1. Beowulf Discussion Questions
(Pages 25 – 52)

2. Grendel Attacks the Danes Pages 24 - 26
What does the conflict between the Danes and Grendel symbolize?
By the time Hrothgar’s grief is told and sung, what events have occurred in the poem?
Quote from page 25 – “No truce, accepting no settlement, no price in gold or land, and paying the living for one crime only with another. No one waited for reparation from his plundering claws…” What do you think the meaning is of this passage?

3. The Coming of Beowulf Pages 26 - 30
What are your first impressions of Beowulf? Cite lines from the text to support your opinion?
What is a Kenning? Find an example of a kenning on page 26.
How do the watchman’s words help characterize Beowulf?
What do you think is the meaning of lines ?
According to Beowulf, what are Hrothgar’s options?

4. The Coming of Beowulf Pages 26 - 30
What are Beowulf’s credentials as a warrior? Cite lines from the text to support your answer.
Read lines , paraphrase them.
What is Beowulf saying in lines ?
What is Beowulf saying in lines ?
Paraphrase lines What does this tell us about Beowulf?

5. Finish Questions for pages 24-30.
Beowulf Bell Work
Finish Questions for pages

6. The Battle With Grendel Pages 30 - 34
What future event in the story do these lines foreshadow?
How does Beowulf differ from other warriors whom Grendel has attacked?
What motivates Beowulf in his time of need?
Find a kenning on page 31.
Paraphrase lines What are your reactions to this?

7. The Battle With Grendel Pages 30 - 34
What events have occurred since Grendel entered Herot this night?
What heroic traits do Beowulf’s followers show?
Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm in the rafters?
What’s the tone of lines ?

8. Thee Battle With Grendel’s Mother Pages 34 - 37
What are the italicized words at the top of page 34?
What might Beowulf’s journey to the she-wolf’s lair symbolize?
What qualities of Beowulf does this passage reveal?
What does this description imply about Beowulf’s strength?
Why in lines 478 and 479 is a semi-colon used, but in lines 480 to 485 there is a series of commas?
Paraphrase lines

9. Thee Battle With Grendel’s Mother Pages 34 - 37
Irony is a discrepancy between expectation and reality. What is ironic about the way Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother?
Why does Beowulf behead Grendel?
Why does the poet include this detail about the passage of time?
What traits do Beowulf’s followers show here?
What does this detail suggest about Beowulf’s conflict with the monsters?
What is another piece of evidence of Beowulf’s enormous strength?

10. Finish Questions for pages 30-37.
Beowulf Bell Work
Finish Questions for pages

11. The Battle With The Dragon Pages 38 - 48
What events precede the dragon’s attack?
What’s going on in lines ?
What does this passage suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon?
How do the dragon’s motives differ from those of Grendel?
What’s ironic about this sequence of events?
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people?
Find examples of foreshadowing on page 41.

12. The Battle With The Dragon Pages 38 - 48
Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? Explain.
How would you contrast Beowulf’s and Hrothgar’s responses to attack?
What effect does this sequence of events create?
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf?
Why does the poet use “brave and noble” to describe Beowulf’s followers in lines ?
How does this passage show a bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture?
What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers?

13. The Battle With The Dragon Pages 38 - 48
What’s the figurative language in lines meant to convey?
How might Wiglaf’s actions affect the fight?
What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength?
Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king?
Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf?
Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully?
Beowulf’s followers return to their leader after, not during the battle. What can you conclude about them?
What might be their excuse?

14. The Battle With The Dragon Pages 38 - 48
Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as particularly shameful? Why do you think that is true?
What are lines 1055 – 1059 describing?
Read lines 1059 – Is there a modern theme to this? Do you agree or disagree?

15. The Funeral Fire Pages 49 - 50
What does the hero’s death mean to his people?

16. Responding and Thinking Critically Page 51
What are your final impressions of Beowulf? Explain.
-Describe where Grendel lives, and the nature of his origins. –What do the details about Grendel’s origins and dwelling place add to your impression of him?
Does learning about Grendel’s fears and feelings during the battle affect your impression of the monster? How is that applicable in real life?
Why does Beowulf believe he must fight the dragon? Does this also have any real life applications?

17. Responding and Thinking Critically Page 51
For which character did you feel the most sympathy? What strategies did the poet use to create sympathy for the character?
From the description of Beowulf’s character, what traits do you think the Anglo-Saxons considered heroic? How are modern heroes similar or different?

18. Page 52 Questions
What are Beowulf’s major external conflicts in the story?
Which of Beowulf’s external conflicts seems the most challenging? Explain.
In lines , what internal conflict does Beowulf face? How does he resolve it?
What does the poet suggest about Beowulf’s challenges by using the sequence of events in the story?
How would you contrast Beowulf in youth with Beowulf in old age?
Is there a relevant theme related to this?

19. Page 52 Questions
Why might the poet show Beowulf fighting monsters but not other human beings?
Analogies
- hammer : forge :: chisel : _____
a. Paint b. sand c. sculpt
- pain : writhing :: cold : _____
a. warming b. skiing c. shivering
- criminal : infamous :: philanthropist : _____
a. reputable b. careful c. joyous
- cheer : celebrate :: lament : ______
a. rejoice b. mourn c. criticize

20. Page 52 Questions Analogies - pajamas : nap :: shroud : _____
a. burial b. wedding c. convalescence
Academic Vocabulary
- Concept – a general idea based on knowledge or experience.
- Policy – a consistent plan of action.
What concept of fate influences Beowulf?
What policy does Beowulf follow as king of the Geats?

21. Big Picture Class Discussion
Do you believe in fate? Why or why not?
What comparisons can you make between Beowulf’s society and ours?
3. Is Beowulf a hero? In modern terms, what is a hero and what qualities does a hero exhibit?

22. Big Picture Class Discussion
The video we watched talks about a theme in the story that basically states, “all things made by man eventually fall into ruin.” Do you believe this is true? Defend your opinion.
Related to this idea, Beowulf’s people eventually face ruin and destruction. What do you think caused this? Is there any relationship to their fate and our world today? Explain your answer.