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Essay on Beowulf study guide

Decent Essays

1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom.
A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster.
2) In the beginning of “Beowulf,” King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell why the hall has been deserted. Be sure to include specific examples from the text. What happened to those who ventured into the hall during those 12 years? What was the cause of this? At what time of day did these events take place? Explain.
A. A. …show more content…

5) What is the outcome of Beowulf's battle with Grendel?
A. Grendel gets away, but he is fatally wounded and goes to his den to die.
6) Describe the setting where Beowulf fights Grendel's mother
A. The den of Grendel and his mother is the bottom of a dark lake. It is covered with dark mists and trees whose roots travel down into the deep water. At night the lake "burns like a torch."
7) Imagine that Grendel has escaped unharmed after fighting Beowulf at Herot. Based on what the poem has taught you about the monster, what do you think Grendel will do next in his war against Beowulf and the Danes? Use reasons and examples from Beowulf to further explain your opinion.
A. Grendel will return to fight Beowulf again. They may note that Grendel is determined to battle humans and the forces of good. He is also a strong, proud, and brave monster used to winning his battles.
8) What follows Beowulf’s battle with Grendel that brings further sorrow to King Hrothgar?
A. To avenge her son's death, Grendel's mother comes to Herot and kills a warrior who happens to be Hrothgar's closest friend.
9) List three reasons why Grendel from Beowulf might have led a painful life.
A. Grendel is impatient with the music and celebration of Hrothgar’s men; his home is a hell on earth; he was born in slime; his parents are the children of Cain, who were exiled by God; he is family to “a thousand forms of evil,” who angrily fight against God.
10) Many critics and teachers believe

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