Beowulf Study Review Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What would be different about this particular visit to Herot by Grendel?

Beowulf is waiting to take care of him. Grendel will not survive.

What details in these three lines demonstrate Beowulf's superhuman strength?

He is Higlac's follower. He had sworn to kill Grendel with his bare hands. Beowulf's hands are harder; he crushes Grendel's claws.

In what ways is this battle between Grendel and Beowulf really a battle between good and evil?

Grendel was killing people (evil); Beowulf was stopping him (good).

Why can't Beowulf's men harm Grendel?

Grendel cursed the swords, making them unable to pierce his skin. Beowulf used his hands to take down Grendel. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?

Beowulf defeats Grendel with his own hands by tearing off his arm at the shoulder, causing a fatal wound. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beowulf prove his victory over Grendel?

Beowulf hangs the shoulder from the rafters in Herot Hall as a trophy. Signup and view all the answers

What had happened to Grendel?

Grendel was mortally wounded and returned to his lair where he bled to death. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hrothgar asking Beowulf to do?

Hrothgar asked Beowulf to kill Grendel's mother. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Beowulf comes to the lair of Grendel's mother. What details remind you that Beowulf is not an ordinary man?

He holds his breath for hours and swims long distances while being fully armed. Signup and view all the answers

What details in this description of the battle between Grendel's mother and Beowulf add to your suspense about the outcome?

The back and forth of the battle and the uncertainty of the outcome. His mail shirt saved his life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother?

He beheads Grendel's mother. Signup and view all the answers

What is Beowulf's final revenge?

Beowulf beheads Grendel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Grendel's Visit to Herot

Beowulf anticipates a decisive confrontation with Grendel, confident that Grendel will not survive this encounter.

Beowulf's Superhuman Strength

Beowulf, referred to as "Higlac's follower," exemplifies extraordinary strength by swearing to defeat Grendel with his bare hands.
Demonstrated by crushing Grendel's claws, emphasizing physical prowess.

Battle Between Good and Evil

The conflict symbolizes the struggle between good (Beowulf) and evil (Grendel), with Beowulf representing heroism by stopping Grendel's atrocities.
Biblical allusions enhance the narrative's moral framework.

Inability of Beowulf's Men

Grendel's curse renders weapons ineffective against him, preventing Beowulf's men from injuring the beast.
Beowulf opts to confront Grendel using his bare hands.

Beowulf's Defeat of Grendel

Beowulf triumphs over Grendel by tearing off his arm at the shoulder, delivering a critical and fatal blow.

Proof of Victory

Beowulf displays Grendel's severed arm in Herot Hall as a trophy, signaling his victory and reassuring the community of their safety.

Fate of Grendel

Mortally wounded, Grendel retreats to his lair where he ultimately succumbs to his injuries and dies.

Hrothgar's Request

Hrothgar, the king, seeks Beowulf's aid to vanquish Grendel's mother, continuing the battle against evil.

Beowulf's Descent into Grendel's Lair

Beowulf showcases extraordinary abilities by holding his breath for hours and swimming long distances while fully armed, highlighting his extraordinary nature.

Suspense of the Battle

The dynamic exchange during the battle with Grendel's mother creates tension and uncertainty about the outcome.
Beowulf's armor proves vital, protecting him during the fight.

Beowulf's Victory Over Grendel's Mother

Beowulf successfully kills Grendel's mother by beheading her, marking another significant triumph.

Final Act of Revenge

As a final act, Beowulf beheads Grendel, ensuring vengeance and concluding the conflict with evil.

Description

These flashcards offer a comprehensive review of key concepts in Beowulf, focusing on Grendel's encounters and Beowulf's superhuman abilities. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of the text's central themes and characters.