Study Guide Questions
Background to Beowulf
1. Of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, which Germanic tribe arrived first in Britain
after the fall of the Roman Empire?
2. What is another name for Old English?
3. Who was the legendary hero of the British Celts in their fight against the
Germanic invaders?
4. Most experts agree that Beowulf originated in the __________________
[eastern or western] part of England.
5. The kingdoms of Northumberland and Mercia were led by which Germanic
tribe?
6. Who was the West Saxon hero who stopped the Viking conquest of Britain?
7. Beowulf was King of the Franks. True or false?
8. The repetition of consonant sounds within a line of poetry is called:
a. alliteration b. assonance
c. dissonance
d. internal rhyme?
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9. Who is the first monster that Beowulf fights in the poem?
10. The idea that people had an established worth according to their rank in
society is called:
a. scop
b. wyrd
c. wergild
d. Flyting
11. The outrageous boasting of the warriors is called:
a. scop
12.
b. wyrd
c. wergild
d. Flyting
The outrageous boasting of the warriors is called:
a. scop
b. wyrd
c. wergild
d. Flyting
13. Discuss the similarities and differences of the society described in Beowulf as
compared to your own.
14. The language of Beowulf is an historical relic. Describe some modern
influences that could change Modern English.