beowulf questions student

7/29/2019 Beowulf Questions Student

1/22

Mr. Tincher Beowulf Questions and Vocabulary Page 1 of 22

Learning Targets: Cite specific examples from the storywhich illustrate the following: Integrity Exile

Ideal Anglo-Saxon man-give Heroic Epic Religious and Cultural ideas from literature. Poetic Style: Alliteration and Kenning.

Expectations: Read the story and answer all questions. Your first test, first essay, first five homework assignments, and first five quizzeswill come from this assignment. If you fail each of these, then I don't know how

you will pass for the first quarter.

Directions I know this may be a challenging read for you to do on your own, so I went

through the text and provided a brief summary of each section to help you followalong. If you are still confused then please use the Internet to do additional research

to assist in your comprehension. Using Microsoft OneNote or Word from your Skydrive account, type youranswers at the end of each question. Be sure your answers are in bold or in a

different font color so I may easily check them.

Questions highlighted in blue will be on your test, and in the form of a multiple choice or

multiple response question.

Questions highlighted in yellow will be on your test, and in the form of a fill-in-the-blank

question.

Questions highlighted in green will be on your test, and in the form of a true or false

question.

Beowulf Map


2/22


Heroic Epic

Epic- An epic is a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates

the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure.

Typically, an epic is presented in a serious manner; often through the use of elevated

language.

The hero of an epic battles the forces of evil and represents widespread national, cultural,

or religious values.

Heroic Epics have four qualities.

Supernatural Element (Superhuman strength, unexplained phenomena)

Grendel and His mother. Grendel couldnt be harmed by man-made weapons.

Beowulf had great strength, ripped of Grendels arm

Quest Element (Conquer, revenge, save)

Beowulf came to help him identifies himself to the coast-guard

En medias rasMiddle, usually begins in the middle

Grendel attacks not sure why, no description of him.

Grand speeches (Climax or turn of the story)

Beowulf when he arrives on the shore

Beowulf-Heorot hall destiny and fate

Warriors and Battles


3/22


14 Warriors, battle with Grendel.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in accented syllables.Used to emphasize and to link words as well as to create a pleasing, musical sound.

The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew.

Kenning-

A two-word metaphorical name for something. Kennings were clever ways of renamingfamiliar things; for example, a modern kenning might be girds nest for someones

messy hair.

What do you think the following examples of kenning represent?

Gift-hall-Earth-dwellers-

Sea-lanes-Worlds candleSky-roamer

Day 1: Lines 1-100 Rise of the Danes (18 quiz questions)

Who was Shield Sheafson?

Find an example of kenning in lines 10, 200, and 1861?

In lines 10-20, cite an example of which shows the Anglo-Saxons believed God favored

them.

What was the name of the son born to Shield?

What role did God play in Beowulfs life? Line 17 (God Essay)

Why was it important for him to be well-known?

How did they view Shields death? (Line 26)

Where did Shield go after his death?

When Shield died they buried him as he requested, how was he buried and with what washe buried? (Anglo-Saxon Beliefs)

What do the answers to questions 7, 8, and 9 reveal about Anglo-Saxon religious beliefs?

Find an example of kenning between lines 30 and 40.


4/22


Beow ruled for a long time after his father, who took his place?

How many children did he have and what were their names?

Which of these children became a great leader?

As a leader, what did he (Hrothagar) order to be built?

Find an example of alliteration between lines 70-75.

(Anglo-Saxon Culture) What would happen in the mead hall?

What was the name of this building?

What was the fate of the building?

What tormented the demon? (Anglo-Saxon Beliefs or Customs)

What were the Anglo-Saxon beliefs about the creation of the world?

Vocabulary

Renown-

Dispense-

Lines 100-190 Herot is Attacked

What was the name of the creature in lines 99, 100, 120, 142, 276,702, and 711?

Who were the monsters parents?

(Anglo-Saxon belief) Look at the names for Grendel and speculate on Anglo-Saxon

views of evil and its origins.

