Beowulf - what is the poem about? ACTIVITY: Read the summary of the narrative and answer the comprehension questions.

Beowulf - Comprehension Activity In one sentence for each, explain who the following characters are: Hrothgar Grendel Beowulf Aeschere Why does King Hrothgar build the magnificent feasting hall? Why does Hrothgar want Grendel dead? Why does Beowulf volunteer to kill Grendel for Hrothgar? Why does Grendel die? What advice does Hrothgar give Beowulf after his revenge mission is completed? From this advice, what values do you think were important to Anglo Saxons? What is it about Beowulf that made him so much of a superhero in his time?

The Plot …in seven sentences. Compound sentences Simple sentences Complex sentences Beowulf travels to Hrothgar’s village to save them from Grendel, a terrifying monster eating their warriors. An epic battle ensues and Beowulf eventually kills Grendel. Of course, Grendel’s mother comes seeking vengeance for her son’s death. Again, Beowulf is called upon to save them all, and he fights heroically and defeats the evil monster. After being vastly rewarded and refusing an offer from Hrothgar to be his heir, Beowulf makes the long trek back to his homeland where he becomes a mighty and generous king for many years. He fights a massive dragon who is threatening his people. He and the dragon both die in the struggle, but he is heroic until the end.