Beowulf Passages and Speeches
1. Entire Prologue—describes Shild and the burial—important thematically and
culturally. Class
2. Lines 86-114: “A Powerful monster”—introduction of evil. Jeremy
3. 260-285—Beowulf’s introduction.
4. 361-370—Wulfgar’s announcement of Beowulf to Hrothgar.
5. 407-455: reveals much about Beowulf—his past and his intentions—bravery
and valor. Dillon
6. 506-528—Unferth’s skepticism toward Beowulf
7. 530-606—Beowulf’s powerful response
8. 632—641—Beowulf ready for challenge of Grendel. Austin
9. 665-687—poet’s voice steps in—religious dimension. Jack
10. 875-915: Siegmund—Hermod—Beowulf—three different examples.
11. 928—956—Hrothgar praising Beowulf. Kenneth
12. 958—979: Beowulf retelling his victory over Grendel.
13. 1256—1278—description of good vs. evil and Grendel’s mother.
14. 1358—1373—description of the lake where monsters live.
15. 1384—1396: Beowulf’s musing on life and death. Sally
16. 1425—1441: description of snakes/serpent in lake.
17. 1474—1491: Beowulf’s words to Hrothgar if he dies.
18. 1495—1556: Journey down to lair, what was encountered, and initial struggle with
mother.
19. 1652—1676: Beowulf’s retelling of this battle with mother.
20. 1677—1699: sword and biblical stories
21. 1700—1784: Hrothgar’s “homily” to Beowulf—advice for future. Michael
22. 1818—1839—Beowulf’s pledge of loyalty. John
23. 1841—1865: Hrothgar has further advice/words on Beowulf. Rebecca
24. 1866—1887: Emotional farewell between Hrothgar and Beowulf. Gail
25. 2070—2151: Beowulf’s recounting of his adventures.
26. 2165—2189: Narrator comments on Beowulf—what he has become compared
to what he used to be. Dylan
27. 2419—2425: Beowulf realizes his limitations Anisha
28. 2491—2537: Beowulf reflects/recalls his youthful prowess and utters final
boast—will seek fame yet. Davis
29. 2631—2660: First criticism of the deserters. Corey
30. 2729—2751: Beowulf’s plea to Wiglaf to see treasure. Mac
31. 2794—2820: Beowulf’s final words and requests, and his death. Kody
32. 2864—2891: Wiglaf’s second attack on the cowards. Alec
33. 3058—3075: narrator’s take on the dragon and its evil Frank
34. 3156—3182: Final description of barrow building and funeral, and final
pronouncement on Beowulf. Fame vs. praise controversy. Class