Beowulf Review Period 5

GRENDEL ATTACKS THE DANES

Describe Herot. Herot was a peaceful land ruled by a great King Hrothgar. After the coming of Grendel and the death of many in the mead hall, Grendel dominated the land and Herot was feared by others, as Grendel killed any who came near.

2. What is the significance of Grendel being descended from Cain. The significance of Grendel being descended from Cain, is that he was full of anger and was cursed by God. Grendel is an evil monster who is descended from an evil man who killed his brother. So it’s important to understand that he’s not just evil, but that his evil side came from his evil ancestors.

3. What had Herot symbolized before the coming of Grendel? After? Before the coming of Grendel, Herot symbolized order and trust. After the coming of Grendel, Herot symbolized fear for the citizen’s death.

The Coming of Beowulf

Why is Hrothgar’s watchman concerned about the arrival of Beowulf and his men? 4) The watchman thought that Beowulf and his men are pirates/invaders.

How does the lieutenant recognize Beowulf as a hero? 5)The watchman thought Beowulf was a hero because of hearing his father's history in battle and the reason of why Beowulf came to them.

What do Beowulf’s words and actions tell you about his personality? 6) He has a very confident personality and believes that he does not need weapons to fight but only God and that no matter the odds he will always succeed.

What are Beowulf’s thoughts as he waits for Grendel’s arrival What are Beowulf’s thoughts as he waits for Grendel’s arrival? What does it reveal about the beliefs of Anglo-saxon society? 7) His thoughts were that since Grendel doesn't use weapons,he himself will not use weapons either because he doesn't want his lord Higlac to think less of him. It reveals that people in the past were tied to loyalty.

The Battle with Grendel

8. Identify an example of foreshadowing in lines 269-305. 8. Line 291/292. “By morning; the monsters mind was hot With the thought of food and the feasting his belly Would soon know.” Foreshadows Grendel eating the Geats

9. Find an example of personification in lines 269-305 and explain its meaning and significance. Line 289 “And his heart laughed…” This shows how evil Grendel is. His heart is laughing at the thought of killing young soldiers.

10. Why does Beowulf wait, allowing Grendel to kill one of the Geats, before he attacks Grendel? He doesn’t want Grendel to be suspicious and he wants to catch him off guard

11. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. The battle between Grendel and Beowulf was meant to happen, because God called them together. It was a bloody battle, even though Beowulf used no weapon, just his hands and natural strength. Beowulf took Grendel's arm and shoulder off, and Grendel ran away in pain.

12. Why can’t the other warriors come to Beowulf’s aid? The warriors were frightened by Grendel and none were as strong and brave as Beowulf.Grendel cursed the swords so Beowulf's men was unable to pierce his skin.

13. How does Beowulf wound Grendel? Beowulf defeats Grendel with his owns hands by tearing off his arm at the shoulder. Causes a fatal wound.

14. During the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, the reader learns Grendel’s thoughts and feelings. How does hearing about his fears and feelings affect your impression of the monster? Hearing about Grendel’s fears and feelings affects our impressions of him because he was clearly known as a monster who with no shame, would come and feed on people. And to find out that he was actually frightened by Beowulf shows us that there truly is something bigger than a horrible monster and that they could be cowards at times.

The Battle with Grendel’s Mother

15. Describe the Battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s Mother Grendel’s mother wanted to avenge Grendel so she goes to hEROT AND KILLS hROTHgAR’S CLOSEST FRieND AND TAKES gRENDEL’S ARM bEOWULF HAD. beOWULF HEARS ABOUT THIS AND CHASES HER UNDERWATER IN HER LAIR. bEOWULF FOUND A SWORD IN the monster’s lair. This sword was huge and impossible for any ordinary man to lift it. Beowulf struck the heavy sword towards Grendel’s mother’s neck. Grendel’s mother was slain.

16. Identify an example of personification in lines 435-455 and explain why it is fitting. no sword could slice her evil it’s fitting to personification because it shows her evil and that no mortal weapon could kill her. (line 451)

17. How does Beowulf defeat her? This is an example of what Literary Device? Beowulf found a sword made by the giants and blessed with their magic. He cut her in the neck and it broke all of her bones her body fell lifeless. this is an example of an epic Hero. Beowulf shows his larger than life skills to kill the supernatural.

18. What does Beowulf do before he swims back to land? What does Hrothgar and the other warriors think has happened. Before Beowulf comes back to land, he cuts grendel’s head off to bring back to the danes. Hrothgar and his men think that Beowulf has died in the water during the battle.

19. Identify an allusion in lines 500-535 Just like Jesus’ disciples. Hrothgar’s men thought that beowulf was dead, when in reality he was alive and the hero. Jesus died and came back to life kind of like beowulf.

20. What does Beowulf leave behind in the lake and what does he take with him? What does this reveal about his character? Beowulf leaves behind the monster’s rich treasures, but brings back Grendel’s Head and the hilt of the giants’ jeweled sword. This reveals to us that beowulf is a cautious man and makes sure the case is closed before moving onto anything else. it also shows us that Beowulf thinks Grendel’s head as a trophy is a lot better than riches from the monster’s cave because the head will actually mean something symbolic in the town they live in.