Beowulf Analysis: Grendel and Beowulf's Heroism

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Questions and Answers

Who is Grendel a descendant of?

Abel

Cain (correct)

Seth

Noah

What motivates Grendel to attack the Danes?

Jealousy of their happiness (correct)

Desire for wealth

A quest for revenge

Boredom with isolation

Why does Beowulf choose not to use weapons against Grendel?

He believes it is cowardly to use weapons.

He respects warrior traditions.

Grendel refuses to fight with weapons. (correct)

What is the first action Grendel takes upon entering Heorot?

Kills someone Signup and view all the answers

What prevents Beowulf's warriors from aiding him in the battle with Grendel?

Their swords are cursed by Grendel. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hrothgar motivate Beowulf to confront Grendel’s mother?

By stating he is their only hope. Signup and view all the answers

What does the brilliant light signify after Beowulf kills Grendel's mother?

God's approval of Beowulf's victory. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Beowulf’s method of killing Grendel’s mother?

He uses her own weapon against her. Signup and view all the answers

What action causes the dragon to terrorize the Geats?

Stealing one of the dragon's cups Signup and view all the answers

What final wish does Beowulf express before his death?

For Wiglaf to be king Signup and view all the answers

What does Beowulf justify regarding his use of armor in the fight with the dragon?

He is becoming too old and weaker Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant aspect of Beowulf's funeral?

His body was burned Signup and view all the answers

What does Dorian Gray wish for that drives the plot of the story?

To remain young forever Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of his painting disturbs Basil when he sees it later?

It exhibits Dorian as old and cruel Signup and view all the answers

Who does Basil Hallward blame for the changes he observes in Dorian Gray?

Lord Henry Signup and view all the answers

What logical fallacy is exemplified by Chris's comment about his opponent's ice cream habit?

Ad hominem Signup and view all the answers

What is a gleeman in the context of Anglo-Saxon culture?

A musician Signup and view all the answers

What major effect does Dorian's wish for eternal youth have on his character?

He becomes increasingly cruel Signup and view all the answers

How does Dorian Gray provide himself with an alibi for Basil's death?

He claims he was locked out of his house Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurs to Dorian Gray's portrait after he breaks up with Sibyl Vane?

It changes its expression Signup and view all the answers

What thematic symbol do Beowulf and Grendel represent?

Sin vs God's will Signup and view all the answers

What type of religious belief was prevalent prior to the Roman invasion in Britain?

Paganism Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Alan Campbell as a result of his involvement with Dorian Gray?

He commits suicide Signup and view all the answers

What logical fallacy is demonstrated when someone argues against a position by misrepresenting it?

Straw man Signup and view all the answers

Which logical fallacy suggests that a specific action will lead to a disastrous chain of events?

Slippery slope Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to informal language that is characteristic of a particular region?

Colloquialism Signup and view all the answers

What fallacy is being committed when someone assumes that because two events occurred together, one caused the other?

Faulty causality Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for language that includes prejudices against others based on their characteristics?

Biased language Signup and view all the answers

In Frankenstein, where does Victor Frankenstein go to pursue his studies?

Inglostadt Signup and view all the answers

What type of language is described as being used to deliberately obscure, disguise, or distort the meaning of words?

Doublespeak Signup and view all the answers

What does the creature in Frankenstein desire most while observing the family in the cottage?

To be accepted Signup and view all the answers

Which fallacy is committed when one presents either/or options without considering other alternatives?

Either/or Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of hasty generalization in reasoning?

Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence Signup and view all the answers

What logical fallacy is used when an argument relies on appeals to emotion rather than factual evidence?

Appeals to pity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of language refers specifically to words created to discuss new concepts?

Neologisms Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a statement has concrete qualities?

It conveys clear, observable details Signup and view all the answers

What type of writing reflects a belief in the superiority of one culture over others?

Ethnocentric language Signup and view all the answers

What is the creature's first decision regarding who to speak to and why?

A blind man because he cannot judge him by his appearance. Signup and view all the answers

How does Victor react when he first sees the creature watching him during the creation of the female companion?

