BeowulfBeowulf

The BasicsThe Basics

•Who? Who?

•What?What?

•When?When?

•Where?Where?

•Why?Why?

By Whom?By Whom?• By whom was it written?By whom was it written?

– Most Anglo-Saxon poetry was oral at first, Most Anglo-Saxon poetry was oral at first, meaning it was transmitted or performed by a meaning it was transmitted or performed by a Bard (Scop) from memory; it wasn’t actually Bard (Scop) from memory; it wasn’t actually written down, written down, per seper se until . . . until . . .

– Somewhere between the eighth and ninth Somewhere between the eighth and ninth centuries A.D., “The centuries A.D., “The BeowulfBeowulf-Poet” (his identity -Poet” (his identity is unknown) wrote down the poem which for is unknown) wrote down the poem which for many years had been sung/spoken.many years had been sung/spoken.

– The The BeowulfBeowulf-poet, scholars believe, was an -poet, scholars believe, was an English monk (and therefore, English monk (and therefore, ChristianChristian) who ) who probably lived in one of the Anglo-Saxon probably lived in one of the Anglo-Saxon settlements in Western England (Mercia)settlements in Western England (Mercia)

About Whom? About Whom? • Even though the poet himself was Even though the poet himself was

English and Christian, the poem is about English and Christian, the poem is about neither Englishmen nor (full-fledged) neither Englishmen nor (full-fledged) ChristiansChristians

• It is the story of several Scandinavian It is the story of several Scandinavian peoples (tribes, really), mainly the Geats peoples (tribes, really), mainly the Geats and the Danes, but also the Swedes. and the Danes, but also the Swedes. Beowulf is a Geat. He goes to the aid of Beowulf is a Geat. He goes to the aid of the Danes, whose king is Hrothgarthe Danes, whose king is Hrothgar

• They live in . . . They live in . . .

Map of Baltic Region of Map of Baltic Region of Scandinavia and the Viking Scandinavia and the Viking

Invasions (700-800)Invasions (700-800)

““Who?” in ReviewWho?” in Review• The poem’s hero is Beowulf, a Geat who lives in The poem’s hero is Beowulf, a Geat who lives in

Scandinavia. He is probably a fictional character. Scandinavia. He is probably a fictional character. He is certainly an epic hero. More on this later. He is certainly an epic hero. More on this later. The poem is also about three races or tribes:The poem is also about three races or tribes:– The GeatsThe Geats– The DanesThe Danes– The SwedesThe Swedes

• It is written by an English (Anglo-Saxon) monk who It is written by an English (Anglo-Saxon) monk who is looking back in time to the days when his is looking back in time to the days when his ancestors still lived in Scandinavia and by a ancestors still lived in Scandinavia and by a different code of ethics. (The Anglo-Saxon code different code of ethics. (The Anglo-Saxon code was on its way out, soon to be replaced by was on its way out, soon to be replaced by Christian values)Christian values)

• The original audiences would have heard the The original audiences would have heard the poem, and they would probably have been distant poem, and they would probably have been distant relatives of those tribes who play major roles in relatives of those tribes who play major roles in the poemthe poem

Who are the main Who are the main characters?characters?• Beowulf (Geat)Beowulf (Geat)

• Hrothgar (Dane)Hrothgar (Dane)

• Unferth (Dane)Unferth (Dane)

• Wiglaf (Geat)Wiglaf (Geat)

• GrendelGrendel

• Grendel’s motherGrendel’s mother

• The dragonThe dragon

Main Characters Part DeuxMain Characters Part Deux

• Many people divide the poem into thirds; it Many people divide the poem into thirds; it is about Beowulf’s three epic battles with is about Beowulf’s three epic battles with evil creaturesevil creatures– GrendelGrendel– Grendel’s MotherGrendel’s Mother– The DragonThe Dragon

• However, as Heaney points out, it is also However, as Heaney points out, it is also really about three tribes:really about three tribes:– The GeatsThe Geats– The DanesThe Danes– The SwedesThe Swedes

What?What?• What is it?What is it? Beowulf is an Beowulf is an epicepic poem. An epic is “a poem. An epic is “a

long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society” (particular society” (ElementsElements 1263). 1263).

