Beowulf - GUIDED READING
GRENDEL
1. List at least 5 instances of Christian elements being placed in the story (for example: references
to “God” or “the Almighty”). Include the line number.
2. In line 1-2 what mood does the alliteration of “p” and “d” sounds help to create?
3. In presenting Grendel’s lineage, what allusion is presented on the upper section of page 44. What
is its purpose?
4. To what “Epic Theme” could lines 23-29 be referring?
5. Why might the Anglo-Saxons have a problem with the way Grendel attacked?
6. What might “...The beginning might not be the end,” mean (line 49)?
7. The Anglo-Saxons were known for their prowess in war, and yet lines 50-54, convey insight into
what they really feel about it. What do lines 50-54 reveal?
8. How long did Grendel terrorize Herot?
9. List and provide the line numbers for two Kennings used in place of Grendel.
10. What literary device is in lines 64-72?
11. What important piece of Anglo-Saxon culture is referenced in lines 67-72?
12. At the bottom of page 45 is a segment of text that was most likely altered or inserted after the
poem was originally written; what is this warning issued to those who pray to the “old stone
gods”?
BEOWULF
1. Why do you think Beowulf might have traveled all the way to Denmark to fight Grendel?
2. List three of Beowulf’s former achievements. What reason might he have for telling this to the
Danes?
3. What is Beowulf asking Hrothgar? What reasons might Hrothgar have for refusing this request?
4. Do you think Beowulf is arrogant? Why or why not?
5. In lines 170-175, what outrageous statement does Beowulf make?
THE BATTLE WITH GRENDEL
1. Find three details or descriptions of Grendel that show his monstrosity.
2. In line 273, the poet uses the kennings “shepherd of evil” and “guardian of crime” and in line
311 he uses “hell’s captive” to describe Grendel. What do these kennings tell us about Grendel’s
character?
3. How does Beowulf’s outrageous boast (#5 above) end up working to his advantage?
4. How does Beowulf defeat Grendel? What is taken as a trophy? What is done with it?
5. In lines 360-374, list 5 pieces of imagery the poet uses to describe the pursuit of the mortally
mutilated monster. What effect does this imagery have on Grendel’s death?
GRENDEL’S MOTHER
1. Name two techniques the poet uses to capture the ferocity of the battle on page 55.
2. What is the mood created by the image at the top of page 55? Which elements help to create that
mood?
3. The lines referring to, “No female…” (line 400) gives the reader a glimpse of the way women were
viewed in the Anglo-Saxon period. What inferences can you logically make?
4. What is the significance of the “single victim” (line 411) that Grendel’s mother chooses?
5. Fill in the following table:
EVENT
GRENDEL
GRENDEL’S MOTHER
timing of attack
appropriate use of weregild
victims of attack
how the monster is viewed by the
Anglo-Saxons
What happens to the body (from
“The Battle with Grendel’s Mother”)
6. In what sort of place does Grendel’s Mother live? What details of setting help to create an ominous
mood?
7. What do you predict will happen if Beowulf seeks out Grendel’s mom?
8. Lines 425-449 have a problem-solution structure. Determine both the problem and solution.
THE BATTLE WITH GRENDEL’S MOTHER
1. Some believe that Beowulf is the first superhero, list at least 3 examples from the text that could support this
argument.
2. What characteristics of an Epic are present in both the details of the battle as well as the setting?
3. Lines 490-493 and 550-555 discuss the concept of fame as viewed by Anglo-Saxons. What is the view
presented in the text, and how is the modern view of fame different from this ancient view?
LINES
ANGLO-SAXON (THE TEXT)
MODERN/CONTEMPORARY VIEW
490-493
550-555
4. What was different about the weapon that Beowulf used to defeat Grendel’s mother? Who was it blessed by?
5. What does the light described in lines 526-528 suggest about Beowulf’s victory? What epic theme does this
symbolism highlight?
6. What happened to the “blessed” sword? Why do you think this happened?
7. Find the kenning at the bottom of page 60.
BEOWULF’S LAST BATTLE
1. How long has it been since the events in the last section? Where has the story’s setting shifted? Who is king
of the Geats now?
2. What monster has been awakened? Why did it wake up and terrorize the Geats?
3. Beowulf says his goodbyes to his people, somehow sensing his death approaching. How would he prefer to
battle this monster (like he battled Grendel)? Why can’t he?
4. In line 621 who or what doe Beowulf trust to decide the battle?
5. According to lines 668-670 what’s different about this fight? How does Beowulf fight despite these lines?
6. What happens to Beowulf’s sword? What might this symbolize?
7. What is despicable about Beowulf’s companion’s actions (think about comitatus)?
8. What’s the main point of Wiglaf’s speech, line 708-735?
9. Copy one or two lines that seem to be the most effective in communicating Wiglaf’s purpose.