Beowulf Discussion Questions – Part One:
1. When Grendel arrives at Herot, how does he find it different from his last visit?
2. Describe Herot in detail – why was it built, who built it, what is it made of?
3. How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?
4. Why can he defeat Grendel but other warriors cannot?
5. Who is Grendel compared to? Who is Beowulf compared to?
6. Why does Beowulf keep souvenirs of Grendel’s defeat? What are these souvenirs?
7. Where is Grendel’s mother’s lair?
8. How will Hrothgar reward Beowulf for the defeat of Grendel’s mother?
9. What protects Beowulf from Grendel’s mother as she carries him to her lair?
10. How does Beowulf kill Grendel’s mother?
11. What is Beowulf’s final revenge against Grendel?