• What is he?What is he? Beowulf is an Beowulf is an epic heroepic hero; the essay you ; the essay you write about this work will deal with one of the Anglo-write about this work will deal with one of the Anglo-Saxon or Christian values he representsSaxon or Christian values he represents

• What is it about?What is it about? It is about a transitional point in It is about a transitional point in history (though it is mostly mythological and history (though it is mostly mythological and fictional)fictional)

• It is poetic, creative, imaginative, and one of the It is poetic, creative, imaginative, and one of the earliest works of art in the English language (albeit earliest works of art in the English language (albeit Old English)Old English)

• It is also important to remember that it is NOT a It is also important to remember that it is NOT a work written in Latin. It is written in the vernacular work written in Latin. It is written in the vernacular (OE) and about people who were England’s founders (OE) and about people who were England’s founders (or conquerors) in the middle of the first millennium. (or conquerors) in the middle of the first millennium.

What (else)?What (else)?• Fuller definition of epic:Fuller definition of epic: An epic is “a long narrative An epic is “a long narrative poempoem that relates the that relates the

great deeds of a larger-than-life great deeds of a larger-than-life herohero who embodies the values of a who embodies the values of a particular society. Most epics include elements of particular society. Most epics include elements of myth, legend, myth, legend, folklore, and historyfolklore, and history. Their . Their tonetone is serious, and their is serious, and their languagelanguage is is grand. Most epic heroes undertake quests to achieve something of grand. Most epic heroes undertake quests to achieve something of tremendous value to themselves and their society. Homer’s tremendous value to themselves and their society. Homer’s OdysseyOdyssey and and IliadIliad and Virgil’s and Virgil’s AeneidAeneid are the best-known epics in the Western tradition. are the best-known epics in the Western tradition. The two most important English epics are the Anglo-Saxon poem The two most important English epics are the Anglo-Saxon poem BeowulfBeowulf . . . . and Milton’s . . and Milton’s Paradise LostParadise Lost” (” (ElementsElements 1263). 1263).

• BeowulfBeowulf is also, in very many ways, allegorical. An allegory is “A story in is also, in very many ways, allegorical. An allegory is “A story in which the characters, settings, and events stand for abstract or moral which the characters, settings, and events stand for abstract or moral concepts” (concepts” (ElementsElements 1259). It would be better to say that there are 1259). It would be better to say that there are allegorical features in Beowulf than to call it an allegory. Just looking at allegorical features in Beowulf than to call it an allegory. Just looking at the three creatures Bewoulf defeats may help show how the poem can be the three creatures Bewoulf defeats may help show how the poem can be read allegorically:read allegorically:– GrendelGrendel stands for the monstrous features of fratricide; consider that he is born stands for the monstrous features of fratricide; consider that he is born

of Cain (who is know for killing his brother). The Geats, Danes, and Swedes, of Cain (who is know for killing his brother). The Geats, Danes, and Swedes, were in many ways “brothers,” but they were also at war. Who else kills his were in many ways “brothers,” but they were also at war. Who else kills his brother (or kinsmen) in the poem?brother (or kinsmen) in the poem?

– Grendel’s motherGrendel’s mother may stand for the root of (or mother of) our deepest may stand for the root of (or mother of) our deepest animalistic aggressions. When heroes go into the sea, it is said by some scholars animalistic aggressions. When heroes go into the sea, it is said by some scholars that they are actually going into the deepest recesses of their psyche. IS that they are actually going into the deepest recesses of their psyche. IS Beowulf, by defeating Grendel’s mother, simply “killing” the concept of revenge Beowulf, by defeating Grendel’s mother, simply “killing” the concept of revenge for revenge’s sake?for revenge’s sake?

