Beowulf 3

Study Guide Questions for Lines 852-1250

If you are looking for the beginning of the study for Beowulf then you can go HERE for a brief introduction. At the bottom of the introduction you will find the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. If you would like to see the growing list of book studies available for free on this site you can go HERE. Enjoy!

Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Music, Adoption, Providence, Justice, Death, Friendship, Courage, Leadership, Vengeance, Indulgence, Fate, Pride, Benediction, Fame

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. After the defeat of Grendel how did the people celebrate the victory?

2. Whom did King Hrothgar thank first for the defeat of Grendel?

3. What did Hrothgar say he would consider Beowulf to be from now on?

4. What one regret did Beowulf state concerning his victory over Grendel?

5. What effect did Beowulf’s victory have on Unferth?

6. What took place as soon as Heorot was refurbished back to its former glory?

7. What gifts were bestowed upon Beowulf for his valor against Grendel?

8. Summarize the details of the story/song about the feud between the Danes and the Frisians. 

9. What did the Queen, Wealhtheow, ask Hrothgar to “bequeath” and to whom? 

10. What words foreshadow that more grave danger is yet to come to Heorot?

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. In what ways does the poet compare Beowulf to Sigemund while contrasting him against Heremod?

2. What is the significance of Hrothgar adopting Beowulf as a son?

3. Why did the poet tell his readers that “all of us with souls, earth-dwellers and children of men, must make our way to a destination already ordained where the body, after the banqueting, sleeps on its deathbed?” What should we take away from this statement?

4. What did the poet mean by saying “whoever remains for long here in this earthly life will enjoy and endure more than enough?”

5. Why might the story about the blood-feud between the Danes and Frisians be important to the story?

6. What might have prompted Wealhtheow’s speech to Hrothgar about declaring Hrothulf heir to the throne?

7. Why would Wealhtheow charge Beowulf to treat her “sons with tender care, be strong and kind?”

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. After Beowulf’s victory over Grendel the Danes host a great celebration in Heorot. Offer a definition for the term “celebration.” Why do you think human beings celebrate certain things? Is celebration a moral or religious matter? What kinds of things are worthy of celebration? Explain your answers carefully.

2. The Frisian’s and Danes have a long-standing feud with one another. What causes feuds among men? Is it possible, in your opinion, to “forgive and forget” the past sins of others? Why do so many people seem unable to forgive and let go? How do you recommend people overcome their hostility towards one another?

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read Luke 15. What does this passage teach us about celebration? Is it sometimes sinful to not celebrate? Why or why not?

2. Read Ephesians 2:11-22. How does this passage address the question of putting an end to feuds and hostility?