Exploring Beowulf: Themes and Characters

What motivates Beowulf to travel to Denmark and confront Grendel?

• A sense of duty and honor

• A personal vendetta against Grendel

• A wish to prove his strength to his father

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which theme is most prominently explored through Beowulf's battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon?

• The conflict between good and evil

• The power of love and friendship

• The importance of humility

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What literary device is used in the line "He was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful"?

• Simile

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

In what historical context was "Beowulf" composed?

• During the Roman occupation of Britain

• In the early medieval period, reflecting Anglo-Saxon culture

• In the Renaissance period, reflecting humanist ideals

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does Beowulf's character contrast with that of Unferth?

• Beowulf is courageous, while Unferth is cowardly.

• Beowulf is deceitful, while Unferth is honest.

• Beowulf is greedy, while Unferth is generous.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What motivates Grendel to attack Herot?

• Jealousy and resentment towards the joy of the Danes

• A need to prove his strength

• A command from his mother

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What literary device is used in the description of Grendel as "a shadow of death"?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What historical event is reflected in the tension between the Geats and the Swedes?

• The Anglo-Saxon migration

• The Viking invasions

• The Roman withdrawal from Britain

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does Beowulf's relationship with Hrothgar differ from his relationship with Higlac?

• Hrothgar is a father figure, while Higlac is a king.

• Hrothgar is a king, while Higlac is a friend.

• Hrothgar is an ally, while Higlac is a relative.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What motivates Grendel's mother to seek revenge?

• A need to avenge her son's death

• A wish to prove her own strength

• A command from a higher power

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9