– DragonsDragons often represent greed. They horde treasure and become violent if the often represent greed. They horde treasure and become violent if the treasure is touched. By killing the dragon, is Beowulf killing his own greed? treasure is touched. By killing the dragon, is Beowulf killing his own greed? Notice what he bequeaths to his people after he dies. Notice what he bequeaths to his people after he dies.

When?When?• When was it written?When was it written? It was probably written It was probably written

sometime around 700 A.D.sometime around 700 A.D.• When did the events in it take place?When did the events in it take place? Again, it is a Again, it is a

fictional work. However, it is an imaginative work fictional work. However, it is an imaginative work about people who occupied the Baltic region about people who occupied the Baltic region sometime in the fifth century A.D.sometime in the fifth century A.D.

• Some events in the poem did take place:Some events in the poem did take place:– The raid against the Franks by Hygelac, Beowulf’s lord, took The raid against the Franks by Hygelac, Beowulf’s lord, took

place in the sixth century A.D.place in the sixth century A.D.• It is important to remember the vast role time (Past, It is important to remember the vast role time (Past,

Present, and Future) plays within the poem itself. Present, and Future) plays within the poem itself. Beowulf and the other characters who populate the Beowulf and the other characters who populate the poem seem to be obsessed themselves with the poem seem to be obsessed themselves with the human relationship to time (or “when”)human relationship to time (or “when”)

• Most important thing to remember is that it is a Most important thing to remember is that it is a poem that reminisces about a previous, “dead” poem that reminisces about a previous, “dead” world. world.

Where?Where?• Where was it written?Where was it written? It was written down, most It was written down, most

likely, in the kingdom of Mercia (East Central likely, in the kingdom of Mercia (East Central Enlgand today).Enlgand today).

• Where do the events in the poem take place?Where do the events in the poem take place? The The action in the poem takes place in Geatland and action in the poem takes place in Geatland and Denmark (the island of Zealand and in Southern Denmark (the island of Zealand and in Southern Sweden) . . . Or more generally, in the Baltic region Sweden) . . . Or more generally, in the Baltic region of Scandinaviaof Scandinavia

• Also consider more specific settings:Also consider more specific settings:– The sea, the meadhall, the swamp, the cliff, the battlefield, The sea, the meadhall, the swamp, the cliff, the battlefield,

etc.etc.• In the modern world, it is Denmark and Sweden and In the modern world, it is Denmark and Sweden and

the islands in the Baltic between the two countries.the islands in the Baltic between the two countries.• But it is also indirectly about the poet who wrote the But it is also indirectly about the poet who wrote the

poem down; we can say this because so many poem down; we can say this because so many Christian features exist in the work. So it is also Christian features exist in the work. So it is also about Anglo-Saxon England, but only indirectly. about Anglo-Saxon England, but only indirectly. None of the action takes place in England.None of the action takes place in England.

The Scary, Horror Movie The Scary, Horror Movie “Where”“Where”• Heaney puts it nicely in his introduction when he Heaney puts it nicely in his introduction when he

says that Beowulf takes place in a “once upon a says that Beowulf takes place in a “once upon a time world” and that it taps into “three archetypal time world” and that it taps into “three archetypal sites of fear”:sites of fear”:– The barricaded night house (Grendel)The barricaded night house (Grendel)– The infested underwater current (Grendel’s mother)The infested underwater current (Grendel’s mother)– Reptile-haunted rocks of a wilderness (dragon)Reptile-haunted rocks of a wilderness (dragon)

• I like to think of them this way, in terms which I like to think of them this way, in terms which may mean more to your and my generation:may mean more to your and my generation:– Our beds on a stormy night when we are alone in the Our beds on a stormy night when we are alone in the

house (where we should feel safe)house (where we should feel safe)– A murky lake, or the beach where Jaws takes place (Ever A murky lake, or the beach where Jaws takes place (Ever

been waterskiing and wondered what was nibbling on been waterskiing and wondered what was nibbling on your toes?). Or, how about a dark forest by yourself?your toes?). Or, how about a dark forest by yourself?

