Beowulf study guide
1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom.
A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster.
2) In the beginning of “Beowulf,” King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell why the hall has been deserted. Be sure to include specific examples from the text. What happened to those who ventured into the hall during those 12 years? What was the cause of this? At what time of day did these events take place? Explain.
A. A. The monster Grendel is the reason for the hall being abandoned B. Grendel attacked the hall at night. C. Grendel killed any men left in the hall at night. D. Hrothgar and his people feared the attacker and abandoned the hall for safer places.
3) In a brief essay, explain how Beowulf is introduced. How do others view him? Explain his reason for undertaking his journey.
A. In his youth, Beowulf was viewed as handsome and of great stature, but lazy and too good-natured to be much of a warrior. As he grows, he proves himself and his bravery in a swimming contest against the kingdom's best swimmer, and is then viewed as a brave and powerful leader worthy of respect. He leaves in an attempt to prove his worth and win respect, honor, fame, and glory.
4) When Grendel fights Beowulf, the reader learns that the monster’s “time had come,” and he will soon die. What does this idea say about the Danish belief in fate? Write a short essay in which you show how the belief in destiny influences the thoughts and actions of the characters. Provide several other examples from Beowulf to support your position.
A. They may say that Beowulf believed he was destined to fight the monsters, and he accepted his victory or death as predetermined. For
A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster.
2) In the beginning of “Beowulf,” King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell why the hall has been deserted. Be sure to include specific examples from the text. What happened to those who ventured into the hall during those 12 years? What was the cause of this? At what time of day did these events take place? Explain.
A. A. The monster Grendel is the reason for the hall being abandoned B. Grendel attacked the hall at night. C. Grendel killed any men left in the hall at night. D. Hrothgar and his people feared the attacker and abandoned the hall for safer places.
3) In a brief essay, explain how Beowulf is introduced. How do others view him? Explain his reason for undertaking his journey.
A. In his youth, Beowulf was viewed as handsome and of great stature, but lazy and too good-natured to be much of a warrior. As he grows, he proves himself and his bravery in a swimming contest against the kingdom's best swimmer, and is then viewed as a brave and powerful leader worthy of respect. He leaves in an attempt to prove his worth and win respect, honor, fame, and glory.
4) When Grendel fights Beowulf, the reader learns that the monster’s “time had come,” and he will soon die. What does this idea say about the Danish belief in fate? Write a short essay in which you show how the belief in destiny influences the thoughts and actions of the characters. Provide several other examples from Beowulf to support your position.
A. They may say that Beowulf believed he was destined to fight the monsters, and he accepted his victory or death as predetermined. For