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Short Answer Study Guide Questions - Beowulf

1. Why does the editor refer to the Beowulf epic as "essentially an aristocratic poem"?

--because it deals with knightly issues/problems and kingship.

2. What were the basic virtues prized by Anglo-Saxon society?

--strenght, courage, bravery, and generocity.

3. Account for the sharrp descriptions of the scenes in Beowulf.

--Beowulf started as a oral tradition then the scops felt compeled to use graphic descriptions for listeners to visualize words.

4.How is beowulf drawn from both the pagen and the christian traditions?

--It was origianaly composed in pre-christian england (pagen at that time) and was later infused with christian ideals.

1. Why does Hrothgar decide to build a mighty hall? What does he call it? Describe this hall.

--He built it to hold celebrations of victory. he names it Herot. It was a huge, beautiful building that was indestructable except for by fire.

2. Describe what transpires in the mead hall to evoke the anger of the monster.

--The people celebrate in gods priase and this causes pain to the monster.

3. What is Grendels lineage? Why is he described as being "born of Cain"?

--He is a decendent of Cain. Because all of the offspring that have Cain in their ancestory are cursed and exiled by god.

--Because Cain is in his ancestory. Cain killed Abel and god exiled Cain and all that come from him.

5. What happens during Grendel's first visit to Herot? When does this occor? Describe the scene.

--He eats 30 men. When the people were singing to god. The men were asleep in the night when grendel came and took off the door hinges like nothing and scooped up 30 men, killed them and left leaving a bloddy trail.

--Because he is protected by god, the very one that exiled him.

8. To what measures do Hrothgarr and his nobles resort to rid themselves of Grendel?

9. How does Beowulf react when he hears fo the plight of the Danes and Hrothgar?

--Begins his mission, gets 14 men and sets sail.

10. How are Beowulf and his men recivved when they arrive on the Danish shore?

-- Met by one of Hrothgars Lutenents who demands to know who they are, then happily escorts them to Hrothgar.

11. Why does Beowulf describe himself by recounting his heritage? Why has he come?

--In respect to the oral tradition. To slay Grendel.

12. How does the watchman respond to Beowulfs's explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes?

--Beleives his word and offers to escort him and his men and protects their boats.

13. Hrothgar's herals greets Beowulf and his men. According to the herald, what distinguishes Beowulf's visit from those of others who have come before him?

14. Who is Wulfgar? What role does he play in this chapter?

--He is a noble swede who is known for his strength and wisdom. he offers to introduce Beowulf to the king.

15. According to Wulfgar, why have Beowulf and his men come all the way from Geatland to help the Danes?

-- Because God has sent them to help the Danes get rid of Grendel.

16. Describe Beowulf's boasts upon meeting Hrothgar, King of the Danes.

--He says that if Grendel dosen't use weapons, neither will he.

17. What one request does Beowulf make of Hrothgar?

--To let him and his men rid Herot of Grendel.

18. If Beowulf loses the battle with Grendel, what are his instructions for after his death?

--To send his armor and inheritance back home.

19. How did Hrothgar become king? What is his relationship with the Geats?

--Older Hergar was king but died and was replaced by Hrothgar. He worked with Beowulfs father to secure peace between the two lands.

20. What is the purpose of the feast that Hrothgar hosts in Beowulf's honor?

--To honor him and his men before they battle Grendel.

21. Identify Unferth. Why does he seem to be perplexed by Beowulf's stories? How does he address Beowulf?

--Unferth is a Danish warrior who is jelous of Beowulf. Because he is jelous of him. As a boastful fool.

22. Describe Unferth's tale of the swimming compitition between Brecca and Beowulf.

-- Said that he swam for 5 nights, then the sea took him and he encountered sea monsters, of which he defeated.

24. Beowulf continues with his story, countering Unferth's tale. How does his tale end.

-- with him winning, dragging in Brecca behind him.

-- She is Hrothgars gold-ringed Queen. A nobel woman who knows what is right.

27. Beowulf and his men move into Herot for the night while Hrothgar sleeps peacefully. What is Beowulfs boast?

-- To fight Grendel in hand to hand combat and prevail.

28. What do Beowulf's men think of their chances against Grendel?

--They don't think that they will ever see their homeland again.

29. How does grendel respond when he comes to Herot. Describe his reaction to seeing the sleeping Geats.

--He tears the hinges off of the doors and is thrilled to see the sleeping Geats, expecting to fill his belly with their meat.

30. What happens when Grendel reaches for Beowulf?

--Beowulf grabs Grendel with a grip that is stronger than Grendels and does not let go.

31. Describe the struggles that ensues between Beowulf and Grendel.

--Herot trembles as they fight, Beowulfs prowess causes Grendel to shreak in fear.

32. What happens when Beowulf's men attack Grendel? Account for this outcome of their effors.

-- When Beowulf's men attack Grendel with their man-made weapons they don't even scratch his skin. This is due to the fact that Grendel has places a spell that no man-made weapons can hurt him.

33. At the conclusion of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, what Transpires?

34. On the morning following the battle, describe the reactions of Hrothgar's people.

--Everyone rejoiced without remorse for the monsters suffering.

35. Describe the lake into wich Grendel vanished.

-- The lake was not water, but boiling blood and steaming. It had waves.