– The dark recesses of the earth: a cave, or even better, The dark recesses of the earth: a cave, or even better, your own, dark basementyour own, dark basement

Why?Why?• Why do we read it?Why do we read it?

– It’s a very creative, imaginative, poetic masterpiece (see It’s a very creative, imaginative, poetic masterpiece (see the Heaney intro; this is why he wants us to read it—not the Heaney intro; this is why he wants us to read it—not “because we have to”!!!)“because we have to”!!!)

– It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, the culture who, through seafaring conquest, founded the culture who, through seafaring conquest, founded the world we currently live inthe world we currently live in

– It gives us insight into the origins of our languageIt gives us insight into the origins of our language– It gives us insight into all people everywhere and It gives us insight into all people everywhere and

throughout time (time, birth, death, fame/success/glory, throughout time (time, birth, death, fame/success/glory, honor, friendship, conflict, home, country, adventure, honor, friendship, conflict, home, country, adventure, spirituality—all of these things transcend English spirituality—all of these things transcend English literature and matter to all people)literature and matter to all people)

– It’s challenging and we all love a good challenge!It’s challenging and we all love a good challenge!– It’s scary and gets us to think about our own worst fearsIt’s scary and gets us to think about our own worst fears– It’s a VERY important piece of literature historically (this It’s a VERY important piece of literature historically (this

is the “because we have to” reason!).is the “because we have to” reason!).

Important Themes in the PoemImportant Themes in the Poem• Past, Present, and Future (and Fate)Past, Present, and Future (and Fate)• Life and DeathLife and Death• Fame (often achieved through war)Fame (often achieved through war)• SettingSetting

– Geography (Denmark, Geatland, Sweden, . . . And England??)Geography (Denmark, Geatland, Sweden, . . . And England??)– The Meadhall (Heorot)The Meadhall (Heorot)

• Good vs. Evil & ReligionGood vs. Evil & Religion– Man vs. ManMan vs. Man– Man vs. Beast (Man vs. Himself? If allegorical)Man vs. Beast (Man vs. Himself? If allegorical)– Good Christian Traits vs. EvilGood Christian Traits vs. Evil– Good Pagan (Anglo-Saxon traits) vs. EvilGood Pagan (Anglo-Saxon traits) vs. Evil– Bad Pagan Traits Bad Pagan Traits – Christianity vs. Paganism (Paganism not evil)Christianity vs. Paganism (Paganism not evil)

• Anglo-Saxon CodeAnglo-Saxon Code– FriendshipFriendship– LoyaltyLoyalty– Fame, HonorFame, Honor– BraveryBravery– GenerosityGenerosity– Man-PriceMan-Price– Thane’s duty to his Lord; Lord’ duty to his ThanesThane’s duty to his Lord; Lord’ duty to his Thanes

• Christianity emerging as the dominant faith and worldview in the Christianity emerging as the dominant faith and worldview in the Scandinavian worldScandinavian world

• Stories and Songs themselvesStories and Songs themselves• Masculine and feminine roles in the worldMasculine and feminine roles in the world

Review of Important DetailsReview of Important Details

• Epic poemEpic poem

• Written in Old-English about the early Written in Old-English about the early Christian, but still pagan, Christian, but still pagan, Scandinavians who eventually Scandinavians who eventually conquered most of Englandconquered most of England

• Epic hero represents the values of his Epic hero represents the values of his cultureculture

Study QuestionsStudy QuestionsRespond to each question using a complete (but Respond to each question using a complete (but

brief!) sentence. Each student will turn in all brief!) sentence. Each student will turn in all their answers when they have finished ALL of the their answers when they have finished ALL of the

questions. Turn in to turnitin.com only when questions. Turn in to turnitin.com only when every question is complete.every question is complete.

Each subsequent slide corresponds to one night’s reading. The numbers in the slides’ titles are the line numbers of the poem.

