Beowulf
Level 2 and 3 questions
1. Why 30 men? Multiple of 3. Symbolizes the Trinity.
2. Why is Grendel so unhappy with the men? Good versus evil.
3. When does Grendel attack and why is it important? During the night. Night time is
representative of evil.
4. Why is line 58 important, “Hate had triumphed.”? Grendel is essentially hate and he
has won so far.
5. “So Grendel ruled, fought with the righteous. . .” Ultimate battle of good and evil in
Grendel versus Beowulf.
6. What place can Grendel not touch in Herot Hall? The throne because it was loved and
protected by God. Physical representation of the Divine Right.
7. What do the people sacrifice to when trying to fight off Grendel? They sacrifice to the
Stone Gods. This is a sacrifice to a false idol.
8. Paganism: “Sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone gods.” Line 90.
“The omens were good.” Line 118.
“Stem that horro with a sweep of their swords” pg. 49
Pg. 46, ln 104:“So the living sorrow Healfdane’s son simmered”
9. Christianity: “He had never dared to touch Hrothgar’s glorious throne, protected by
God.” Line 84. Cain and Abel story, page 44 line 21. Multiples of three or the number
three. Reference to Heaven and being at peace after you die.
10. Alliteration: Line 238 – “Up from the swamp land, sliding silently”
Ln. pg. 51, ln 284 – “they cracked, clutched Grendel closer”
Ln. 31 -32;
11. Wergild: “man-price” – pay a fee or expect revenge
Ln. 424 – reference to Grendel’s mother taking Hrothgar’s best friend in
retaliation for Grendel’s death
Ln. 73 “no one waited for reparation from his plundering claws
12. Comitatus: pg. 52, line 319: : “swords raised and ready, determined to protect their
prince of they could”
Pg. 47, line 134
13. Kennings: pg. 45, ln. 64 “hell-forged hands of the Danes” (Grendel’s hands)
Pg. 53 ‘tormentor of the Days” (Grendel)
Ln. 335 “Higlac’s brave follower” (Beowulf)
Ln. 273 “Shepherd of evil” (Grendel)
Ln. 190 “Protector of the Days” (Beowulf)
14. Lordship: pg. 67, ln. 762-794 “Then Wexstans son went in as quickly as he could, did
as the dying Beowulf asked”
15. Ln. 741 – “I’d leave this armor to my son” – the quote exemplifies the Anglo Saxon
idea of materialism and it’s importance. Beowulf is realizing at the end of his life that he
has pursued treasure and wealth for most of his life, but in the end, it has actually cost
him his life.
16. Ln. 886-897 – This tells of the glory and fame Beowulf had in his life and the
memories he left. It also tells of the praise they give him for his accomplishments and
great deeds. Anglo-Saxon belief was that life was for the purpose of achieving fame and
glory. That is what Beowulf gained through his adventures leaving a legacy for all to
remember.
17. Ln. 877-883 – The treasure Beowulf was fighting and died for was buried with him in
the grave. Anglo-Saxon belief was that material objects were the most important thing to
gain in life along with fame and glory. They buried it with him as a sign of respect to
Beowulf for his greatness, as praise for his achievements, and because he had died
fighting for this treasure and for what he believed in.
18. Ln. 747-749 – “My days have gone by as fate willed, waiting for its word to be
spoken,” Anglo- Saxons pagan beliefs often placed a strong emphasis on fate. Beowulf
thinks that he has lived up to his expectations and ha followed the path that fate set for
him.
19. Why does Beowulf want to kill Grendel alone and without a weapon or shield?
20. How would modern day heroes compare with Beowulf? What would they do in times
of trouble?
21. Beowulf chooses to not get help and just die, why?
22. What was the beginning of the Christian elements?
23. How does Beowulf influence literature later on?
24. What Anglo-Saxon characteristics does Wiglaf portray?
25. When Grendel’s mother takes Hrothgar’s friend, which Anglo-Saxon culture trait
does this show?
26. What were Beowulf’s motives for helping Hrothgar?
27. Why does Beowulf fight with no weapons?
28. Why did Beowulf choose to help Hrothgar?
29. Why did Beowulf not take the gold from Grendel’s mother’s cave?
30. How did Grendel’s anger start?
31. Why does Grendel only attack at night?
32. Why could Grendel not know the love of God?
33. Why did Beowulf feel he needed to prove himself again against the dragon?
34. When Beowulf’s sword breaks, does it represent Beowulf?
35. Why is Beowulf so much stronger than the average man?
36. Why did the other monsters not attack Beowulf when he was fighting Grendel’s
mother?
37. Why is it Gods decision who dies?
38. Why did Beowulf’s men flee from the dragon in his time of need? What does this
signify?
39. Why is it significant that Wiglaf, a mere follower of Beowulf, was portrayed as a hero
at the end of the story?
40. What was the significance of Monasteries? They are the centers of intellectual,
literary, artistic, and social activity.
41. Why did Beowulf’s men refute comitatus when Beowulf needs them when battling
the dragon?
42. In line 174, Beowulf states, “God must decide who will be given to deaths cold grip,”
before he goes off to battle. Does this show that Beowulf lacked faith in the outcome of
the battle?
43. Why does the story emphasize that Wiglaf is Wexstan’s son;he seems to be referred
to as almost Beowulf’s heir?
44. When does Grendel attack? Why is it important?
45. What place can’t be touched? Why?
46. Who in our society do we portray as a ‘Beowulf’?
47. What is the atmosphere in Herot after Beowulf has defeated the mosters?
48. Why did Bewulf behead Grendel and take it?
49. Why does Beowulf still seek fame as an old man?