Name: ______________
Ms. Beaudoin
Date: __________
English IV College Prep
Beowulf Guided Notes
“The Wrath of Grendel” p. 41-43
1.) Lines 1-15: Describe the setting of Herot (the banquet hall of Danish King
Hrothgar). What story is referenced from the Christian Bible?
2.) Lines 16-29: How is the monster Grendel described? Is their a contrast being set
up? To what does the story of Cain and Abel refer?
3.) Lines 30-40: How is Grendel characterized as he attacks Herot?
4.) Lines 41-78: How is the theme of good versus evil developed through this
section? For how long does Grendel terrorize the Danes?
5.) Lines 70-103: Find two examples of kennings. Which character are these
‘nicknames’ for? What two contrasting ideas are being juxtaposed (set side by
side) in this section? Give specific quotations from the text.
“The Coming of Beowulf” p. 43-48
1.) Lines 104-124: What is the meaning of the name “Beowulf”? From which country
does he come? What qualities do the Anglo-Saxons value?
2.) Lines 125-143: Which specific characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon epic is used
through this section? Cite a specific quotation. Another reference to Christianity
is made here as well; cite it.
3.) Lines 145-171: Summarize the Danish watcher’s speech. Cite the kenning he uses.
4.) Lines 172-197: What Anglo-Saxon values are emphasized in Beowulf’s response?
Why has he sailed to the Danish kingdom?
5.) Lines 198-227: Summarize briefly what happens in this section.
6.) Lines 228-284: In this section, Beowulf boasts about himself through a long
speech. What claims does he make about what he has done and what he will do?
Can you find another Christian/pagan contradiction in this section?
“The Battle with Grendel” p. 48-50
1.) Lines 285-324: How does the imagery in this section contribute to an atmosphere
or mood of foreboding? Cite a specific example of alliteration.
2.) Lines 325-365: Find and cite three kennings from this section. Summarize the
action in this section. How is Grendel characterized?
3.) Lines 366-410: How is Beowulf characterized in this section? Summarize the
action. How are the Anglo-Saxon cultural values reflected here?
“The Monster’s Lair” p. 51
1.) Lines 411-448: What has Grendel’s mother done in retaliation? Describe the
setting of Grendel’s mother’s lair. What specific words contribute to the creation
of the atmosphere/mood? What theme is being developed in this section?
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Name: ______________
Ms. Beaudoin
Date: __________
English IV College Prep
Beowulf Guided Notes
“The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” p. 52-55
1.) Lines 459-466: What item does Beowulf leave with the Danish warrior, Unferth?
What is the name of the item he does take with him?
2.) Lines 467-491: Describe the setting of Grendel’s mother’s lair. Find and cite a
kenning from this section.
3.) Lines 492-542: Find and cite a kenning and an example of personification in the
very first sentence of this section. Describe the action in this section. Where do
we see Beowulf show his “human” side? Find and cite an example of a Christian
reference and a pagan reference.
4.) Lines 543-595: What do you think is the significance of the “brilliant light”?
Ultimately, what does Beowulf do to Grendel? What is happening on the lake
shore while Grendel is still underwater? What happens to the magic sword?
5.) Lines 596-622: What values of Anglo-Saxon culture is reflected in Beowulf’s
actions in this section?
“The Last Battle” p. 56-59
1.) Lines 623-649: What has happened since Beowulf slew Grendel? Summarize his
“final boast.”
2.) Lines 650-713: Describe the action in this section. How does Beowulf again reveal
his “human” side? What do the remainder of the Geat warriors do?
3.) Lines 714-774: Which warrior remains? What information are we given about
him? Which thematic idea from our notes does this recall? How does Wiglaf
embody the ideas of the Anglo-Saxon warrior code? At the same time, does he
refer to a Christian idea?
“The Spoils” p. 60-61
1.) Lines 775-842: What is inside the dragon’s lair? What directions does Beowulf
give to Wiglaf in this section? Ultimately, what happens to Beowulf?
“The Farewell” p. 61-62
1.) Lines 843-868: Summarize the action in this section; what do the Geats do
following the death of Beowulf?
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