Collections Grade 12 Guiding Questions

Collection 5

“from Beowulf” by The Beowulf Poet

Read the selection from the epic poem Beowulf by The Beowulf Poet. Then, reread the lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text evidence.

1. Lines 1–29: What contrast is developed between Herot, home of the Danes, and Grendel’s home? How do the biblical allusions extend this contrast? What do the hall and Grendel represent, based on their descriptions here? What conflict is foreshadowed through this contrast?
2. Lines 33–37: What sound is alliterated throughout these lines? How does this sound create an image of the action?
3. Lines 41–73: What is the tone of lines 44–49? What details and words help to convey the attitude of the poet? What happens to Hrothgar’s hall? Why does the poet say “hate had triumphed”?
4. Lines 61–69: What details add to your understanding of the threat that Grendel poses? What does Grendel’s unwillingness to accept gold or land to settle the feud mean for the Danes?
5. Lines 74–78: What does the kenning “shadow of death” contribute to the characterization of Grendel?
6. Lines 109–124: Which details tell you about Beowulf? What conclusions about the traits most valued by the Anglo-Saxons can be drawn from this description?
7. Lines 116–129: Explain why “none of the wise ones regretted his going.”
8. Lines 127–133: Why does Wulfgar request that the Geats leave their weapons outside the hall?
9. Lines 134–159: Explain what Beowulf, seen in “the silvery metal of his mail shirt/Gleaming with a smith’s high art,” represents to the Danes. Examine what Beowulf says to Hrothgar about himself and his past deeds. Why does he appear to boast about his accomplishments?
10. Lines 160–175: Explain Beowulf’s reasoning behind the method he will use to fight Grendel. What does this reveal about the relationship between warrior and leader? What details reveal Beowulf’s attitude toward Hrothgar? Why does he feel this way?
11. Lines 214–224: How does Hrothgar’s speech reflect the importance of courage and community?
12. Lines 233–240: Note the punctuation that indicates the caesura in some of these lines. How does the rhythm created by those pauses reinforce the action described?
13. Lines 233–261: What details reinforce the idea of Grendel as a force of evil? How does this view of Grendel increase suspense? What foreshadowing is in this passage? Why does the poet include it?
14. Lines 262–272: Why does Beowulf allow one of his followers to be taken by Grendel before he attacks him?
15. Lines 290–305: What do the setting details in this passage reveal about Anglo-Saxon civilization?
16. Lines 314–327: Why is Grendel such a formidable opponent? What is the significance of the inability of Beowulf’s men to help him?
17. Lines 332–359: What evidence supports the idea that the fight between Grendel and Beowulf is symbolic of the struggle between good and evil? How does the symbolism of Beowulf’s gesture in lines 356–359 reveal a theme resulting from this conflict?
18. Lines 370–375: How do the alliteration and imagery affect the impact of this part of the poem?
19. Lines 376–380: How does this passage relate to the Anglo-Saxon view of immortality?
20. Lines 387–397: How does this scene reflect the techniques used by Anglo-Saxon poets?
21. Lines 400–424: What details and techniques does the poet use to convey the brutality of Grendel’s mother’s attack? What is the significance of her actions? What do they foreshadow about future events?
22. Lines 425–445: What descriptive images link Grendel’s mother’s home to the concepts of death and darkness? What does this lake symbolize?
23. Lines 450–473: Note where the battle takes place. How does Grendel’s mother inadvertently give Beowulf an advantage?
24. Lines 485–523: How does this battle differ from Beowulf’s encounter with Grendel? What is the significance of the similarity between the two battles?
25. Lines 513–523: What is the significance of Beowulf’s ability to wield the sword?
26. Lines 526–545: What images of light are in this passage? How are they connected with Beowulf’s victory? What does Beowulf cutting off Grendel’s head symbolize?
27. Lines 546–568: What do these lines reveal about Anglo-Saxon values?
28. Lines 545–563: Identify and explain the shifts in this passage. What is the intended effect of these shifts on the audience?
29. Lines 574–578: Explain the transformation of the lake. What has Beowulf metaphorically restored?
30. Lines 587–605: What details in these final lines reinforce the idea that Beowulf is superior to all others?