Beowulf: The Final Battle

What is Beowulf’s future when he returns to Geatland?

• he accidentally kills his cousin and uncle (and is exiled)

• he becomes king of the Geats

• He marries Hildegarth and retires early

• He steals a cup from a treasure tower guarded by a dragon

When Beowulf is an old man, why does he decide to fight against a dragon?

• He didn’t want to. He was forced into it

• He wants to get more glory/fame

• His old age affects his judgment and he acts out of character in taking this risk

• He believes that he is the only one who can defeat the dragon

What typical element of epic poetry does the battle between Beowulf and Grendel best reflect?

• The journey taken to get to the battle describes the culture at the time.

• The battle portrays the universal theme of good versus evil.

• The style of the fighting shows that the enemies fought with weapons of their era.

• The conversational diction during the battle heightens a sense of immediacy.

Select the group of words that accurately completes the following statement: Grendel's lair is described as _____; in _____, Herot is described as _____.

• solid; contrast; impermanent

• heavenly; comparison; hellish

• peaceful; comparison; chaotic

• hellish; contrast; bright

How is Beowulf defeated?

• He falls on his sword.

• The dragon eats him.

• The dragon bites his neck and he dies from the dragon's poison.

• He dies of exhaustion from battling the dragon.

Who does Beowulf name as his successor?

• His son, Beo

• His best friend, Wiglaf

• No one, he doesn't believe anyone is worthy

• He proposes a battle in which the winner will become king

Prior to the final battle, Beowulf is now king of the Geats and has ruled in peace and prosperity for _____ years.

• twenty

• thirty

• forty

• fifty

What did Beowulf's men do when he needed their help against the dragon?

• They ran for their lives.

• All except for Wiglaf ran for their lives.

• They helped him fight and defeated the dragon.

• The sat down and watched the end of the battle.

Beowulf requested that a funeral pyre of the treasure be built upon his body. This final send off highlights the Anglo Saxon's celebration of which of the following?

• Loyalty, Honor, & Gore

• Loyalty, Honor, & Death

• Loyalty, Honor, & Glory

• Death, Despair, & Sadness

What is the significance of Beowulf's final battle with the dragon?

• A) It symbolizes the inevitable decline of a hero.

• B) It represents Beowulf's greed for treasure.

• C) It shows Beowulf's fear of death.

• D) It highlights Beowulf's desire for revenge.