Beowulf Grendel’s Mother & The Battle with Grendel’s Mother The beowulf poet

Who does Grendel’s mother kill? Lit. Quiz #2 Who does Grendel’s mother kill?

Objectives Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text. Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging or beautiful. Write informative texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Do you believe that revenge can bring justice? Opening Discussion Do you believe that revenge can bring justice?

Reading Strategies Alliteration, or the repletion of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, which helps unify the lines. (So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes.) Caesura, or a pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables to help maintain the rhythm of the lines. (He took what he wanted,//all the treasures.) Kenning, a metaphorical compound word or phrase substituted for a noun or name, which enhances meaning-for example, “mankind’s enemy” use in place of “Grendel.

Vocabulary Vane: a device that turns to show the direction the wind is blowing. Loathsome: (adj) disgusting

Discuss Lines 399-404: Which words capture the strength and fury of Grendel’s mother? Why does Grendel’s mother choose to only kill one soldier? What is the significance the “single victim” (line 411) that she chooses? What specific details in lines 450 – 458 suggest that the underwater lair of Grendel’s mother is an evil place? Lines 458-512: Which lines create suspense for you as the reader. Lines 526-528: How is the light symbolic at this point in the story? Hint: Universal Theme 546-561: What do these lines suggest about fame during the Anglo-Saxon period? 579-605: Symbolism- What does Grendel’s skull represent for the Danes and the Geats?

Text Analysis Clarify: Why does Hrothgar ask Beowulf to battle Grendel’s mother? Summarize: What does Beowulf do after he kills Grendel’s mother? Compare and Contrast: Compare the two monsters. Does the behavior of Grendel’s mother seem as wicked or unreasonable as Grendel’s behavior? Support your opinion with evidence from the text.