Study Questions for ll. 1-300Study Questions for ll. 1-300The poem opens with the story of Shield Sheafson.The poem opens with the story of Shield Sheafson.

1.1. Who is he? Who is he? 2.2. What is he like? What is he like? 3.3. How is he related to Hrothgar?How is he related to Hrothgar?4.4. Describe the funeral rites given to Shield Sheafson?Describe the funeral rites given to Shield Sheafson?

It then discusses HrothgarIt then discusses Hrothgar5.5. When Hrothgar has achieved fame from fighting, he turns his mind to what?When Hrothgar has achieved fame from fighting, he turns his mind to what?6.6. What is the name of what he builds?What is the name of what he builds?

Monsters in the NightMonsters in the Night7.7. Describe the demon who threatens the meadhall.Describe the demon who threatens the meadhall.8.8. To whom is Grendel related? (Hint: Think Biblical)To whom is Grendel related? (Hint: Think Biblical)

Paganism and Christianity (“You mean they Paganism and Christianity (“You mean they fightfight, too???), too???)9.9. According to the poet, who made the earth?According to the poet, who made the earth?10.10. While Grendel attacks Heorot, he does NOT approach what? Why?While Grendel attacks Heorot, he does NOT approach what? Why?11.11. To whom/what do many of the Danes’ “powerful counsellors” turn for help?To whom/what do many of the Danes’ “powerful counsellors” turn for help?

Heroes, Heroism, and the Anglo-Saxon CodeHeroes, Heroism, and the Anglo-Saxon Code12.12. Who is Hygelac’s thane? From which region/country does he come?Who is Hygelac’s thane? From which region/country does he come?13.13. What does he hear about?What does he hear about?14.14. Who is Beowulf’s father? What is the world’s opinion of him?Who is Beowulf’s father? What is the world’s opinion of him?

Study Questions for ll. 301-1007Study Questions for ll. 301-1007Belief SystemsBelief Systems15.15. According to Hrothgar, why is Bewoulf there?According to Hrothgar, why is Bewoulf there?16.16. What does Beowulf mean by “Fate goes ever as fate must” (455)?What does Beowulf mean by “Fate goes ever as fate must” (455)?17.17. Look at the stanza which runs from ll. 473-79. In what/whom does Hrothgar Look at the stanza which runs from ll. 473-79. In what/whom does Hrothgar

believe? believe? FriendshipFriendship18.18. What kind of words does Unferth speak?What kind of words does Unferth speak?19.19. What story does Unferth cite when challenging Beowulf? Describe it.What story does Unferth cite when challenging Beowulf? Describe it.20.20. How does Beowulf respond to Unferth’s challenge?How does Beowulf respond to Unferth’s challenge?The Role of Women in the PoemThe Role of Women in the Poem21.21. Who is Wealhtheow? What does she do when she enters?Who is Wealhtheow? What does she do when she enters?The Battle with GrendelThe Battle with Grendel22.22. What will Beowulf use to defeat Grendel?What will Beowulf use to defeat Grendel?23.23. Describe, ever so briefly, the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.Describe, ever so briefly, the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.24.24. How do Beowulf’s men help him?How do Beowulf’s men help him?25.25. What does Beowulf get from Grendel that is proof he has defeated him?What does Beowulf get from Grendel that is proof he has defeated him?26.26. Where does Grendel go to die?Where does Grendel go to die?Stories within StoriesStories within Stories27.27. Describe the man who appears in ll. 866-873. What does he do to honor Beowulf Describe the man who appears in ll. 866-873. What does he do to honor Beowulf

and why?and why?Honor, Fame, and RichesHonor, Fame, and Riches28.28. How does Hrothgar thank Beowulf?How does Hrothgar thank Beowulf?29.29. What does Hrothgar say about Bewoulf’s mother?What does Hrothgar say about Bewoulf’s mother?30.30. What do Danes and Geats do to Heorot (990- ?)? What do they do next? What do Danes and Geats do to Heorot (990- ?)? What do they do next?

