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Questions and Answers
Who is Beowulf?
Who is Beowulf?
- A king
- A demon
- A dragon
- A Geatish hero (correct)
What demon does Beowulf fight?
What demon does Beowulf fight?
Grendel
Who seeks revenge on Hrothgar's men?
Who seeks revenge on Hrothgar's men?
Grendel's Mother
What type of ruler is King Hrothgar?
What type of ruler is King Hrothgar?
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Who is Unferth?
Who is Unferth?
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Who is Hygelac?
Who is Hygelac?
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Who is Ecgtheow?
Who is Ecgtheow?
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Who is King Hrethel?
Who is King Hrethel?
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What does Beowulf fight in the third part of the epic?
What does Beowulf fight in the third part of the epic?
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Who helps Beowulf fight the dragon?
Who helps Beowulf fight the dragon?
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What is a caesura?
What is a caesura?
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What is a kenning?
What is a kenning?
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Study Notes
Beowulf and Main Characters
- Beowulf is the main character of the poem, a Geatish hero known for battling Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.
- Represents the ideals of heroic culture in youth and evolves into a wise ruler in old age.
- Grendel is a demon descended from Cain, terrorizing Hrothgar's warriors and symbolizing vengeance in the poem.
- Grendel's Mother is an even more monstrous demon, seeking revenge for her son's death, prompting Beowulf to venture into her lair.
- King Hrothgar, the wise ruler of the Danes, symbolizes different leadership forms and serves as a mentor and father figure to Beowulf.
Supporting Characters
- Unferth is a jealous Danish warrior who is made to appear inferior when unable to confront Grendel.
- Hygelac, Beowulf's uncle and king of the Geats, warmly welcomes Beowulf after his adventures in Denmark.
- Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s deceased father, is honored through his legacy and memories held by Beowulf.
- King Hrethel is the Geatish king who took in Beowulf after Ecgtheow's death.
Antagonists
- The dragon, an ancient serpent guarding treasure, is Beowulf's final adversary in the epic.
Key Themes and Elements
- Wiglaf, a loyal young warrior, assists Beowulf against the dragon, demonstrating the heroic code and potential as Beowulf's successor.
- A caesura is a pause in poetry, particularly found near the middle of a line, highlighting the poem's rhythmic structure.
- A kenning is a figurative compound expression common in Old English, adding metaphorical layers to descriptions, such as "oar-steed" meaning ship.
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