to Grendel’s mother’s lair?
17. What is ironic about Beowulf’s difficult time with killing Grendel’s mother?
18. What sword does Beowulf use to kill Grendel’s mother?
19. What trophy does Beowulf take back from the home of the Grendels, and why do you think he chose this trophy?
20. What happens to the sword used to kill Grendel’s mother, and what causes this to happen?
21. What does Beowulf ask Wiglaf to bring him before he dies?
22. Why does Wiglaf tell the other warriors that they would be better off dead than cowards?
23. Where on the body is Beowulf mortally wounded?
24. How do the Geats bury Beowulf,and what do they build to honor him?
25. Beowulf reigned as King of the Geats for ______years.
26. Who will rule the Geats after Beowulf’s death?
Part 3: Kenning, Stock Epithet, and Alliteration - Go through the following paragraph (adapted from the poem) and locate examples of kennings, stock epithets, and alliteration. Use different examples for each category. You are only required to give four examples of each, even though there may be more in the paragraph. (+1 each)
The Geats’ proud prince fought with the Grendel, the sin-stained demon. Beowulf’s great grip was used to defeatthe Almighty’s enemy. Higlac’s brave follower also defeated the terrible she-wolf. Years later, a dragon, that base beast, challenged Beowulf the brave. The dragon used his hot poison against the Beowulf, the Geats’ great king, but Beowulf defeated the serpent of evil. They will sing the song of Beowulf, the mighty warrior, forever.
KenningsStock EpithetsAlliteration
1. 1. 1.
2. 2.2.
3. 3.3.
4. 4.4.