Study Questions for ll. 1008-1709Study Questions for ll. 1008-1709Heorot ContinuedHeorot Continued31.31. Fill in the blank: “Inside Heorot / There was nothing but ________” (1016-17).Fill in the blank: “Inside Heorot / There was nothing but ________” (1016-17).32.32. What kind of gifts are bestowed on Beowulf?What kind of gifts are bestowed on Beowulf?Another SongAnother Song33.33. The man who sang of Siegmund’s and Beowulf’s greatness sings again. What, in very The man who sang of Siegmund’s and Beowulf’s greatness sings again. What, in very

general terms, is the second song about?general terms, is the second song about?The Role of WomenThe Role of Women34.34. What does Hrothgar’s Queen say as a toast?What does Hrothgar’s Queen say as a toast?Another Attack?Another Attack?35.35. What happens when everyone goes to sleep after the feast?What happens when everyone goes to sleep after the feast?36.36. What two things does Grendel’s mother take back to her fen?What two things does Grendel’s mother take back to her fen?Preparing to Fight AgainPreparing to Fight Again37.37. What does Hrothgar say about his friend? What does this say about friendship and What does Hrothgar say about his friend? What does this say about friendship and

loyalty? loyalty? 38.38. Re-read the passage running from ll. 1345-82.Re-read the passage running from ll. 1345-82.

1.1. Describe the two creatures.Describe the two creatures.2.2. What kind of birth did Grendel have?What kind of birth did Grendel have?3.3. What does this passage say about nature and the natural world?What does this passage say about nature and the natural world?

39.39. After reading the passage running from ll. 1383-96, go to the After reading the passage running from ll. 1383-96, go to the BritLitDogsBritLitDogs blogblog and and respond to the “Train Wreck” entry. (Read the intro, then respond informally to the respond to the “Train Wreck” entry. (Read the intro, then respond informally to the prompt. I and other students will be able to read it!!)prompt. I and other students will be able to read it!!)

40.40. What does the above passage (1383-96) tell us about the Anglo-Saxon heroic code? What does the above passage (1383-96) tell us about the Anglo-Saxon heroic code? 41.41. What is Beowulf’s attitude toward death at line 1442?What is Beowulf’s attitude toward death at line 1442?42.42. What does Unferth give Beowulf?What does Unferth give Beowulf?43.43. What does Unferth lose?What does Unferth lose?Battle #2Battle #244.44. Describe Grendel’s mother’s lair.Describe Grendel’s mother’s lair.45.45. In the end, who decides the victory between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother?In the end, who decides the victory between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother?46.46. What does Beowulf then see that might help him?What does Beowulf then see that might help him?47.47. Who is the “true Lord” (1610-11)? Who do you think this really is?Who is the “true Lord” (1610-11)? Who do you think this really is?

Study Questions for 1709-2509Study Questions for 1709-250948.48. After defeating Grendel, Beowulf was compared to Siegemund; to whom is Beowulf After defeating Grendel, Beowulf was compared to Siegemund; to whom is Beowulf

compared now, this time the character is a foil to Beowulf. Describe the comparison.compared now, this time the character is a foil to Beowulf. Describe the comparison.49.49. A long passage delivered by Hrothgar on “true values” is spoken to Beowulf. Summarize A long passage delivered by Hrothgar on “true values” is spoken to Beowulf. Summarize

some of the important lessons Hrothgar gives Beowulf.some of the important lessons Hrothgar gives Beowulf.50.50. After Hrothgar give this advice, what happens?After Hrothgar give this advice, what happens?51.51. What does Beowulf tell Unferth about Hrunting? Is this true? Why would Beowulf say what What does Beowulf tell Unferth about Hrunting? Is this true? Why would Beowulf say what

he says?he says?52.52. At l. 1841, Hrothgar begins to say that Beowulf has three traits that will make him a great At l. 1841, Hrothgar begins to say that Beowulf has three traits that will make him a great

king. What are they?king. What are they?53.53. By defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother, and coming in friendship, Beowulf has “done” By defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother, and coming in friendship, Beowulf has “done”

something (l. 1855). What has he done, and how is this a real-world, non-mythological something (l. 1855). What has he done, and how is this a real-world, non-mythological victory?victory?

