Beowulf
Reading Guide and Skill Review
Directions: As you read this first part of Beowulf, answer these questions. You
will need to use your own notebook paper.
1. (Interpretation) In the beginning of section 1, on page 21, what phrase or specific words
point to Grendel’s evil nature?
2. (Humanities Connection) In section 1, Cain, one of the biblical sons of Adam and Eve,
murdered his own brother, Abel. Because of this horrible sin, Cain was cursed by God
(Genesis 4:8-14). According to the myth, Cain fathered a brood of monsters because of
his sin. Knowing this, what does it have to do with Grendel?
3. (Cultural Connection) At the beginning of section 2, Grendel goes to a placed called
Herot. It is the home of the Danish king, Hrothgar and his people. Herot means “hart” or
“stag.” The stag was a symbol of kingship. Knowing this, and knowing about the value
system of the Vikings, why is Herot an appropriate name for King Hrothgar’s home?
4. (Main Idea) On page 22, what does Grendel do at night?
5. (Drawing Conclusions) Why do none of Hrothgar’s men challenge Grendel?
6. (Noting Important Details) Hrothgar’s men DID make some ineffectual attempts to rid
themselves of Grendel’s horrors. What were some of these feeble attempts?
7. (Cultural Connection) The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings followed a custom of wergild.
According to this code of behavior, a person who killed someone had to pay a price for
his deed or accept the fact that the victim’s relatives would seek revenge. Knowing this,
what does it have to do with Grendel’s behavior?
8. (Noting Important Details) On page 23, why does Grendel not touch Hrothgar’s throne?
9. (Author’s Purpose) Concerning lines 85-89, why is this background information about
Grendel and Hrothgar in the poem?
10. (Christian-Pagan References) Although a pagan poet may have originally composed
and sung this poem, the Christian monk transcribing it probably added Christian
elements. What are some examples that show this dual authorship?
11. (Epic Heroes) Concerning lines 109-116, what qualities of the epic hero are conveyed
here?
12. (Art Connection) Look at the picture of a horse collar back on page 22. Why might the
Vikings decorate such an object?
13. (Epic Heroes) On page 24, how has Beowulf already begun to be glorified?
14. (Main Idea) On page 25, Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he
offer that he is up to the task?
15. (Making Inferences) Why do you think Beowulf intends to battle Grendel without a
sword?
16. (Author’s Purpose) On page 26, what do you think the purpose of part 4 is?
17. (Cause and Effect) What causes Hrothgar to make this speech, reminding Beowulf of
the time he helped Beowulf’s father?
18. (Cause and Effect) What do you think is the probable effect of Hrothgar’s words from
number 17?
19. (Alliteration and Kennings) Find examples of alliteration and a kenning in lines 212218. Definitions are on page 49.
20. (Assessing Motivation) On page 27, what is Unferth’s motive for challenging Beowulf?
21. (Epic Heroes) A challenge to a hero made by a character of inferior status, like Unferth,
is a common motif in heroic poetry. When Beowulf meets this challenge, he shows
assertiveness as well as restraint and courtesy. What might Beowulf have said to such a
challenger if his goal was to be impolite or vengeful?
22. (Suspense) How does Unferth’s challenge build suspense?
23. (Interpreting an Analogy) On page 30, in what ways does Beowulf compare his defeat
of the sea monsters to a feast?
24. (Connecting to the Text) Look at lines 305 and 306. Do you agree with Beowulf? Or,
do you think that his words hold true for his time period only and not in our present day?
Why?
25. (Foils) In literature, a foil is a character who contrasts with another. How does Unferth
serve as a foil to Beowulf?
26. (Anglo-Saxon Women) On page 31, Welthow exhibits the qualities valued in AngloSaxon women, as they are described in the Exeter Book (see page 55): beloved,
cheerful, generous, and gracious. How well does Welthow fit the description of women
given in “Women in Anglo-Saxon Culture”? (see page 10)
27. (Figurative Language) At the bottom of page 31, how is the coming of night personified?
28. (Speculation) On page 32, what does Hrothgar promise Beowulf?
29. (Speculation) Why do you think Hrothgar promises him those things?
30. (Making Inferences) Why do you think Beowulf allows Grendel to slaughter one of the
Geats before taking action himself?
31. (Kennings) On page 33, what kennings associate Grendel with evil?
32. (Drawing Conclusions) How do the actions of Beowulf’s men uphold the Anglo-Saxon
code of honor?
33. (Christian-Pagan References) On page 34, what additional evidence do you find of the
Christian-tension in this epic?
34. (Multiple Meanings in Vocabulary) On line 494, what does the expression “bound fast”
mean?
35. (Main Idea) Concerning lines 492-504, explain what happens to Grendel.
36. (Cause and Effect) On page 35, why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters
of Herot?
37. (Cause and Effect) What effect would the hanging arm have on the viewers?
38. (Symbolism) Reread the description of the lake in which Grendel lies. How is it
suggestive of Hell?
39. (Alliteration) The lines 539-544 serve as a hymn of praise for the conquering hero.
What are some examples of alliteration here?
40. (Making Judgments) According to the top of page 36, is Grendel good or evil? Explain.
41. (Imagery) What imagery in the description of Grendel’s lair associates Grendel with
death and darkness?
42. (Anglo-Saxon Art) The cauldron on page 37 is a product of the highest period of Celtic
culture, known as the La Tène culture. As is evident here, these Celts were particularly
skilled in metalwork. Much of the art on the cauldron depicts the mythology of the Celts.
On an inner plate, for example, a figure wearing stag antlers represents the Lord of the
Wild Beasts. The significance of the figures can only be guessed at. The cauldron might
have been used as a kind of kettle for holding warm water or drink. Thinking of the
cauldron, compare/contrast it with the mass-produced cups we use today.