Who were two people exiled? (Exiled is when one is forced from their country or

homeland.)

According to Anglo-Saxon belief, who or what are the descendants of Cain?

What did Grendel do in the mead-hall?

Find an example of alliteration between lines 120-130


5/22


What was the reaction of the prince?

What happened the next night?

What did the people do?

How long did the mead-hall remain empty?

(Anglo-Saxon Beliefs) What is a death-price?

Find examples of alliteration between lines 160-65.

An example of kenning is treasure-seat, what does it mean?

The people were so afraid that they turned to whom for help?

According to the speaker, what is most desirable after death? (God and Fate)

What is the Anglo-Saxon view of God and ones relationship with God in lines 180-190?

What is the mood of the first 190 lines compared to the current mood?

How does the author accomplish this?

Vocabulary

Anathema-

Lair-

Respite-

Malignant-

Blundering-

Wassail-

Aghast-

Parlay-


6/22


Heathen-

Lines 190-300 The Hero Comes to Heorot

Who was still king if Hrothgar was a prince?

In this section of the story, who is in exile? (Beliefs or Poetic Style Exile)

Who or what is a thane?

Find three examples of kenning from this section. Include line number?

Who hears of Grendel and gathers 14 men to save Hrothgar?

How was this person described?

What effect does this have on the mood of the story?

They sailed from where to where? (Modern day name and locations)

When they arrived safely who did they thank? (God and Fate)

From the previous question, infer the religious views of the Anglo-Saxon people.

When they arrived on the shores who confronted them?

How did the Hygelacs thane identify himself?

Find an example of literation between 230-240.

What did they say they wanted to do?

Vocabulary

Riven-193

Omens-

Canny-

Prow-


7/22


Interloper-

Proffer-278

Respite-281-

Undaunted-

Astride-

Gumption-

Preen-

Lines 300-400

Find examples of keening in lines 301, 302, 306, 321, and 353.

A guide took them to Heorot and said he had to return to his watch by the sea. What did

he say to them when he left and what does it reveal about their religious views?

Read lines 330-340 and identify important traits of an Anglo-Saxon warrior.

Who was Wulfgar?

What was the name of the Hygelac thane?

What are some important traits or qualities a leader should have? See lines 340-355.

What did Hrothgar know about Beowulf?

Hrothgar believes ____ sent Beowulf to help him.

Find an example of fate? (God and Fate)

Vocabulary

Gallant-312

Stook- 329-


8/22


Recompense-385

Day 2: Lines 390-490 (16 quiz questions 19-34 )

Why did Beowulf come to Hrothgar?

How long did it take for word to travel to him?

One element of a Heroic epic is a supernatural element. List some examples from lines400-430.

How will he fight Grendel and why? (Supernatural element and/or Anglo-Saxon view ofbattle)

What is Beowulfs view of fate? (God and Fate)


How did Hrothgar resolve the feud in lines 455-480 and what does it reveal about theircultural values?

Other than Grendel, to what does Hrothgar blame for the deaths of his people and what

does it reveal about their religious values?

Has Hrothgars faith in god waned? Explain. (God and Fate)

Vocabulary

Wane-

Whetted-

490-660 Feast at Herot

How did Unferth feel about Beowulf?

According to Unferth, what happened between Beowulf and Breca and how long did it

last?

Find examples of kenning between lines 500-580. Must include line number.


What does Unferth believe will happen to Beowulf?

According to Beowulf, it wasnt Unferth talking but the ____.


9/22


How did Beowulf respond?

Which of the five parts of an Epic Hero would this be? (Poetic Device)

What does he say about fate? (God and Fate)

An element of a heroic epic is the supernatural element. Find an example of this betweenlines 560-580.

Why does Beowulf say Unferth and Breca were going to hell?

Compare what the Danes thought would send you to hell compared to our beliefs?(Anglo-Saxon Beliefs)

Beowulf challenges Unferths bravery by saying things would be different if he were

truly brave. How would things be different?

