Name
from Beowulf
Additional Selection Questions
Date
Use to supplement the
questions on SE page 71 .
Differentiation Use these questions to provide customized practice with
comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Easy
1. Where do MONSTERS lurk? Which characters in Beowulf are associated with evil? (Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and
the dragon)
2. Recall Characteristics of an Epic How does the poem portray Beowulf as an epic
hero? (The poem shows Beowulf in action, demonstrating courage and amazing strength
as he battles frightening monsters.)
Average
How might the location of Grendel’s marsh be symbolic? (The low-lying marsh,
contrasted with “high Herot” [line 236], symbolizes evil.)
4. Analyze Characteristics of an Epic In what ways does Beowulf typify epic
poetry? (Beowulf depicts the adventures of a remarkably brave, larger-than-life
hero who demonstrates almost superhuman abilities in battling monstrous
opponents. The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone in telling the story
and explores such universal themes as the value of loyalty and good versus evil.)
5. Reading Old English Poetry Give three examples of kennings and explain
what each one means and whom it describes. (“Strong-hearted wakeful sleeper”
[line 270] describes the brave Beowulf waiting to attack Grendel. “Shepherd
of evil” [line 273] refers to Grendel and suggests the monster’s association
with doing evil deeds. “Mighty protector of men” [line 313] describes Beowulf,
suggesting his epic stature.)
from
from Beowulf
Beowulf
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
3. Where do MONSTERS lurk? Challenging
6. Where do MONSTERS lurk? How does the poet’s description of the monster Grendel and his deeds create an
atmosphere of evil? Cite examples from the poem. (The poet describes in gruesome
detail Grendel’s “bloodthirsty and horrible” attacks on the Danes. In addition, the
poet suggests evil forces when he tells how Grendel was conceived by “monsters born
of Cain,” demons who “split into a thousand forms of evil—spirits and fiends, goblins,
monsters giants.” The poet also uses such descriptive phrases as “hell-forged hands,”
“that shadow of death” and “evil soul” to describe Grendel.)
7. Characteristics of an Epic In the review on pages 74–75, D. J. R. Bruckner
suggests that Benjamin Bagby’s performance strongly supports the idea that
Beowulf is “meant to be heard, not read.” Do you think that hearing an oral
reading of Beowulf would give listeners a significantly greater appreciation for
the characteristics of epic poetry than reading the poem as literature? Why or
why not? Be specific in your response. (Accept all thoughtful, well-supported
responses.)
Resource Manager
Unit 1
British Literature
15