Part 5 Reading Guide Questions: Beowulf

English IV Reading Guide Questions: Beowulf “The Last Battle” pages 56-59 1. In the first stanza, what does Beowulf say motivates him to go and fight the dragon? In the first stanza, Beowulf says that it is his duty as a king to face the dragon and protect his people, despite knowing the danger it poses 2. In lines 637-639, what does Beowulf think will decide who will win the battle between him and the dragon? What religious view is this indicative of: Anglo-Saxon or Christian? Explain. In lines 637-639, Beowulf thinks that God will decide who will win the battle between him and the dragon. This is indicative of Christian views, as it reflects a belief in divine providence and the idea that God determines the outcome of events 3. What happens that causes Beowulf to think that he “fought with fate against him”? Beowulf thinks that he fought with fate against him when his sword, Naegling, breaks during the battle with the dragon, leaving him defenseless 4. Reread lines 708-711. How is this an allusion to the Bible? Lines 708-711 allude to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain, after murdering his brother Abel, was marked by God and became an outcast. Similarly, the dragon's treasure, which was obtained through violence, is cursed, and it brings doom upon those who possess it 5. Who rushes to Beowulf’s aid? Wiglaf rushes to Beowulf's aid when he sees that Beowulf is in distress during the battle with the dragon 6. What does Wiglaf say to his fellow warriors? How does this reflect the Anglo-Saxon value of “comitatus” or the warrior’s code? Wiglaf urges his fellow warriors to remember their oaths of loyalty and honor to their king, Beowulf, and to come to his aid in his time of need. This reflects the Anglo-Saxon value of "comitatus" or the warrior's code, which emphasizes loyalty and duty to one's lord “The Spoils” pages 60-61 1. What does Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do after they defeat the dragon? Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon's treasure so that he can see it before he dies 2. Reread lines 787-789. What do you think these lines mean? Lines 787-789 mean that Beowulf's people, the Geats, will face hardships and attacks from enemies after his death, as their enemies will see an opportunity to attack now that their great king is gone 3. When Beowulf states, “I sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well,” what does he mean? When Beowulf states, "I sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well," he means that he sacrificed his life to protect his people and secure the dragon's treasure for them. He believes that he fulfilled his duty as a king and warrior 4. What are Beowulf’s requests in regards to his funeral? Beowulf requests a funeral pyre to be built for him and asks Wiglaf to oversee the construction. He also requests that his people build a monument in his honor on the coast, known as Beowulf's Barrow 5. Beowulf gives his necklace, gold-covered helment, rings, and mail shirt to Wiglaf. What is he doing by giving all this to Wiglaf? By giving all his treasures to Wiglaf, Beowulf is passing on his legacy and wealth to his loyal follower, ensuring that it will continue to benefit the Geats after his death “The Farewell” pages 61-62 1. How do the Geats honor Beowulf after his death? The Geats honor Beowulf after his death by mourning him and praising his bravery and leadership. They decide to build a funeral pyre for him and to bury his ashes along with the dragon's treasure in Beowulf's Barrow 2. What is the significance of the twelve brave Geats? (How is this an allusion to the Bible?) The significance of the twelve brave Geats is reminiscent of the twelve disciples of Jesus in the Bible. They are the loyal followers of Beowulf who remain with him until the end, mirroring the disciples who remained with Jesus during his final hours 3. In the end, does Beowulf get the fame and glory that he desired as an Anglo-Saxon warrior? How and why? In the end, Beowulf does achieve fame and glory as an Anglo-Saxon warrior, as he is remembered and honored by his people for his heroic deeds and leadership. Despite his death, his legacy lives on through the stories and songs that celebrate his achievements