Facilitating Questions and Talking Points for The Battle with the Dragon.
· What do you we know about dragons from mythology?
-They protect a hoard (treasure, weapons, etc.)
-You can anger a dragon by trying to steal the hoard
-they are difficult to kill; usually require some kind of elixir (magic weapon)
· What is different about the setup of this battle compared with the battle with Grendel and Grendel’s mother? How is the tone different?
-tone is serious, solemn; Beowulf seems to accept his fate
-Beowulf is not boastful or cocky
-there is a sense of doom; he knows he’s going to die; last battle
-actively requesting weaponry
-takes place in Geatland, in the dragon’s lair
-he’s a lot older; about 50 years old (most warriors don’t live past 30)
Beowulf’s Boast and the Battle
· What does Beowulf say will determine the battle? Fate
· How does this battle contrast with the battle with Grendel and Grendel’s mother?
-struggle, lack of success; first time experiencing failure in battle (line 2573)
· What does the speaker mean when he says it wasn’t easy to give up ground and “yield to the leasehold” of his days? What is the poet’s purpose in inserting this comment?
Christian poet moralizing (providing a moral or life lesson) the experience
· What happens to the warriors? What is significant about this? What code of honor does this violate?
-Comitatus. They would be considered cowards for abandoning their lord in his time of need.
Wiglaf’s speech
· Who remains by Beowulf’s side?
· What are some of Wiglaf’s main points?
· What Anglo Saxon value does this action/speech symbolize?
· What is the tone of Wiglaf’s speech?
· What is the greater significance? Elixir
Battle
· How is the dragon defeated? (Wiglaf’s help) Why is this significant?
-true comitatus; continues Beowulf’s legacy