English 4
‘Beowulf Battle Comparison
Name: __________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
We are going to discuss all three of Beowulf’s battles: Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon. As we read each battle, fill in
the chart provided with the requested information about the three battles. When you have completed the chart, examine
that information and look for similarities/differences among the battles. Arrive at a conclusion as to the significance of those
similarities/differences:
Task 1:
Compare the three fights of Beowulf. Use this chart to document the information about these fights, in order to effectively compare them. This
will help you find meaning from the text.
Comparison
Points
Beowulf’s
condition
Beowulf’s
opponent
Weapons
Beowulf’s men
Location of the
battle
Outcome of the
battle
Battle 1- Grendel
Battle 2- Grendel’s Mother
Battle 3- Dragon
Task 2: Answer the following questions below.
1. How can the similarities and differences be explained?
2. Are there literal and figurative ways of looking at the similarities and differences in the battles?
3. Why was the poem divided into three parts, each focusing on one particular battle?
Task 3:
Think about the three monsters of “Beowulf” thoroughly. Using the chart above, form a meaning for what the different monsters represent.
What do you think the poet was trying to say through this poem? In at least 1 paragraph, explain what the three fights, monsters, stages of
Beowulf’s life mean to you. The differences and similarities will help you determine what they represent. Think of ideas like evil, life, challenge,
etc.