University:
Capital University
Course:
ENGL 150 | Introduction to Literature
Academic year:

2023
Views:

456

Pages:

2
Author:

Kole Pugh

English IV Reading Guide Questions: Beowulf “The Battle With Grendel” Page 48-50 1. Why does Beowulf wait, allowing Grendel to kill one of the Geats, before he attacks Grendel? Beowulf waits to attack Grendel because he wants to confront the monster in hand-to-hand combat, without weapons, to prove his strength and bravery 2. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Be specific. (Who does what to whom, and when and how does it happen?) In the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, Grendel initially attacks one of the Geats, seizing him and tearing him apart. Beowulf then grapples with Grendel, and the two engage in a fierce struggle, with Beowulf eventually overpowering Grendel and ripping off his arm 3. Why can’t the other warriors come to Beowulf’s aid? The other warriors can't come to Beowulf's aid because Grendel has cast a spell on Herot, making it impervious to weapons and rendering the warriors' swords useless against him 4. How does Beowulf wound Grendel? Beowulf wounds Grendel by tearing off his arm during their struggle 5. How is Grendel described on page 48? Grendel is described as a "hell-forged creature" and a "grim demon” 6. Look at the text on page 49. What kennings are used to describe Grendel? (there are 5) - God-cursed brute sin-stained demon shadow-stalker death's captive hell's captive 7. Using these kennings to describe Grendel gives greater weight to the battle between him and Beowulf (think “universal themes” in an epic). How? Using kennings to describe Grendel adds depth and intensity to the battle between him and Beowulf by emphasizing the monstrous and supernatural nature of Grendel. This heightens the contrast between Beowulf, the heroic champion representing light and goodness, and Grendel, the embodiment of darkness and evil, thereby enhancing the epic's exploration of universal themes such as the struggle between good and evil, heroism, and the human condition 8. What are the Danes doing during the battle? During the battle, the Danes watch in horror and disbelief, unable to intervene due to Grendel's enchantment on Herot 9. How does the poet add suspense to the battle scene? The poet adds suspense to the battle scene by describing the intense struggle between Beowulf and Grendel in vivid detail, building anticipation for the outcome of their confrontation 10. Look at lines 372-374. Explain the metaphor used in these lines. The metaphor in lines 372-374 compares Grendel's arm to a "hard grip on her shoulder," likening Beowulf's powerful hold on Grendel's arm to a firm grasp on a person's shoulder. This metaphor emphasizes Beowulf's strength and control over Grendel, portraying him as victorious in their struggle