Beowulf literary terms: epic, epic hero, kenning, alliteration
Beowulf
Study Guide Questions for The Coming of Grendel, The Coming of Beowulf and Unferth’s Taunt
(handout)
1. What is Herot and who ordered it built? Why?
2. Who is identified as Grendel’s ancestor? Why?
3. Why is Herot deserted by King Hrothgar and his followers? How long does Herot remain
deserted?
4. Why can’t Grendel harm King Hrothgar?
5. What do King Hrothgar and his advisors do about their monster problem?
6. Who hears about King Hrothgar’s monster problem and what does he decide to do?
7. When Beowulf arrives in Denmark who does he visit and why?
8. What does Beowulf brag about to the King and his people?
9. Why does Beowulf decide not to use any weapons when he fights Grendel?
10. What does Unferth call Beowulf? Why does he call him this?
11. What is Beowulf’s remark to Unferth’s insult?
Beowulf Study Guide Questions: Part One (from the textbook)
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If Beowulf is an archetype of an epic hero, of what is Grendel an archetype? What details support your
answer?
Why do you think Beowulf allows Grendel to slaughter one of the Geats before taking action?
What details in lines 44-56 demonstrate Beowulf’s superhuman strength?
Lines 76-81— In what ways is this battle between Grendel and Beowulf really a battle between good and
evil? What details in the description of the battle make this clear?
Lines 88-94—According to these lines, why can’t Beowulf’s men harm Grendel?
How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?
Lines 108-119—As this episode ends, what details remind us that Beowulf is a hero of epic proportions,
able to represent a people and their values?
Lines 123-126—How does Beowulf prove his victory over Grendel? Why might he do this?
Lines 131-142—What has happened to Grendel?
Many princes and leaders travel to Herot after Beowulf’s victory. How does this add to Beowulf’s status
as an epic hero?
What images in the description of Grendel’s lair associate Grendel with death and darkness?
Lines 172-178—What is Hrothgar asking Beowulf to do?
Lines 179-203—Describe how Beowulf comes to the lair of Grendel’s mother. What details remind you
that Beowulf is not an ordinary man?
What characteristics of an epic hero does Beowulf display during his fight with Grendel’s mother?
Lines 216-241—What details in this description of the battle between Grendel’s mother and Beowulf add
to your suspense about the outcome? At what point do you think Beowulf may not be successful? What
saves him?
How does Beowulf kill Grendel’s mother?
What is Beowulf’s final revenge against Grendel? What action of Beowulf’s provides a resolution, or
wrapping up, of the episode?