Name_______________________________
Per._____
Date______________
Beowulf Study Guide Questions
Please answer each of the questions regarding the narrative. Write in complete
sentences and make sure that you use evidence from the text (pp. 32-60) to support your
answer. You may also use your notes and/or handouts to construct your answers.
Part 1: Identification
Please identify each of the following characters. Detail their significance to the story, as
well as their relationship to the protagonist.
Grendel:
Hrothgar:
Danes:
Geats:
Edgetho:
Grendel’s Mother:
The Dragon:
Wiglaf:
Part 2: Reading Comprehension
Please answer the following questions regarding events that occur in the story. Answer
all questions in complete sentences.
1. Describe Grendel’s home. What is the significance of his home? What does his home
symbolize about his character?
2. When Grendel comes to attack the Danes in Herot, what is the one thing he cannot go
near? Why not? Reference the symbolism indicated in this scene.
3. Describe Beowulf when the reader is first introduced to him. What are some
characteristics that best describe his personality and disposition?
4. How does the reader know that Hrothgar is a weak king? Provide examples from the
text that demonstrate his weakness.
5. How does Beowulf defeat Grendel? What weapons does he use? Where does
Grendel go after he dies? Why?
6. Why does Beowulf choose to go after Grendel’s Mother next? What does he stand to
gain if he is successful?
7. Where does the battle between Grendel’s Mother and Beowulf take place? How does
Beowulf get there? How is Beowulf finally able to defeat her?
8. How does the reaction of the Danes differ from the reaction of the Geats when they
see blood bubbling to the surface of the lake?
9. After defeating Grendel’s Mother, what reward(s) does Beowulf return with in order
to show he was victorious? Why is this significant?
10. Why causes the dragon to begin attacking the Geats?
11. Why does Beowulf decide to fight the Dragon, even though he is now an old man?
Refer to his speech to reference why he believes he is the only suitable warrior.
12. The text describes the dragon as Beowulf’s “toughest adversary.” What makes the
dragon so tough? What does the escalation of evil suggest about Beowulf’s enemies as
the reader progresses through the story?
13. Describe the rhetoric that Wiglaf uses in his speech to the Geats. What does he say to
them in order to inspire the people? What promise does Wiglaf reiterate that the people
owe to Beowulf?
14. Why does Beowulf choose to keep the treasure for himself? What does this say
about his character? What does it say about the people? How will Beowulf ensure he
has a lasting legacy?