Beowulf Reading Questions Part Four and Five

University:
University of California, San Diego
Course:
AWP 3 | Analytical Writing
Academic year:

2024
Views:

172

Pages:

3
Author:

Victoria Smith

Name _____________________________ Beowulf – Part 4-5 Directions: Answer the following questions as we read the next two sections of Beowulf in class today. Grendel’s Mother (page 55-56) What is significant about Grendel’s mother taking “Hrothgar’s closest friend” (line 414)? Grendel’s mom killed Hrothgar’s friend because it was his most beloved friend almost like an eye for an eye. Describe the dark lake (lines 425-445). How does this description contribute to our understanding of the central theme of the epic? The dark lake is described as a wolf den with water that pours from the rocks and black clouds, in secret places. I think this represents how the monsters are outcast they don’t get to live in the nice palace that everyone else lives. The dark lake is described as scary and dark and people are told to only enter if they dare. The Battle with Grendel’s Mother (page 57-61) How does the conflict intensify in lines 456-474? Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mom underwater in a battle hall with other monsters watching escalating the situation. Explain the meaning of lines 490-492. Lines 490-492 are there to show Beowulf strength and how the anger makes him stronger and defeat the monster under the water. How is Beowulf victorious over Grendel’s mother? Consider lines 509-512 and lines 526-528. Beowulf stabbed Grendel’s mother with a heavy sword that was hammered by giants and stabbed her in the neck. Describe the mood of the Danes and the Geats in lines 546-561. The Danes and the Geats gave up on Beowulf they believed he was dead and Grendel’s mother won the battle. Why do the Geats want the Danes to see Grendel’s skull? What does this reveal about the values of the Anglo-Saxons?