Beowulf
Beowulf uses elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry, such as the kenning and caesura.
Legendary hero -a larger-than-life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales.
Beowulf's -
1. self-confidence
2. feats of strength
3. his victories in battle
*All of these make him a classic legendary hero.
Paraphrase - identify key details in a passage and restate them in your own words.
Beowulf
1) The self-portrait of culture. The Anglo-Saxons of eighth-century Britain embodied the traditions that shaped their world in one towering figure, Beowulf.
2) In Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxons vividly recorded their dreams, aspirations, and fears.
3) Beowulf was originally told in Old English, the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxons of England during the years 500 to 1100.
4) The battle between Beowulf and Grendel is the first of three mortal battles in this long poem.
5) The tales in Beowulf originate from a time when stories and poems were passed along by word of mouth.
6) In Anglo-Saxon England, traveling minstrels, called scops captivated audiences with long, narrative poems.
7) Beowulf was told and retold in this fashion throughout England for hundreds of years. In the eleventh century, the epic was finally written down.
8) By forging these various traditions into one unified tale and by adding the later influence of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxon scops created central reference point for their culture.
Beowulf
Vocabulary
Reparation – something making up for a wrong or an injury
Solace – comfort; relief
Purge- purify; cleanse
Linden- very sturdy type of wood
Writhing- making twisting or turning motions
Massive- big and solid; bulky
Loathsome- disgusting
Questions
1) What does the story of Grendel's origins suggest about the beliefs of
Anglo-Saxon culture? They were primarily Christian but retain elements of the pagan.
2) What does Grendel resent about Hrothgar and his men? The pleasure that Hrothgar and his men experience compared with his own dark, painful existence.
3) Why do the Danes flee Herot at night? Because Grendel hunts at night while they sleep.
4) What does Beowulf's way of identifying himself suggest about the values of a warrior culture? They valued military bravery, leadership, having a respected father, and wisdom.
5) Why does Beowulf sail to Denmark? To help Hrothgar defend his people against the monster Grendel.
6) How do Beowulf's boasts of great deeds and his announcement of his plan establish him as a hero? Beowulf relates larger than life accomplishments expected from a legendary hero.
7) What does Beowulf ask of Hrothgar? That he alone and with the help of his men may purge all evil from the hall.
8) What values and beliefs of warrior culture does Beowulf's attitude toward death express? Beowulf says that fate will decide whether he lives or dies, which reflects the belief of warrior culture that dying in battle is a worthy ending to life. c
9) How do the 'renamings" of Grendel in line 325 emphasize the weighty significance of the battle that is about to begin? The battle is not just between man and monster, but between forces of good and evil. Grendel is not just evil himself but is a source and caretaker of evil.
10) What advantage does Beowulf have in his fight with Grendel? His supernatural strength - Grendel is moved to fear at the hardness of Beowulf's hands.
11) How does Beowulf's battle with Grendel end? When he snaps off Grendel's arm, and the monster flees to his den to die.
12) Why does Beowulf toss aside his sword in the fight? Because no sword can slice the skin of Grendel’s mother.
13) What does Beowulf do after slaying Grendel's mother? Beowulf beheads Grendel and takes Grendel’s head and the hilt of the giant sword and swims to land.
14) How does Beowulf fight the dragon? With armor, shield, and sword.
15) According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship with his followers like? Beowulf and his followers are bound together by his generous gifts and their oaths. The followers swear to give their lives for Beowulf while Beowulf relies on his followers to aid him in battle.
16) How do Beowulf’s companions react when the dragon breathes flame on him? They flee and only Wiglaf remains.
17) What is Beowulf’s last request? For Wiglaf to lead his people, and to erect a tower in Beowulf's name.
18) Identify an example from the epic in which the memory of Beowulf’s deeds inspires someone. When Wiglaf thinks of Beowulf's great deeds, he is inspired to battle the dragon.