Questions and Answers
Beowulf was originally written in what?
Who is Hrothgar?
The king of the Danes
What are three quotes that demonstrate Beowulf's honor?
Beowulf spoke of his glorious deeds and emphasizes the importance of avenging friends.
Grendel is described as a descendant of which murderous Biblical figure?
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Why does Grendel attack Herot?
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The Anglo-Saxons consisted of which three groups of Germanic Peoples?
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Name all the characteristics of the epic hero.
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Why have previous attempts to stop Grendel failed?
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Anglo-Saxon life was dominated by what?
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Who is Wiglaf?
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What does Beowulf believe determines the outcome of his efforts?
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What group of people does Grendel attack for 12 years?
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Why are Beowulf's men of no help during his battle with Grendel?
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Herot is the biggest and best __________ around.
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What force is Grendel symbolic of?
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Before Beowulf arrives, the survivors of Grendel's attacks are those who do what?
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When Grendel realizes Beowulf's strength, he tries to do what?
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What does Beowulf use to defeat Grendel?
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What is the official sport of Texas?
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What words should you NEVER use in academic writing?
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What is the difference between mood and tone?
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What is the acronym we use to write a SAR and what does each letter mean?
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What does Anglo-Saxon weaponry consist of?
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Beowulf is the nephew of what great ruler?
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What is the main theme of Beowulf?
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Who is Beowulf's father?
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What type of hero is Beowulf?
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What is alliteration?
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What is a caesura?
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What is a kenning?
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After Beowulf's death, his followers did what?
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What is the significance of the arm ripped off at the shoulder?
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How does Beowulf die?
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As it became apparent that fate was against Beowulf in his battle with the dragon, what happened to his warriors?
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How do the dragon's motives for attacking the Geats differ from Grendel's motives for attacking the Danes?
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What is the importance of the sword hammered by giants?
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What could the fiery lake where Grendel's mother lives symbolize and why?
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Name all the epic hero traits Beowulf shows throughout the poem.
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Study Notes
Beowulf Overview
- Beowulf is an epic poem in Old English, consisting of 3,182 lines, and employs alliterative verse, a hallmark of Old English poetry.
Key Characters
- Hrothgar is the king of the Danes who experiences prosperity until Grendel attacks.
- Grendel is a descendant of Cain, representing evil and tormenting Hrothgar's kingdom for 12 years.
- Beowulf, Hygelac's kinsman, is an epic hero exhibiting honor, bravery, and loyalty.
- Wiglaf, a brave thane, assists Beowulf in his final battle against a dragon.
Themes and Motifs
- The primary theme revolves around heroism and the conflict between good and evil.
- Epic hero traits include courage, super strength, loyalty, humility, and the willingness to risk life for others.
Grendel's Motivation
- Grendel attacks Herot out of sadness, isolation, and envy towards the joy of the Danes.
- Previous attempts to stop Grendel are ineffective due to his protection against all weapons.
Beowulf's Valor
- Beowulf chooses to battle Grendel unarmed, believing in God's judgment of worthiness.
Epic Hero Characteristics
- Epic heroes are characterized by nobility of character, physical strength, intelligence, and a sense of duty to their people.
- Common traits: bravery, inhuman strength, gratitude, wit, and fearlessness.
Literary Devices
- Alliteration occurs with the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
- Caesura, a pause in a line of poetry, contributes to the poem's rhythm.
- Kennings are metaphorical compounds such as "sky-candle" for the sun and "ring-giver" for a king.
Conclusion of Beowulf
- After Beowulf's death from a dragon's attack, his followers abandon him, highlighting themes of loyalty and heroism.
- The significance of ripping off Grendel's arm symbolizes Beowulf's physical strength and victory.
- The dragon's motive contrasts with Grendel's; the dragon attacks for revenge while Grendel embodies hatred for humanity.
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Description
Explore the epic poem Beowulf, its key characters, and the central themes of heroism and the struggle between good and evil. This quiz will test your knowledge of the main characters like Beowulf and Grendel, as well as the overall narrative and motifs present in the poem.
