Beowulf Analysis #2: “The Arrival of the Hero” and “Unferth’s Challenge”
(20 Points)
Names(s): ________________________________________________________ Period: __________
Directions (read carefully): As a group, you are responsible for reading and discussing Beowulf:
“The Arrival of the Hero” and “Unferth’s Challenge.” Then, you should discuss the questions below,
answering them completely and with support from the text when necessary. You should each answer
these questions on your own papers and keep these responses in your English 12 binder to study and
refer to during class discussion; however, you should turn in one analysis that represents the group’s
consensus on the questions to Mrs. Stansbury for credit. List all group member names above;
indicate whose assignment this is. Grammar and spelling do count.
4
1.
Read Beowulf’s speech to Hrothgar upon arriving. Discuss what you believe to be
the most important points of Beowulf’s remarks; note that he talks about a lot with
the king.
Paraphrase and list the four most important points that Beowulf shares with
Hrothgar.
5
2.
Read Hrothgar’s response to Beowulf. Discuss what you believe to be the most
important points of the king’s remarks; note that he talks about a lot with Beowulf
and responds to much of what Beowulf says.
Paraphrase and list the four most important points of Hrothgar’s response to
Beowulf.
6
3.
Read Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf. Discuss what you believe to be the most
important points of the Unferth’s remarks; note the tone of this passage
Paraphrase and list the four most important points of Unferth’s challenge to
Beowulf.
7
4.
Read Beowulf’s response to Unferth’s challenge. Discuss what you believe to be the
most important points of Beowulf’s remarks; note how Beowulf responds to
Unferth’s challenge and the arguments he makes in response.
Paraphrase and list the four most important points of Beowulf’s response to
Unferth’s challenge.
Final Analysis
5.
Now that you have read and discussed the three men’s remarks to one another,
draw some conclusions.
Based on your reading and discussion, choose an adjective to describe each man
below based on his words. Support each view with 1-2 sentences of specific evidence
from the text.
Beowulf:
Hrothgar:
Unferth: