Name: _____________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
ELA III Block _______
Beowulf
“from Beowulf” Guided Reading and Study Questions
Directions: Please answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES using specific textual
examples from the epic poem. You will be assessed on your answers using the Checks System,
which is aligned with the Common Core and upcoming PARCC assessments:
Check Plus Plus
A ✔++
Check Plus
B ✔+
All questions in the assignment and all parts of individual questions have been thoroughly
answered in complete sentences using accurate supporting details and ideas from the
literature. Student correctly analyzes textual information in depth and integrates literature
ideas with his or her own knowledge.
All questions in the assignment and parts of individual questions are mostly accurate and
answered in complete sentences. Response contains adequate supporting details from
literature and is integrated with student’s own knowledge.
Check
C✔
Most questions in the assignment and parts of individual questions have been answered, but
may not be in complete sentences and show basic understanding and/or lack strong evidence
from the reading.
Check Minus
D✔
Some questions in the assignment and some parts of questions contain weak or “token”
responses that may or may not be complete sentences and do not reveal depth or evidence of
understanding.
Check Minus Minus
F✔
Missing half or more questions. Questions that are answered contain fragments that do not
reference supporting details from the reading assignment; there is no evidence that the
student has read the assigned material.
“Grendel” and “Beowulf” pp. 33-39
1. Why was Herot Hall built and what happened within its walls? What values of Anglo-Saxon
society are revealed?
2. Who or what is Grendel? What do the characters in the poem know about Grendel? Locate 2-3
adjectives that reveal his characterization.
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3. Who were Grendel’s earliest ancestors? What does the phrase “hell-forged hands” suggest about
Grendel?
4. Which character is Higlac’s Follower (lines 109-10)? What does this phrase suggest about him?
5. Why does Wulfgar ask Beowulf and his men to “leave your battle-shields here, and your spears /
Let them lie waiting for the promises your words / May make?” (132-34).
6. Beowulf insists on fighting Grendel without weapons. What does this show about his character?
7. Why can’t Grendel kill King Hrothgar? What does this detail prove about the authorship of
Beowulf?
8. Analyze lines 193-207: What did Beowulf’s father Edgetho do, and how did Hrothgar help him?
How does this relate to why Beowulf is now in Denmark? What Anglo-Saxon value is evident?
“The Battle with Grendel” pp. 40-44
9. How are Grendel’s evil thoughts shown at the beginning of the section? Cite 2 examples from the
text.
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10. What does it mean that “fate, that night, intended/Grendel to gnaw the broken bones/Of his last
human supper? (lines 227-29)
11. Who is the “wakeful sleeper” in lines 270-72? Why is he “wakeful?” Which literary device?
12. Up to this point, Grendel has killed men easily. Why might he try to run from Beowulf? (278-89)
13. How long has Grendel been terrorizing Herot Hall? What is the reason that the Danes are unable
to ward off this affliction?
14. What does Grendel do right after the battle? Make a prediction.
15. What is Beowulf’s “proof” of his victory over Grendel? How do you think the characters would
have reacted to that display?
“Grendel’s Mother” pp. 45-51
16. How is Grendel’s mother described in the text? How does it compare with what you have heard or
seen in popular Hollywood produced films?
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17. Defend Grendel’s mother’s actions at Herot Hall in this section (pg. 45-46). What do her motives
imply about her character?
18. Reread lines 425-32. What is Grendel’s mother’s lair like? What feeling do you get from the
description?
19. What qualities does Beowulf display in this second battle? Are they any different from the first
battle with Grendel? In what ways?
20. Are Beowulf’s words and deeds those of a traditional epic hero?
“Beowulf’s Last Battle” pp. 52-55
21. Beowulf returns to the land of his own people, the Geats. After his uncle and cousin die, what role
does Beowulf perform in his country? For how many years?
22. What is Beowulf’s final boast? Why do you think Beowulf keeps fighting?
23. In this section, how is Wiglaf unlike Beowulf’s other subjects?
24. What does Wiglaf suggest is the reason Beowulf has failed to defeat the dragon?
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“The Death of Beowulf” and “Mourning Beowulf” pg. 56-60
25. Reread lines 736-738. What view of fate does the image of the unwinding string convey? What
parallel can be drawn between this Anglo-Saxon image and that of Greece?
26. Who is “Wextan’s son?” ___________________________ What literary device is at work with this
expression? _________________________ How does it enhance the characterization and values conveyed
by the epic?
27. How will Beowulf continue to aid his people after his death?
28. In what sense are Beowulf’s followers traitors? Whom or what have they betrayed?
29. How did the Geats memorialize the life of Beowulf? What does this reveal about Anglo-Saxon
society?
30. What is Beowulf’s legacy (final, lasting gift) to his people? In what ways might he be an inspiration
for future generations?
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