AT the end of his speech how does the crowd react?

Who or What is Wealhtheow?

Who did Wealhtheow thank for Beowulfs arrival and what does it reveal about their

cultural beliefs?

What does Beowulf vow to do with Grendel?

Why does Hrothgar leave the celebrations?

What does Hrothgar promise Beowulf?

Vocabulary

Stalwart- 494

Brook- 502

Filigree-

Swathed-555

Slopped-566

Mizzle-596

Reprisal-602


10/22


Ward-658

Mettle-659

670-835The Fight with Grendel

Find examples of when the speaker ruins the suspense by telling us the outcome beforetelling us the events. Literary device, like it or not?

Find examples of kenning. (at least six)

Find the words used to describe Grendel. (Theres at least eight)

Find examples of alliteration.

Beowulf embodies the traits of an ideal Anglo-Saxon man. What are some of these traitsin lines 630-640 and 670-690?

What did Beowulf say about fate? (God and Fate)

How confident were Beowulfs men that they would survive?

What is the speakers view of God?

Read how Grendel entered the hall. This would be an example of which quality or trait

of a heroic epic?

What happened to the first guy Grendel attacked?

How did Beowulf defend himself?

How did Grendel respond?

One of the four qualities of a Heroic epic is to often deal with the

supernatural/superhuman. Find two examples in this section. (Heroic Epic)

According to the speaker, why were they forced to undergo no small affliction.

What was the source of the wail everyone heard?

In a heroic epic many times they start in the middle with out giving any background

information, find an example of this. (Heroic Epic)

What did Beowulf display after their confrontation?

Vocabulary


11/22


Loom-(device) 696-

Lope- 711

Bane- 712-

Baleful-726

Quailed-752

Monger-763

Manacled- 788

Harrow-

Sinews-814

Fen-

Day 3 Test Questions 35-46 (11 questions)

836-1250 Celebration at Heorot

Find an example of foreshadowing include line numbers.

Find examples of kenning?

Find an example of alliteration.

What happened to Grendel in the mere?

Why is it significant to know that Hrothgar was not blamed for the deaths of his men?

What does this tell us about the Anglo-Saxon culture?

The scop tells a story about Sigmunds glory, what did he slay?

What did he take?

Which important Anglo-Saxon traits did Sigmund embody?

What did Hrothgar notice in the roofwork?


12/22


Who was to be thanked for this sight?

In lines 929-930 there is a reference to a Heavenly Shepherd. Who is it?

Beowulf was able to kill Grendel with whose assistance?

In lines 944 and 954 Hrothgar referred to the Lord of Ages and the God of Ages. Whatdoes this reveal about their religious beliefs towards God?

In addition to giving Beouwulf many gifts, what else did Hrothgar do?

What disappointed Beowulf about killing Grendel?


What does the following line reveal about the Anglo-Saxons religious beliefs? forwickedness, he must await the mighty judgement of God in majesty."

According to Beowulf, why did Grendel escape? (God and Fate)

Describe Grendels arm.

What order to Hrothgar issue to everyone?

What was the only part of the mead-hall to go unscathed?

What was the Anglo-Saxon view of death?

Who is Hrothulf?

What did Hrothgars son give to Beowulf? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

What does this tell you about the Anglo-Saxon culture?

Who was responsible for the defeat of Grendel? (God and Fate)

According to the speaker, what is the best trait for an Anglo-Saxon to have.

What did Hildeburh loose?

In the poem of Hildeburh how did they dispose of their dead?

In the poem of Hildeburh, who was to blame for all the problems?


13/22


Why did people admire Unferth?

What was he suspected of doing?

Who were Hrethric and Hrothmund?

Vocabulary.

Ignominious-

Wallow-

Mere-

Prowess-900

Redress-907

Solace-932

Requite-

Hasp-975

Throng-992

Unscathed-999

Waylaid- 1075

Arbitrate- 1107

Hankered-1142

Boon-1173

Resplendent- 1194

Torque- 1216

1250-1380 Another Attack


14/22


Beowulf is a strong and powerful man but doesnt credit himself for his victory over

Grendel. Who does he credit and what does it reveal about the traits an ideal

Anglo-Saxon man should have?

