Beowulf
Study Guide 2 of 4
Lines 499 - 358
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In this section you meet Unferth, “a son of Ecglaf’s.” Where is he “crouched,” and what
significance does his proximity suggest?
Unferth retells the story of Brecca and Beowulf. What does he say the story demonstrates? What
appears to be his reason for making this accusation?
How does Beowulf respond to this charge both in terms of tone and evidence he uses to defend
himself against Unferth’s insult?
Lines 359 - 661
4.
As Beowulf continues to provide the details that alter the story from a defeat to substantial victory,
he tells us that “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked”
(572-573). What does this line tell you about the values and beliefs of his culture?
5. Once Beowulf finishes his defense, he repays Unferth for the insult by bringing up Unferth’s past.
In line 587, he reminds Unferth of his crime. What did he do? And with what you know about the
Anglo-Saxon justice system, why would the consequences for this crime be… complicated?
6. Perhaps even more painful for Unferth are the next lines. How does Beowulf, having boasted of
his own courage, suggest that Unferth’s is lacking?
7. After Beowulf finishes this speech to Unferth, what is Hrothgar’s feeling? Why does Hrothgar,
“the grey-haired treasure giver,” accept Beowulf’s help?
8. How does everyone else in the hall react?
9. What does Queen Wealhtheow do? What does she offer Beowulf? What is Beowulf’s response to
her?
10. Amidst the good feeling, what does Hrothgar, “Halfdane’s heir,” say to Beowulf, and what does
Hrothgar promise him?
Lines 662 - 709
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4.
Why does Beowulf decide to fight Grendel without using any weapons? Does this seem like a
rational decision?
How do Beowulf’s companions feel (691-696)?
What indications in this section show that these people feel that fate or Divine Providence
determines their lives? Find two quotes (please note line numbers).
Find a different quotation than the two above that suggests a movement from paganism to
monotheism.
Lines 710 - 789
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3.
4.
In this section, we see the approach of Grendel, and it is quite dramatic. If you were making a
movie of this scene, how would you have this opening scene done? Consider camera angles,
close-ups, lighting, sound effects, etc.
As he enters the hall, why does Grendel experience “glee”?
Before he reaches for Beowulf, Grendel “grab[s] and maul[s] a man on his bench. Beowulf is
“keenly watching.” Does it trouble you that he does not stir at this point? Why or why not?
When he goes to Beowulf, what does Beowulf do and what is Grendel’s immediate reaction?
Lines 790 - 835
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2.
During the great battle, Beowulf’s men seize their weapons and wish to use them against Grendel.
They cannot, but why would it make no difference if they could?
What happens to Grendel? How does Beowulf make a display of his victory?
Lines 836 - 923
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2.
A poet puts Beowulf’s triumph in verse and, in so doing, compares Beowulf to another hero,
Sigemund. What does Beowulf have in common with this older hero? Beowulf is also contrasted
with a second hero, Heremod. What happened to Heremod?
Why might the scop be singing of such comparison and contrast (especially considering his
audience includes Beowulf himself)?
Lines 924 - 989
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2.
Twice in this section, Hrothgar refers to God giving the victory to Beowulf, yet Beowulf does not
resent this as a lessening of his own feat. Why not?
The motif of father and son, age and youth that pervades this poem is again brought up; by whom
and how?
Lines 990 - 1048
1.
The narrator says that Hrothulf and other friends of Hrothgar fill the mead hall with rejoicing and
continues: “The Shielding Nation / was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal” (1017-18). What
is implied by this comment? What literary term is used?
Lines 1049 - 1158
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2.
What does the narrator counsel his listeners to remember about life and living?
What is your understanding of the story of Finn and Hengest?
Lines 1158 - 1190
1. What may we infer from the following?
… And Wealhthow came to sit
In her gold crown between two good men,
uncle and nephew, each one of whom
still trusted the other; and the forthright Unferth,
admired by all for his mind and courage
although under a cloud for killing his brothers,
reclined near the king.
3.
The Queen tells Hrothgar to be generous to Hrothulf. What may they expect in return? How does
this relate to the history of the Anglo-Saxons? Is it wise advice? Why or why not?