Ms. Beaudoin
English IV CP
Study Guide
“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 referred to 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 do you think 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?
1
“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?
“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?
2