54.54. Who is Queen Hygd? Who is her “opposite”? What should a queen be like?Who is Queen Hygd? Who is her “opposite”? What should a queen be like?55.55. After the story of Frea, what does Beowulf start to discuss? Why might the poet use these After the story of Frea, what does Beowulf start to discuss? Why might the poet use these

digressions?digressions?56.56. What happens between Beowulf and Hygelac (2144-76)?What happens between Beowulf and Hygelac (2144-76)?57.57. How long does Beowulf rule the kingdom before the dragon appears?How long does Beowulf rule the kingdom before the dragon appears?58.58. What provokes the dragon’s wrath?What provokes the dragon’s wrath?59.59. What is one building that is so important to Beowulf that gets burned down? Why does he What is one building that is so important to Beowulf that gets burned down? Why does he

think this has happened? think this has happened? 60.60. What keeps Beowulf from lining up with a large army to defeat the dragon?What keeps Beowulf from lining up with a large army to defeat the dragon?61.61. The Flashback to Hygelac’s death occurs at lines (???):The Flashback to Hygelac’s death occurs at lines (???):

1.1. Where did Hygelac get killed?Where did Hygelac get killed?2.2. What does Hygd offer Beowulf?What does Hygd offer Beowulf?3.3. Why does she offer this to him? Why does she offer this to him? 4.4. Does he accept? Why do you think he does what he does?Does he accept? Why do you think he does what he does?5.5. Why does this story get told at all?Why does this story get told at all?6.6. What is one of the first things Beowulf did as king?What is one of the first things Beowulf did as king?

62.62. When Beowulf sits on the cliff, what makes him “sad at heart”?When Beowulf sits on the cliff, what makes him “sad at heart”?63.63. What story does Beowulf tell before he goes to fight the dragon?What story does Beowulf tell before he goes to fight the dragon?

Study Questions for 2510-Study Questions for 2510-endend

64.64. Does Beowulf finally decide to use a weapon?Does Beowulf finally decide to use a weapon?65.65. Do Beowulf’s men help him?Do Beowulf’s men help him?66.66. Who does help him?Who does help him?67.67. What do we learn about Wiglaf and his family?What do we learn about Wiglaf and his family?68.68. What does Wiglaf say to Beowulf’s men?What does Wiglaf say to Beowulf’s men?69.69. What happens to Naegling? Why? What does this tell us about What happens to Naegling? Why? What does this tell us about

Beowulf and swords?Beowulf and swords?70.70. What is meant by the line, “So every man should act” (2708)?What is meant by the line, “So every man should act” (2708)?71.71. Describe what Beowulf thinks about his life as he dies.Describe what Beowulf thinks about his life as he dies.72.72. Who does Beowulf thank at line 2794? What does he think will be so Who does Beowulf thank at line 2794? What does he think will be so

good about all the treasure he recovered?good about all the treasure he recovered?73.73. To whom does Beowulf give power?To whom does Beowulf give power?74.74. What do you think Beowulf means by, “You are the lat of us . . .”?What do you think Beowulf means by, “You are the lat of us . . .”?75.75. What is Wiglaf’s prediction beginning at line 2884?What is Wiglaf’s prediction beginning at line 2884?76.76. Summarize the story of Ongentheow. How is it commentary on what Summarize the story of Ongentheow. How is it commentary on what

the future of the Geats will be like?the future of the Geats will be like?77.77. Describe Beowulf’s funeral.Describe Beowulf’s funeral.78.78. Describe the Geat woman’s lament.Describe the Geat woman’s lament.79.79. What do you think will happen to the Geats? Why?What do you think will happen to the Geats? Why?