He destroys his potential companion out of fear. Signup and view all the answers

How does the creature ultimately feel about his own appearance?

Disgusted and ashamed. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action does the creature take after being rejected by the family?

He burns down the cottage. Signup and view all the answers

Who is ultimately convicted for the murder of William Frankenstein?

Justine Moritz. Signup and view all the answers

What request does the creature make of Victor?

To make him a female companion. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Elizabeth give for blaming herself for William's death?

She let him wear a valuable locket. Signup and view all the answers

What is Victor’s plan regarding the time spent creating the female companion?

He plans to work for 3 years. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Beowulf

Grendel's Ancestry: Descended from Cain, representing separation from God, leading to jealousy and greed.
Grendel's Motivation: Attacks the Danes due to isolation and anger fueled by their joy and laughter.
Beowulf's Initial Bragging: Establishes credibility and trust by boasting about his father and past victories.
Beowulf's Weapon Choice (Grendel): Chooses to fight unarmed, respecting Grendel's lack of weapons and trusting fate, aligning with divine will.
Grendel's Initial Action (Herot): Kills a man upon entering Herot, creating an element of surprise.
Beowulf's Warrior Incapability (Grendel): Grendel curses the warriors' swords preventing them from helping.
Hrothgar's Urging (Grendel's Mother): Emphasizes Beowulf's crucial role in achieving peace and promises wealth.
Light Signifying Victory (Grendel's Mother): God's approval of Beowulf's victory is symbolized by a bright light.
Grendel's Mother's Death (Irony): Beowulf kills her with her own sword, creating an ironic victory.
Dragon's Terror (Geats): Burns Geats' houses and towns due to a slave stealing his cup, fueled by greed.
Beowulf's Armor Justification (Dragon): Justifies his use of armor due to age, the dragon's fire breath, and his previous, unarmored battles.
Beowulf's Final Wishes: For Wiglaf to be king, treasure distribution, and a grand funeral.
Wiglaf's Role (Dragon Battle): Turns the tide of battle by striking the dragon, helping Beowulf kill the dragon.
Beowulf's Funeral Details: Cremation, placement in a barrow mound, lamentations, and monumental tower erection.
Beowulf's Motivation (Strangers): Driven by a sense of destiny, believing God sends him to protect others.
Beowulf and Grendel's Symbolism: Represents the battle between sin and divine will.
Pre-Roman Invasion Religion: Paganism was dominant.
Anglo-Saxon Period's End (1066): Marked by William the Conqueror's invasion from France.
Anglo-Saxon Code of Weregild: Compensation for crimes like murder or violence.
Days of the Week's Origin: Named after pagan gods and goddesses.
Gleeman: Musician.
Folk Moot: Large community meeting.
Beowulf's Writing Century: 11th century.
Beowulf's Transmission Method: Orally.
Runic Alphabet: Used in Anglo-Saxon times for writing.

Dorian Gray

Lord Henry's Captivation: Captured by the portrait of Dorian Gray.
Basil's Exhibition Hesitation: Feels the painting contains too much of himself and fears its reception.
Basil's Hesitation (Lord Henry): Believes Lord Henry will corrupt Dorian's character.
Dorian's Soul's Desire: To remain eternally young.
Dorian's Love Interest: Sibyl Vane, an actor.
Telegram's Content (Sibyl): Announcement of their engagement.
Sibyl's Nickname: "Prince Charming"
James Vane's Threat: Threatens Dorian if he hurts Sibyl Vane.
Theatre Anger (Dorian): Sibyl's poor performance angers Dorian.
Post-Breakup Portrait Change: Portrait's expression changes to reflect Dorian's cruelty.
Dorian's Choice (Lord Henry): Accepts the portrait's burden and allows it to reflect his sins.
Basil's Perceived Dorian Location: Believes Dorian is seeking solace with Sibyl Vane's mother.
Basil's Blame (Change in Dorian): Blames Lord Henry for Dorian's moral decline.
Basil's Portrait Purpose: Wants to exhibit it in Paris.
Lord Henry's Gift (Dorian): A book that fascinates Dorian.
Basil's Pre-Departure Message: Concerns about rumors concerning Dorian's character.
Basil's Portrait Observation: Sees an aging, cruel, and evil Dorian, urging Dorian to repent.
Dorian's Alibi (Basil's Death): Fakes being locked out of his house.
Dorian's Request (Alan): Asks Alan to dispose of Basil's body.
Lord Henry's Question (Party): Queries Dorian about his whereabouts the previous night causing nervousness.
Basil's Post-Party Activities (Complications): Must deal immediately with matters related to his house and property.
Accuser in Streets: James Vane, a drunken sailor, accuses Dorian.
Bad Omen (Dorian): Shooting a deer and killing a man are proclaimed as dreadful omens.
Alan Campbell's Outcome: Commits suicide.
Dorian's Claim (Soul Beauty): Claims that soul beauty is a dreadful reality that can be bought, sold, and manipulated.

