Beowulf Study Guide: Part I
***For any part of this study guide that is completed in groups, EACH group member
must write, as you will need a copy of notes to prepare for future quizzes/essays.
Chapters I-III
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In 10-12 sentences, paraphrase chapters I-III of the epic. Make sure you are including the
MAIN IDEAS only.
Identify and write down the Christian and Pagan elements found in the epic thus far.
Write down 4-5 words that describe Grendel and the connotations of these words.
Identify and write down the allusion (the allusion is in Chapter II). What effect does this
allusion have on our understanding of Grendel’s character?
Good vs. Evil is a prevalent subject throughout this epic. Write down specific lines
(CITE THEM, PLEASE) that reveal this age-old conflict.
Reflect on what you learned about Anglo-Saxon society and culture. So far, what
elements of Anglo-Saxon society are present in the epic?
In Chapter III, we are introduced to our epic hero. Write down a few of Beowulf’s epic
hero qualities. Can you make a connection between his heroic qualities and the qualities
of other heroes you have seen or read about?
How do you feel about Hrothgar so far? In your opinion, is he a strong or weak king?
In your groups, come up with a TPQ (thought-provoking questions) or TPS (thoughtprovoking statement) to raise to the class for discussion based upon your reading so far.
Chapter IV
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How does Beowulf show Hrothgar he is the right man for the job?
Beowulf states that he will not use any weapons against Grendel. Aside from his obvious
bravery, what else does this action show us about Beowulf’s character?
Aside from helping Hrothgar and his people, why else might Beowulf be zealous to take
on this challenge? Reflect on what you learned about Anglo-Saxon culture.
TPQ: Beowulf repeatedly emphasizes Grendel’s relentless brutality, but he too has
committed many violent acts. Both Beowulf and Grendel feel they are justified in
their actions. Who is right?? In other words, despite how the characters describe
him, is Grendel truly a villain?? (Please answer this in a complete paragraph and
when quoting from the text, use proper citations).
Chapters V - VI
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Describe the relationship Edgetho shared with Hrothgar. How does that relationship
impact Beowulf’s decisions?
What is Unferth’s beef with Beowulf?
How might you characterize Unferth? Do you agree with his assertion that Beowulf is a
“boastful fool? “ (line 240).
How does Beowulf refute Unferth’s claims about him? Who seems to win the verbal
challenge?
Chapter VII
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Re-read lines 292-305. What purpose do Beowulf’s understatements serve? How do
you suppose his understatements make him sound to his audience? FYI: An
understatement is a figure of speech in which speakers say less than what they mean or
express ideas with less force than is expected. It is the opposite of hyperbole
(overstatement) and is a form of irony.
What is Welthow’s role? Based upon her role, how do you suppose women were looked
upon in Anglo-Saxon society?
What assurance does Beowulf give to Welthow?
Predict how Beowulf’s fight with Grendel will turn out. What qualities does Beowulf
embody that will make him successful in this battle, and which qualities may end up
hurting him?
In a few sentences, evaluate Beowulf as a leader so far. Do you like/dislike him? Is he a
better/worse leader than other epic heroes you have encountered before?
In one to two complete paragraphs, qualify, defend, or challenge the following statement:
Beowulf is taking on the task of fighting Grendel primarily for the fame he will
receive from winning such an epic battle. His allegiance to Hrothgar and concern
for the Danes’ well-being are secondary. Support your thinking with AT LEAST
two quotes from the text; make sure you cite the line numbers.
Chapters VIII-IV
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In a complete paragraph, paraphrase the momentous battle between Beowulf and
Grendel.
How is Beowulf able to defeat such a powerful monster?
Write down the elements/references to Christianity. What effect de these references have
on our understanding of the battle?
List Beowulf’s epic hero qualities found in these two chapters.
Chapters X- XI
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Does the fact that Grendel has a mother change anything? Is his mother validated in
seeking her revenge?
The entirety of Chapter 11 lends itself to a lengthy description given to us by Hrothgar of
Grendel’s mother’s lair. What is the purpose of such a lengthy description?
Chatpers XII- XIII
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Remember that an epic hero is indeed human but also possesses supernatural
characteristics. What details in Chapter XII remind us that Beowulf is not an ordinary
man?
Compare/Contrast both battles. Which battle seems to show Beowulf’s heroic qualities
most prominently?
Which elements of Anglo-Saxon society are shown most prevalently throughout Part I?
Reflect upon your earlier feelings about Beowulf. Do you feel the same way about him
now as you did at the end of Chapter VII? Why/why not? Is it easy/difficult to relate to
him?
What universal themes are present in this epic so far? In other words, why do we still
care about a text that was composed during the 5th century?
In-Class Writing Assignment
Beowulf: Boastful, Fame-Seeking Fool or Selfless and Brave Leader?
You’ve already contemplated how you feel about Beowulf’s character several times. Now,
it’s time to make an assertion and stand by it! So, which is he? In a 2-3 paragraph
organized response, defend your choice. You MUST use 2-3 quotes from the text with
proper citations to support your thinking.