Find an example of kenning.

Find examples of foreshadowing

Who came to avenge the death of Grendel?

Find the different terms used to describe Grendels mom.

What is Beowulfs attitude towards God? (God and Fate/ Ideal Anglo Saxon man)

Hrothgar summons Beowulf and wonders if the Almighty god would ever turn the tide

of misfortunes. What dos this reveal about their religious beliefs?

What does Grendels mom want to do when the men begin to attack her?

What two things did she take with her?

Who is the one who died?

Describe Grendels mom and Grendel.

Who was the father of Grendel and his mom?

Find examples of alliteration between lines 1360-1370

Where do they think she lives?

Vocabulary

Fell-1262

Sallied- 1278

Raze- 1287

Depredations-

Scud-

Pale-


15/22


Day 4 47-62 ( 15 questions)

1380-1650 Beowulf Fights Grendels Mother.

Find examples of Kenning

What is Beowulfs view of mourning the loss of a loved one? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

What does the following quote reveal about the Anglo-Saxon view of life: For every oneof us, living in this world means waiting for our end.

What is important in life for the Danes?

What are some names for Grendels mom?

What does Beowulf pledge to do?

How did they track her?

What did they find at the foot of the cliff?

Find an example of a heroic epic between lines 1420-1430.

What was in the water?

As Beowulf prepared to dive in the water, how did he feel about the dangers of loosing

his life? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

Find an example of foreshadowing between lines 1440-1450.

Words for Grendels mom?

What was Unferths profession?

What does Unferth give Beowulf?

How did Unferth loose respect?

What does he ask Hrothgar if he should die?

What does this reveal about his character? What does he value?

What does Beowulf leave for Unferth?


16/22


Beowulf gave Unferth some directions if he doesnt make it back. What were they and

what do they reveal about Anglo-Saxon values?

How long did it take Beowulf to reach the bottom and how is it an example of a heroic

epic?

It was said Beowulfs mother haunted this place for a hundred seasons. How is this an

example of a heroic epic?

Why didnt Grendels moms grip crush Beowulf?

Beowulf was attacked not only by Grendels mother but by who/what else?

What happened when he struck Grendels mom with the Hrunting? And how is this an

example of a heroic epic?

According to Anglo-Saxon belief, how does one gain glory?

Who decided the victory between Beowulf and Grendels mother? What does it reveal

about Anglo-Saxon religious views?

What did he use to kill her?

Who did he credit for his victory? (God and Fate)

How many people did Grendel kill?

Whose head did Beowulf cut off?

When those above saw the blood in the water what did they presume happened?

What happened to the sword? (Supernatural Element)

What did Beowulf take from her lair?

How many people did it take to carry Grendels head?

Vocabulary

Bulwark-1389

Plaited-1401

Dismal- 1414

Fettle-1641-


17/22


1650- 1800 Another Celebration at Heorot

Who does Beowulf credit for his victory and what does it reveal about Anglo-Saxon

belief?

According to Beowulf, the sword he used to kill Grendels mother was created for _____.

Provide a couple of examples when people credit God for victories in todays society.

What was another name used for Grendel?

What did Beowulf give Hrothgar?

What was inscribed on the hilt?

Which Biblical story is referenced in lines 1688-1694?

What are characteristics of Beowulf?

How did Heremod exile himself?

Find evidence that they believe God favors their race.

What are the Anglo-Saxon beliefs concerning free will? Lines 1727-1732

Explain how lines 1758-1770 compare to your religious beliefs?

What do lines 1743-1750 say about worldly possessions?

What does the following line mean: Then finally the end arrives when the body he waslent collapses and falls prey to its death. (God and Fate)

What does Hrothgar council Beowulf to do? (Anglo-Saxon Beliefs)

Vocabulary

Damascened-

Yore-

Venerable-

Caroused-


18/22


Pariah-

Bent-

Paltry-

Depredations-

Elated-

Day 5 (63-

Beowulf Returns Home 1800-2195

Find examples of kenning.

