Beowulf The Epic Poem

What is a Kenning? compound word or phrase to describe an object or activity. Literary device Beowulf examples: Life – liquid = blood Whale-road – sea Sky’s –jewel = sun Modern day examples: Bookworm = someone who read a lot Pig-skin – football Tree-hugger = environmentalist

The Coming of Beowulf What does Beowulf do when he heard of Hrothgar’s troubles? What does the watchman say to Beowulf? How is this characteristic of an Epic? How does Beowulf introduce himself? Patriarchal Linage- who a person is in regards to who his father is / was

What sense do you get about Beowulf’s opening speech? Ego- full of himself- but is he? Epic- boasting heroes do not embellish, but only tell the truth in fear of violating the heroic code. (Honor) What is Beowulf saying about the fight with Grendel? Beowulf will not use any weapons because Grendel does not use any.

The Battle with Grendel When Grendel comes into the Mead-Hall ready to kill, what happens? Kenning- Grendel is the shepherd of evil, guardian of crime. How does Beowulf fight Grendel? Why is this significant? Beowulf does not use any weapons in his fight with Grendel, because Grendel does not use weapons. A hero will only fight fair.

“The high hall rang…” How was the battle described in the Mead-Hall? Why couldn’t the men fight Grendel with their swords? What did Beowulf do to Grendel? Beowulf snapped off Grendel’s arm, and Grendel escaped back to his den. What did Beowulf do with Grendel’s arm?

Beowulf’s Battle with Grendel's Mother Why must Beowulf fight Grendel’s mother? What did Beowulf use to kill Grendel’s mother? What did Beowulf take with him before leaving the lair? Grendel’s head is a symbol of how good triumphed over evil

“All the graybeards, whispered together” What did Hrothgar’s men think when they saw blood fill the lake? What did Beowulf’s men do? How does this relate to the heroic code? Comitatus- the Geats remained at the edge of the swamp until Beowulf returned.

Light vs. Dark What was the swamp like at first? How did it change after Grendel’s mother was killed? At first the lair was dark and dingy however, after Grendel’s mother died a brilliant light illuminated the darkness.

Beowulf vs the Dragon How much time has passed at this point? The passage begins "Beowulf uttered his final boast”…what does this indicate? Foreshadowing-Beowulf senses that he will not survive this battle Why must he fight the dragon? One of Beowulf’s men stole his cup, and the Dragon is menacing Geatland.

“his brave noble/ Followers; they ran for their lives” Who is the only solider to stay and help Beowulf? Wiglaf stood by his king like he had vowed to do-heroic code- he has also never been in battle What do Beowulf and Wiglaf do the dragon? What happens to Beowulf?

Honoring Beowulf What does Beowulf request before dying? Why? He wants a tower to be built his memory so that future warriors and kings can be lead by and learn from his examples.

Review-Themes/Key ideas Good always triumphs over evil (Good vs. Evil) There are difficulties of living up to the heroic code. (qualities of a hero) The combination of Pagan and Christian elements. The characteristics of an epic poem.

Symbols Monsters: Grendel- Jealousy Grendel’s mother- Revenge Dragon- Greed Each represent a different vice in each of us that should ultimately be destroyed.