Beowulf Test

Who is the protagonist of Beowulf?

Beowulf, a prince of the Geats who becomes a hero by fighting monsters and protecting his people.

Who are Beowulf’s main antagonists?

Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.

Major plot points of Beowulf?

• Beowulf travels to Denmark to help Hrothgar.

• Defeats Grendel by ripping off his arm.

• Kills Grendel’s mother in her underwater lair.

• Returns home, eventually becomes king.

• Fights dragon, kills it but dies; honored with funeral.

History of England relevant to Beowulf?

• Celts → Romans → Anglo-Saxons → Vikings

• Story changed over time due to oral tradition and cultural shifts (Christian/pagan influences).

How did the story of Beowulf change over time?

Through oral tradition, cultural influences, and Christianization; story adapted from pagan roots to include Christian ideas.

Modern ideas of a hero vs. villain?

• Hero: brave, selfless, moral, protects others

• Villain: threatens society, selfish, immoral, violent

Story structure elements in Beowulf?

• Plot: sequence of major events

• Conflict: man vs. monster, society, self

• Protagonist: Beowulf

• Antagonists: Grendel, Grendel’s mother, dragon

• Freytag’s Pyramid: exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → denouement

What are the 4 characteristics of an epic story?

• Set as a poetic/narrative song – easier to remember.

• Written long after the event – evokes pride and promises fame.

• Includes hero vs. evil battles – hero defends cultural values.

• Concludes with hero’s death – dying in defense of cultural honor.

What are the 5 characteristics of an epic hero?

• Excels in skill, strength, and courage.

• Sometimes makes rash decisions/takes risks.

• Values honor and glory.

• Descends into darkness (often the underworld).

• Battles demons or monsters.

Q: What is alliteration?

A: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Q: What is apposition (or an appositive)?

A: A word or phrase that stands in for another word/phrase.
Example: Hrothgar, King of the Danes, …

Q: What is an archetype?

A: The ultimate version of an idea or concept.
Example: Beowulf is the archetypal hero of his culture.

Q: What is a kenning?

A: A compound expression with metaphorical meaning in Old English/Norse poetry.
Example: oar-steed = ship, whale-road = sea

Q: What is a caesura?

A: A stop or pause in a metrical line, often marked by punctuation or a grammatical boundary.
In Beowulf: usually indicated by a period in the middle of a line.