Grendel Chapters 9-12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of foreshadowing in Grendel?

The old woman's tale of a giant (correct)

Grendel's contemplation of his own death

His relationship with his mother

The death of the deer

What do you think the riddle is and why?

The death of the deer reminds Grendel of his own death.

How is Grendel critical of religion?

Religion is sick; there is no conviction in the priests' songs.

Why was no one 'especially bothered' when Grendel toppled the stone gods?

No one believed in the stone and wood gods. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the scene between Grendel and Ork?

Ork prays for Grendel's destruction while Grendel pretends to be the Great Destroyer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ork say about the King of Gods?

The King is not concrete; He is the ground for concrete actuality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate evil?

The ultimate evil is that time is perpetual perishing. Signup and view all the answers

How do the other priests respond to Ork's revelation?

The first priest thinks he is crazy; others have mixed reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the worst pain?

Tedium Signup and view all the answers

How does the goat define its purpose?

The goat's purpose is unrelenting; Grendel's response is conflicted. Signup and view all the answers

What lies does the old woman tell the children?

She tells tales of a giant with the strength of thirty thanes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Shaper and how does Grendel feel about it?

The Shaper dies, leaving Grendel feeling unsatisfied and angry. Signup and view all the answers

Who do you think the red-haired woman is?

The Shaper's crush. Signup and view all the answers

What strange thoughts come over Grendel?

He thinks deeply about time and existence. Signup and view all the answers

What should Grendel beware of?

The fish. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Grendel sleeps?

He wakes in terror with his hands over his throat. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Grendel mad with joy?

New people have come to the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grendel describe Beowulf?

Beowulf is big as a mountain, with a powerful yet mild voice. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grendel feel upon the arrival of the Geats?

He is excited because Beowulf looks dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion has Grendel come to regarding order?

All order is theoretical and unreal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the enemy of a watchful mind?

The cavernous heart. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grendel define his purpose?

He calls himself absolute final waste. Signup and view all the answers

How is the world divided according to Grendel?

Into things to be murdered and things that hinder murder. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Danes not pleased by the arrival of the Geats?

They didn't want the Geats to get the honor of killing Grendel. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the priests not pleased by the arrival of the Geats?

They believed the Great Destroyer would kill Grendel, not Beowulf. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Wealtheow's arrival have upon the meadhall?

The Geats and Danes start laughing and getting along. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grendel do for a 'pure, mad prank'?

He ties a cloth around his neck to make a napkin. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grendel feel/think when Beowulf grabs hold of him?

He jumps back without thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What hallucination does Grendel have?

He hallucinates that Beowulf has wings. Signup and view all the answers

To what does Beowulf compare time?

Coffin. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beowulf illustrate the creative power of language?

Language defines what is real. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Grendel keeps stating that Beowulf's victory was an accident?

He believes Beowulf tricked him and slipped. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Grendel feel joy at the prospect of dying?

Signup and view all the answers

What do you think of Grendel's final words?

They suggest a sense of tragic self-awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Themes and Concepts

Foreshadowing: "Something is coming, strange as Spring. I am afraid." Indicates impending change or danger.
Existential Reflection: Grendel recalls the death of a deer, symbolizing his awareness of his own mortality.

Critique of Religion

Grendel’s View on Religion: Critiques the lack of conviction in old priests' songs, suggesting that religion is performative rather than genuine.
Ork's Belief: Describes the King of Gods as abstract, emphasizing rationality is beyond comprehension.

Ultimate Evil

Nature of Evil: Defined as perpetual perishing; existence involves elimination.
Epitomes: "Things fade" and "alternatives exclude" highlight the inexorable nature of loss.

Religious Leaders' Reactions

Varied Responses to Ork: Reactions range from disbelief, concern for reputation, to genuine belief.

Grendel's Pain and Purpose

Worst Pain: Tedium is emphasized as the greatest suffering.
Goat’s Purpose: Represents relentless existence; Grendel's response reflects his struggle against meaninglessness.

Foreshadowing and Myth

Old Woman's Tale: Speaks of a giant across the sea—foreshadows Beowulf’s arrival.
Grendel's Awareness: Recognizes the threat of impending change with the arrival of new people.

Death of the Shaper

Impact on Grendel: Grendel feels anger and loss of order with the Shaper’s death, signaling the collapse of meaning in his life.

Grendel's Observations of Beowulf

Description: Beowulf is compared to a mountain, evoking strength and danger, while his voice is described as unsettling.
Grendel’s Anticipation: Feels excitement at Beowulf’s arrival, viewing him as a worthy opponent.

Danish Reaction: Danes resent the Geats' presence, fearing loss of glory in defeating Grendel.
Wealtheow's Influence: Her entrance brings joy and camaraderie, breaking tension in the meadhall.

Grendel’s Perception of Reality

Purpose Definition: Sees himself as "absolute, final waste," reflecting a nihilistic worldview.
Division of the World: Categorizes existence into entities to be killed and those that impede killing.

Grendel's Conflict with Beowulf

Initial Encounter: Grendel instinctively recoils when Beowulf seizes him.
Hallucination: Envisions Beowulf having wings, symbolizing his perception of Beowulf’s supernatural strength.

Time and Language

Comparison of Time: Beowulf likens time to a coffin, implying an oppressive, finite nature.
Power of Language: Language is depicted as the defining force of reality.

Grendel’s Final Thoughts

Accident Theme: Believes Beowulf’s victory was a fluke; reflects Grendel’s inner turmoil and sense of defeat.
Final Words: "Poor Grendel's had an accident, so may you all" suggests a grim, ironic acceptance of chaotic fate.

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Explore the key themes and ideas from chapters 9-12 of Grendel through these flashcards. Delve into concepts like foreshadowing and Grendel's perspective on death and religion. Evaluate thought-provoking questions that encourage deeper understanding of the text.