Beowulf 4

Study Guide Questions for Lines 1251-1650

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

Vengeance, Friendship, Courage, Providence, Despair

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What new threat descended upon the Danes and Heorot?

2. What did the creature take with her when she left Heorot?

3. What was said to be “uncanny” about the dwelling place of the monsters who have been harrowing Heorot?

4. How did Beowulf respond to Hrothgar’s request to pursue and destroy the creature?

5. What was a “sore blow” for the hunting party to find as they neared the monster’s lair?

6. Who helped equip Beowulf for the upcoming monster fight and what was given?

7. What did Beowulf request be done with his goods if he should perish?

8. What weapon prospered against the demon after the first failed?

9. What did Beowulf bring back from the monster's den?

10. Who waited the longest for Beowulf’s return?

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

1. Why did the poet compare Grendel’s mother to an “amazon warrior?”

2. How does Grendel’s mother coming to avenge his death continue a particular theme already introduced in this story?

3. What did Beowulf mean by saying, “It is always better to avenge dear ones than indulge in mourning?”

4. Beowulf said, “Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark.” What did he mean by this?

5. Has Unferth changed towards Beowulf? Explain from the text what you think and why?

6. Compare and contrast Grendel with the new monster. What is similar and what is notably different?

7. Why would Beowulf cut off the head of Grendel since he was already dead?

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

1. “Memento mori” is a Latin saying which essentially means “remember that one day you will die.” How is the notion of memento mori present and important in the Beowulf story? Why is it important to reflect upon the reality that death eventually comes to all men? How should we live our lives in light of this truth? Explain your answers thoughtfully.

2. What are some other famous stories wherein the hero beheads the great enemy? Why do you think this is a common theme in heroic literature? Is there something more profound about putting an end to an enemy in this fashion rather than in some other way? Why or why not?

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read Genesis 6:1-4. What connection might be made between this passage and our current reading?

2. Read Psalm 27. What are some themes in this Psalm that connect to our readings in Beowulf? Do you think that anything in this Psalm might offer some correction to Beowulf’s character?