Logical Fallacies

Ad Hominem: Attacking a person instead of the argument.
Slippery Slope: Asserting an event will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.
Straw Man: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to refute.
Either/Or: Presenting only two options when more exist.
Hasty Generalization: Drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence.
Appeal to Authority: Using an authority figure's opinion as justification.
Appeal to Pity: Appealing to sympathy rather than logical reasoning.
Bandwagon: Suggesting validity based on popularity.
Faulty Causality: Assuming a correlation proves causation.
Non Sequitur: Irrelevant conclusion to the argument.

Unit 4 Vocabulary

(See the provided definitions)

Frankenstein

Walton's Journey/Correspondence: Travels to the Arctic and writes to his sister.
Victor's Upbringing/Interests: Grows up in Geneva, interested in life and death.
Victor's Activities (Age 17): Travels to Inglostadt to study and creates the monster.
Creature's Childhood/Adulthood Traits: Exhibits childlike actions and tantrums, but also possesses adult stature and destructive abilities.
Creature's Main Desire (Cottage): To be accepted and live peacefully with the family.
Creature's Language Acquisition: Learns language by observing Safie.
Creature's World Knowledge (Beyond Observation): Learns from reading books and traveling.
Creature's Creator's Opinion: Victor is ashamed and disgusted by his creation.
Creature's First Speaking Opportunity: With a blind man, to sidestep judgment based on appearance.
Creature's Responses to Rejection: Burns the cottage, kills Victor's family members.
Creature's Request of Victor: A female companion.
Victor's Fears (Female Creation): Fears a horrific bloodline and destroys his creation.
Creature's Promise (Victor's Wedding): To be at victor's wedding night.
Victor's Deathbed Request (Robert): To hunt down and kill the creature.
Victor/Creature Responsibility for Deaths: William, Victor's father, Elizabeth, Justine, and Henry.
Victor's Mother's Death Cause: Scarlet fever.
Elizabeth's Blame (William's Loss): For allowing him to wear a valuable locket.
William Frankenstein's Murder Trial: Justine Moritz is tried and convicted.
Creature's Feelings About Appearance: Disgusted.
Felix's Action (Safie's Father): Helps Safie's father escape from prison.
Creature's Action (Cottage): Burns the cottage.
Victor's Travel Time (Female Creation): 3 years.
Henry Clerval's World Travel Feelings: Overjoyed.
Victor's Initial Blame (Murder): For Henry Clerval's murder.
Victor's Prison Visitor: His father.
Elizabeth's Letter Concern (Marriage): If Victor is marrying her out of duty/honor.
Victor/Elizabeth's Post-Wedding Residence: Cologny.
Creature's Post-Victor's Death Action: Plans to build his own funeral pyre.

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Explore the complex themes of isolation, fate, and heroism in the epic tale of Beowulf. This quiz delves into Grendel's motivations, Beowulf's strategies, and the pivotal moments of victory against daunting foes. Test your understanding of character dynamics and symbolic elements within the text.