 How does lineage affect people’s place in society?
 Epic – a long narrative poem, sometimes developed
orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or
heroic figure
 Legendary hero – larger than life character whose
accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales
 Boastful self-confidence
 Feats of strength
 Victories in battle
 Beowulf – Geat
 Hrothgar – Dane
 The clergy was the first group to record the story of
Beowulf.
 At the time Beowulf was recorded, Christianity was
spreading through Europe.
 Elements of the story are indicative of the struggle
between paganism and Christianity that was occurring
at the time.
 Beowulf
 Christ-like figure
 Grendel’s mother
 Biblical portrayals of women
 What does the story of Grendel’s origins suggest about the
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beliefs of Anglo-Saxon culture?
Terrorized by Grendel, Hrothgar and his followers face “Twelve
winters of grief.” How does the length of their suffering increase
the epic feelings of this tale?
How do word choice and stylistic features of the watchman’s
speech add a serious epic tone to his question? (Page 43)
How do Beowulf’s boasts of great deeds and his announcement
of his plan establish him as a hero?
How do the “renamings” of Grendel in Line 325 emphasize the
significance of the battle that is about to begin?
Which details from the description of the battle between
Beowulf and Grendel add realism? Which details add epic
grandness? (Page 48)
 Examine the role of religion in the story. Look for
examples of conflict between Christianity and
paganism.
 Read The Monsters’ Lair and The Battle with Grendel’s
Mother, pages 49-53, and answer corresponding
questions.
 Women are often portrayed in literature in
stereotypical ways. Which stereotypes have you seen
in other novels or stories you’ve read?
 How does the setting of the battle add to its epic
significance? Consider what it shows about the realms
in which Beowulf has power.
 How is Grendel’s mother described in these sections?
How does this fit in with stereotypes of women that
you have previously encountered in literature?
 Biblical portrayals of women
 Perfect and angelic
 Temptresses and prostitutes
 Eve
 Look for descriptions of Grendel’s mother in the story.
Take note of how she is portrayed and how her
portrayal is stereotypical of women in literature.
 Read The Last Battle, The Spoils, and The Farewell,
pages 54-60, and answer corresponding questions.
 What are the possible benefits and disadvantages of
living a solitary life?
 According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship
with his followers like?
 What does Wiglaf’s decision suggest about the way in
which a legendary hero can inspire heroism in others?
 In Beowulf’s death scene, what is shown about the
importance in warrior culture of the commem0ration
of individuals after death?
 Look for connections between Beowulf and other
solitary figures in history and literature. In a short
speech, justify why it was or was not necessary for
Beowulf to be a lonely character in order to be
successful.
 Study for quiz.