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?
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How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?
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How does Beowulf prove his victory over Grendel?
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What had happened to Grendel?
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What is Hrothgar asking Beowulf to do?
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Describe how Beowulf comes to the lair of Grendel's mother. What details remind you that Beowulf is not an ordinary man?
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What details in this description of the battle between Grendel's mother and Beowulf add to your suspense about the outcome?
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How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother?
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What is Beowulf's final revenge?
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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.
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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.