Beowulf Review

Who is Hrothgar?

• Danish thane who taunts Beowulf; later offers a sword

• King of the Geats who sends his men to help the Danes

• King of the Danes; builder of famous mead-hall

• Sea nymph-like monster, seeks vengeance on Danes

Who is Beowulf?

• A heroic warrior who later becomes King of the Geats

• Only thane who stays with hero during the dragon battle

• Important Danish official; killed by Grendel’s mother

• Arrives from sea as a child. Founds royal Danish line

Who is Grendel?

• A monster who bears the curse of the descendants of Cain

• Grand mead-hall named for stag to symbolize kinship

• Only thane who stays with hero during the dragon battle

• Danish thane who taunts Beowulf; later offers a sword

Who/what is Herot?

• King of the Danes

• King of the Geats

• A drinking hall

• A great sword

How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?

• Rips his arm off

• Chops his head off

• Cuts him open from the crotch to the chin

• Beats his head against the wall

What is the meaning of the word loathsome as it appears in the following excerpt?

"...and running to his loathsome moor [land]/With another such sickening meal waiting/In his pouch." (lines 538-40)

• disgusting or repulsive

• appealing or attractive

• swift or quick

• delaying or putting off

"That mighty protector of men/Meant to hold the monster till its life/Leaped out..."

Considering the above example, which of the following best describes the tone that the poet takes when describing Beowulf in his battles?

• admiring; praising

• disgusted; repulsed

• optimistic; hopeful

• fearful; apprehensive

Which of the following is NOT a epic hero trait?

• Noble Birth

• Travels Over Great Distances

• National Heroism

• Meeting a Wise Mentor

Which of the following best describes Wiglaf's attitude towards the other soldiers who abandon Beowulf before his battle with the dragon?

• He believes the other soldiers are justified in their actions.

• He thinks their actions are disgraceful and unforgivable.

• While he disagrees with their actions, he does not pass judgment on them.

"the fire-spitting terror" (line 790)

"the gray-bearded lord of the Geats" (line 792)

How does the poet's word choice in the above excerpts impact the mood of this scene?

• It creates a cheerful mood by emphasizing how many treasures Beowulf has gained as a result of defeating the dragon.

• It creates a frightening mood by highlighting how much more powerful the dragon is in comparison to Beowulf's earlier enemies.

• It creates a sad mood by emphasizing how weak and helpless Beowulf has become even though he is still willing to fight.

• It creates a comical mood by illustrating how ridiculous it is for Beowulf, now an old man, to fight the dragon.