Beowulf Section 4
Reading Notes: Lines 1907-2199 (pgs. 131-149)
Introduction While reading Beowulf, we will pause to make some observations. These observations are intended
to improve your ability to see and interpret key ideas and events in the poem. Write your responses to these
questions on a separate sheet of paper as you read. It’s fine to type your responses if you prefer. Responses
to each question should be thorough, not just a few words or single sentence.
1. How does the poet compare and contrast Hygd with Modthryth? What connections can you make between
them both and Wealtheow? What might these figures reveal about the role of women in Anglo-Saxon society?
2. How does Hygelac’s account of Beowulf’s departure from Geatland (ll. 1987–98) differ from the account
Beowulf gave Hrothgar (ll. 409–18)? How would you explain this difference?
3. Summarize the scenario Beowulf envisions regarding Freawaru’s marriage to Ingeld. How is the “old
spearman” unlike the aged Hrothgar?
4. Compare and contrast the situations and relationship between Beowulf and Hygelac and between David and
Saul in 1 Samuel 17:1-18:16. How do the heroes act toward their kings, and how do the kings respond?
5. Develop two test questions based on this section:
a. Right There (Literal) Question: This is a factual question that you can answer by pointing “right there”
on the page to find the answer. An example from The Odyssey would be, “What test did Odysseus pass
that the suitors could not?” (Answer: Stringing his bow and shooting the arrow through a row of ax
handles.)
b. Between the Lines (Inferential) Question: This question is more complex. The answer cannot be
pointed to on the page but must be inferred from other details in the story. An example from The
Odyssey would be, “How would you characterize the relationship between Odysseus and his men?”
Beowulf Section 4
Reading Notes: Lines 1907-2199 (pgs. 131-149)
Introduction While reading Beowulf, we will pause to make some observations. These observations are intended
to improve your ability to see and interpret key ideas and events in the poem. Write your responses to these
questions on a separate sheet of paper as you read. It’s fine to type your responses if you prefer. Responses
to each question should be thorough, not just a few words or single sentence.
1. How does the poet compare and contrast Hygd with Modthryth? What connections can you make between
them both and Wealtheow? What might these figures reveal about the role of women in Anglo-Saxon society?
2. How does Hygelac’s account of Beowulf’s departure from Geatland (ll. 1987–98) differ from the account
Beowulf gave Hrothgar (ll. 409–18)? How would you explain this difference?
3. Summarize the scenario Beowulf envisions regarding Freawaru’s marriage to Ingeld. How is the “old
spearman” unlike the aged Hrothgar?
4. Compare and contrast the situations and relationship between Beowulf and Hygelac and between David and
Saul in 1 Samuel 17:1-18:16. How do the heroes act toward their kings, and how do the kings respond?
5. Develop two test questions based on this section:
a. Right There (Literal) Question: This is a factual question that you can answer by pointing “right there”
on the page to find the answer. An example from The Odyssey would be, “What test did Odysseus pass
that the suitors could not?” (Answer: Stringing his bow and shooting the arrow through a row of ax
handles.)
b. Between the Lines (Inferential) Question: This question is more complex. The answer cannot be
pointed to on the page but must be inferred from other details in the story. An example from The
Odyssey would be, “How would you characterize the relationship between Odysseus and his men?”