Beowulf
Study Guide
Grendel
1. What is the setting of the first part of the epic? (What is it
called, who built it, and why?) What does this place
symbolize?
2. How was Grendel created and where is he required to
live?
3. Describe Grendel’s attack on the hall. How long have the
attacks gone on? What time of day does Grendel appear?
What does he symbolize?
4. What measures did Hrothgar and his men use in their
attempt to stop Grendel?
5. Why doesn’t Grendel attack Hrothgar?
*What two religions are evident in this epic? Which was first?
What is the belief of the afterlife for each?
Beowulf
1. How does Beowulf learn of the Danes’ problem? How
many thanes does Beowulf take with him?
2. What heroic traits does Beowulf possess throughtout this
story? What were the virtues of the Anglo-Saxon’s? Does
Beowulf represent them? (Be able to use evidence from
the epic.)
3. How does Hrothgar know of Beowulf?
4. What is Beowulf’s plan for Grendel? What weapons does
he come prepared with?
The Battle with Grendel
1. Find specific lines which indicate this will be the last
battle for Grendel.
2. Why does Beowulf allow Grendel to devour one of his
best men in the nights attack?
3. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Be
specific and sequential.
4. Why don’t the swords work to harm/kill Grendel?
5. What does Beowulf keep as his prize?
6. Describe the home of Grendel the day after the battle (as
seen by the warriors).
7. Describe the relationship between Unferth and Beowulf.
Grendel’s Mother
1. Why does Grendel’s mother appear?
2. Describe the Mother’s attack on Herot. What does she
take with her?
3. Where is Beowulf during this attack?
4. Who does the Mother kill?
5. Describe the sight of the lake after she leaves.
6. What is Hrunting? Where did Beowulf get it?
7. Where is Grendel’s Mother found?
8. Describe the fight and the use of weapons between
Beowulf and Grendel’s mother.
9. How is Grendel’s mother killed?
10. In Beowulf’s absence, what attitude has come over the
Danes and the Geats?
11. What is brought back to Herot?
12. Compare and contrast the behavior and actions of
Gendel and his mother.
Beowulf’s Last Battle
1. How many years pass from the battle with Grendel’s
mother to the battle with the dragon?
2.
What events angered the dragon and how does the
dragon act towards Beowulf’s people?
3.
What weapons does Beowulf plan to use against the
dragon? Why? How is this different from previous
battles?
4.
Describe the actual battle. How successful is Beowulf in
the battle?
5.
Why do Beowulf’s warriors desert him now?
6.
Who is Wiglaf? What is his relationship with Beowulf?
Beowulf’s Death
1. Who kills the dragon?
2.
In Beowulf’s closing speech, what ideals does he reflect
on?
3.
How does Wiglaf tend to Beowulf as he dies? How does
Beowulf reward Wiglaf?
4.
What does Wiglaf’s speech tell us about the importance
of honor and the consequences of dishonorable behavior
in Beowulf’s time?
5.
What kind of memorial does Beowulf request as he
dies? Why is it important that he leave a legacy behind?
6.
How does the Geats characterize Beowulf as the poem
closes?
*Know the character list. There will be a matching section.