Beowulf Study Guide

Today, in class, we are going to read J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Monster and the Critics". Your assignment is to post a blog entry outlining his arguments and then responding with your own thoughts about his ideas. I expect this blog posted by Monday. Take notes as you read- as in mark the text and have a reading journal next to you. Below is a study guide for Beowulf reading.

Go here to read an interesting essay on Anglo-Saxon heroes.

For Tuesday you'll need to post two more literary devices from your list.

BEOWULF STUDY GUIDE:

Answer the following questions on your own paper
1. Describe the following characters:

*Hrothgar
*Grendal
*Beowulf
*Shield Sheafson
*Wulfgar
*Ecgtheow

2. Describe Heorot
3. What is important about the descriptions of Shield Sheafson? What was his childhood like? What was has burial like?
4. Discuss the manner in which Beowulf addresses the sentinel guarding the coast? What is odd about it?
5. Give two reasons Beowulf comes to Denmark.
6. Why does Grendal attack Heorot?
7. How is Heorot symbolized before Grendal’s coming?
8. How long has Heorot remained empty?
9. What is the significance of Grendal being descended from Cain?
10. Give four examples of Kennings in the story.
11. Give four examples of Alliteration in the story.
12. Discuss wergild and how it has worked so far in the story.
13. Discuss how the following themes have appeared in the story: Loyalty, Reputation, good vs. evil, Christianity vs. Paganism, role of women, role of Kings, role of the Warrior, Beowulf as a anti-war poem. Give examples of scenes that back up each


14. How does Beowulf become king?
15. Who are the Geats sworn enemies?
16. What are some of Beowulf’s heroic exploits after Grendel and before the dragon?
17. How does Pride get the best of Beowulf?
18. Which of Hygelac’s sons was killed by his brother? What theme does this reinforced?
19. How does the role of the warrior vs. the role of the king work in these pages?
20. What purpose does the comparison between Beowulf and Siegmund serve? The comparison between Beowulf and Hermod?
21. Why is the story of Finn included just before Welthow appears?
22. Describe the lake.
23. What does Hrothgar warn Beowulf about in his speech?
24. Why are their ancestors so important to the warriors in Beowulf?
25. Identify and discuss the Christian influences on the poem.
26. Identify and discuss the Viking/Scandinavian elements in the poem.
27. Discuss the code of loyalty in Beowulf. How is the society structured? What is important to the warriors in Beowulf? What
qualities did they feel a good king should possess? What do they consider “courageous”?
28. Discuss the battle between good and evil in the poem. Who represents good? Who represents evil?
29. Discuss the role of women in this patriarchal world. Cite examples from the text.
30. Is Beowulf a hero? Why/why not?
31. Discuss the role of reputation in Beowulf. Cite examples from the text.
32. Compare and contrast the battles with Grendel and the dragon. Consider the cause of each monster’s attack, Beowulf ’s
motivation for countering the attack, Beowulf ’s battle preparations, and the conclusions of each battle.
33. Discuss the behavior of Beowulf ’s men in each of these battles.
34. What attitudes and actions lead to Beowulf ’s downfall? Defend your answer with examples.