How does Beowulf feel about his return to home?

What did he give to Unferth?

What does Beowulf promise to do?

According to Hrothgar who inspired Beowulf? (God and Fate) 1840-1850

What are the traits of Beowulf? (Ideal Anglo-Saxon Man)

Other than destroying the monsters, what else has Beowulf done?

When will Beowulf and Hrothgar meet again?1875

What was the role of the Queen?

Why was Offa praised?

Handscio was the first to be killed by Grendel, this was ordained by ____.

When Beowulf retold his battle with Grendel, what did he say Grendel had?

What was Grendel going to put in this item?


19/22


How did they dispose of their dead?

What is a name for Grendels mom?

According to Beowulf why was he able to escape the battle with Grendels mom? (God

and Fate)

What did Beowulf do with all the gifts that he received? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

What are some of Beowulfs traits as described in lines 2177-2185 (Ideal Anglo-Saxon

Traits)

Beowulf presents Hygelac with all the gifts Hrothgar gave to him. In return, Hygelac

gave Beowulf a sword and great tracts of land. This is an example of which part of

the heroic epic?

Vocabulary

Alacrity-

Depredations-

Reproach-

Peerless-

Loping-

Ensconced-

Regalia-

Vehement-

2195- 2505 The Dragon Wakes

A dragon is on the prowl, how is this an example of a heroic epic?

What happened to Hygelac?

Who replaced him?

How long did he reign?


20/22


Why was the dragon angry?

Who was the thief?

How did the treasure get there?

Who was in exile?

What are kenning words to describe the dragon?

How did the dragon get the treasure?

What is the dragon looking for?

Who suffers the Dragons attacks?

What happens to Beowulfs house?

Why does Beowulf think he is a victim of the Dragons revenge?

What do lines 2340-2344 say will happen to Beowulf?

Why didnt Beowulf become king sooner?

Why were those sons of Ohthere in exile? (Poetic Device Exile)

What does Beowulf sense will happen to him?

What did Haethcyn accidentally do?

How did the king react to this?

Vocabulary

Virulent-

Reconnoiter-

2515- 2820 Beowulf Attacks the Dragon

Names for the dragon?


21/22



Where does Beowulf want to meet the dragon?

What happened when Beowulf tried to strike the dragon?

What did the others who followed him do?

Who tried to encourage the men to go fight and was the only one to go help Beowulf?

How does Wiglaf view risking death against the dragon? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

What happened to Naegling?

Why did the sword never help him?

Where does the dragon bite Beowulf?

Where did Wiglaf stab the dragon?

Who delivered the fatal blow and where?

What was killing Beowulf?

Why was Beowulfs kingdom never assaulted?

What consoled Beowulf in his time of death? Line 2735-2740

What does Beowulf want to see before he dies?

What are his final words? (God and Fate)

What will they call his funeral pyre?

Vocabulary

Suppurating-

Beowulfs Funeral 2820-3180



22/22


What did Wiglaf discover about himself in this battle?

What does he say to those who didnt fight?

Now that Beowulf is dead, who will attack?

Who had access to all the Gold?

What did the highborn chiefs who buried the treasure declare it to be?

What did Wiglaf mean when he said, When one man follows his own will many are

hurt. Why would this be an important motto for the Anglo-Saxon

What did they do with the dragons body?

What did they do with Beowulfs funeral pyre?

What is the proper way an Anglo-Saxon should act? (Anglo-Saxon Belief)

Vocabulary

Litany-

Abasement-

Extol-

Questions highlighted in blue will be on your test, and in the form of a multiple choice ormultiple response essay.

Questions highlighted in yellow will be on your test, and in the form of a fill-in-the-blank

question.

Questions highlighted in green will be on your test, and in the form of a true or false

question.

beowulf questions student

Documents