Questions for Beowulf, the Warrior, section 1.
Answer the questions in full sentences after reading the assigned passages. Literary terms discussed in class are in bold letters.
Page 1:
1. What concrete picture is created in the first 10 lines?
2. How is this picture reversed in the next 8 lines?
3. Why does Grendel hate the world of men?
4. Take a close look at the lines on p.2 beginning with "At break of day..." to the end of the page. Find and quote specific examples of alliteration and repetition. Explain how some of these create the mood of "grief" and some create the mood of "fear."
Pages 3-8 (top):
1. What two adjectives are used to summarize Beowulf's character? What epithet is used to describe him? Write an epithet to describe Dr.Sarles or Mrs.Mac.
2. Write a monologue for Beowulf in which he explains why he wants to fight Grendel.
3.. What simile and what alliteration are used to describe the motion of Beowulf's boat?
4. How does this image help you to form an opinion of Beowulf?
5. What image is used to describe the Baltic Sea? Write a similar image to describe the Caribbean Sea.
6. How are Beowulf and his men greeted by the Danes?
7. Explain how "haste" can be "hot."
8. Restate the parting words of the watchman to Beowulf.
Interlude:
Create a superhero or superheroine. In a Word document, describe this hero physically, including clothing. Then list the "more than human" abilties (limit to 3) of this hero. Do the same for the monster or creature who is the "worst enemy" of your hero. Write an epithet to describe both characters.
Page 8-10 (middle)
1. What detail tells us that Beowulf and his men are truly weary?
2. Rewrite, in normal word order, the two lines which first introduce Hrothgar: "In mournful state..."
3. What is the poetic effect of changing the grammar of these lines?
4. What epithet does Beowulf use to name Hrothgar? Write an epithet to descibe a Leader whom you know of and who is alive today.
5. How does Beowulf introduce himself to Hrothgar? Write similar lines introducing your hero to Mr. Gregory.
6. How does the poet introduce Unferth to us?
7. What story does Unferth tell about Beowulf? What is the purpose of this story?
8. How does Beowulf respond?
9. Locate the personification in Unferth's speech on p.9.
10. What "more than human" abilities does Beowulf appear to have? Use specifics from the text.
11. What advice does Hrothgar give to Beowulf?
12. Write a short argument between your hero and a cowardly human who wants him/her to fail. Use specifics that parallel those on p. 9. Do not write poetry or a play - use correctly punctuated dialogue and add narration to describe the setting and the actions of the two fiction character.
Page 10 to end:
1. What is the effect of the entrance of Wealhtheow? What images and details does the poet use to make her seem extraordinary? (quote from the text)
2. What detail does the poet use to show the reverence the Danes have for Beowulf, even before he fights a monster? Upon what is the reverence based? (reverance is like worship but in this case it means "awe of" or "huge regard for").
3. Contrast the way the Danes and the Swedes go to bed.
4. What specific line sets Beowulf aside from his men?
5. What sounds does the poet use to reinforce the power and rush of Grendel's attack? Quote specific words from the text.
6. What is the cause of the "deep drugged sleep" of the Swedes?
7. On p.13, what is the subject of the verbs: "Roused the Danes in their hiding and shivered to the stars." Explain the use of the verb "shivered."
8. What mortal wound does Beowulf give Grendel?
9. What metaphor is used to show the relief of Hrothgar on p.14?
10. Why is the image that ends this section of the Epic appropriate?
11. Review the use of light and dark in this section of the Epic. Make a chart using specific lines from the poem to compare the light/good to the light&dark/evil.
Interlude:
Imagine that your hero has vanquished his mortal enemy. Write a long "praise song" poem that might have been sung in a Danish hall to celebrate this battle and this victory. Describe the battle, but also the traits of the hero. Use alliteration and repetition and good descriptive adjectives and phrases.
Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain 1/25/03
Least
Tern 
