| What is an epic poem? What are some examples and defining elements? | Long, narrative poem-usually about heroic deeds and events that are significant to the culture |
| How do we know Beowulf is an honorable man? | He is willing to risk his life in order to earn fame by killing Grendel |
| What weapon does Beowulf use to kill Grendel? | His hands |
| To what does the poet give credit for Beowulf’s victory over Grendel’s mother? | God’s judgment |
| What is the theme of Beowulf? | Good always triumphs in the end |
| How can you tell that Beowulf is a legendary hero? | He is larger than life and is remembered in tales from long ago |
| What does the poet mean in this line from Beowulf? “The monster’s thoughts were as his greed and his claws..” | The monster thinks very quickly |
| Why does Beowulf come to see Hrothgar? | He wants to help him by killing Grendel |
| Read the following quotation. What is the best paraphrase for the underlined part of the quotation? “Their courage was great but all wasted: they could hack at Grendel from every side, TRYING TO OPEN A PATH FOR HIS EVIL SOUL, but their point could not hurt him…” | Attempting to kill him |
| Why does Beowulf want a tower built for himself? | To remind people of his life and famous deeds |
| Which words best describes the reason that Beowulf hangs Grendel’s arm from Hrothgar’s mead-hall? | Reparation |
| How do you know that Beowulf is an epic poem? | It is a long poem that tells a story about a legendary hero |
| Why does Wiglaf tell his comrades they should help Beowulf fight the dragon? | They promised Beowulf they would help if needed |
| What does it mean when Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold necklace? | Beowulf is making Wiglaf the ruler of geatland |
| In which situation might someone LAMENT? | When someone one dies |
| Lament | Mourn(a passionate expression of grief or sorrow) |
| Affliction | Something that causes pain or suffering |
| Gorge | A narrow valley between hills or mountains |
| Infamous | Well known for some bad quality or deed |
| Lair | Secret of private for a person who seeks secludment |
| Livid | Furiously angry |
| Loathsome | Causing hatred or disgust |
| Purge | Mass killing |
| Talon | A claw |
Beowulf
February 21, 2020