Beowulf - Teaching Unit · 2017-10-31 · 4 Beowulf STUDENT COPY STUDY GUIDE Chapter II Vocabulary adversity – a state of destitution or calamity arbiter – a judge atrocity –

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Beowulf STUDENT COPY

STUDY GUIDE

Beowulf

All page references come from the Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Press edition of Beowulf, copyright 2005.

Prelude – “Prelude of the Founder of the Danish House”

Vocabulary

bedecked – decoratedDanes – the residents of Denmark. Hrothgar, Hrothulf, and the Scylding dynasty of

kings mentioned in Beowulf are actually spoken of in other Danish and Germanic sources (such as the poem Widsith).

foundling – an orphanhence – “from here;” awayhoard – a hidden stockpilemail – a coat of flexible metal armor, usually comprised of interlocking rings or

metal scalesmead – a fermented drink made from water, honey, malt, and yeastprow – the bow, or front, of a shipstalwart – brave; hardy, sturdy, strongtenure – the time period during which a person holds an office or positionwaxed – grown in number or intensitywhale-paths – ocean routeswoe – deep sufferingwrested – wrestled

1. Why is it significant for a prince to generously share his wealth?

2. Describe Scyld’s funeral.

3. What is the narrator’s opinion of Scyld of Scefing?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter I

Vocabulary

Bard – a composer and singer of an epic versedire – dreadful, threateningfens – swamps, marshes, bogsHeorot – “hind” or “stag;” some believe that the hall was located on the island of

Sjaelland, near the modern-day city of Roskilde, Denmark.jubilant – full of joy; expressing joykin – persons who share a common ancestrymoors – a boggy area usually containing grasses and sedgespinnacles – peaksprimeval – relating to primitive agesrevel – a festive party or celebrationstrongholds – fortified locations; fortresses

1. How does Hrothgar’s family single him out as a leader?

2. Why does Hrothgar build a mead-hall and what is it called?

3. Why does Grendel become angry with Hrothgar and the men in the hall?

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4. What does the bard sing about, and why does this anger Grendel?

5. Describe Grendel’s heritage, including why he is cursed.

6. What religious elements are revealed in this chapter?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter II

Vocabulary

adversity – a state of destitution or calamityarbiter – a judgeatrocity – a terrible and appalling actballads – narrative compositions put to songbetimes – sometimes, at timesblood-gold – the act of paying blood-gold, or wergild, was a method for ending the

cycle of blood feuds that ravaged Scandinavian societies. If one man killed another, he or his family could pay an amount of money, based on the victim’s social status, to the bereaved relatives to keep them from seeking vengeance.

bowers – private rooms in a medieval hallbrook – to tolerateheathen – a member of a group that does not recognize the God of the Bibleillustrious – renowned for a position or deedlament – grief, sorrowmirth – happiness displayed with laughternefariously – evilly, wickedlyparley – a meeting between hostile parties to discuss peacesore – serious, difficultsovereign – a king, rulerthanes – people who hold lands from their lord; a liegeman, retainertravails – troubles, sorrows, hardshipsunremittant – without pause, unceasingwight – a living being; a creature

1. How many thanes does Grendel kill on the first night that he attacks?

2. What is the result of Grendel’s repeated attacks at Heorot?

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3. According to ballads, how is Hrothgar affected by his continuous battle with Grendel?

4. What is the only thing that Grendel will not touch or approach in Heorot, and why?

5. According to the narrator, why do the Scyldings hold heathen sacrifices instead of praying to the “Almighty, the Arbiter of factions…”?

6. Explain whether the narrator is a pagan or a Christian.

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter III

Vocabulary

assuage – to relievefain – happily; “because it was desired”fare – to go, journey; to movefoe – an enemy, adversarygainsaid – contradicted; spoke against; contrary toGeats – a seafaring tribe from the south of Sweden who appear to have been con-

quered during the early Middle Ageshaven – a safe place; a calm harbor where ships can anchorheadlands – points of land that project into a body of watermarauding – raidingseethe – to be in a state of agitationsentinel – a sentry, guardwave-traveler – a shipwhence – where

1. Who is Beowulf’s king?

2. Why do Beowulf and a group of Geats travel to Hrothgar’s kingdom?

3. Why are the Geats noteworthy to the Danish sentry?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter IV

Vocabulary

pitched – covered in tar (pitch), which makes something waterproofsage – a knowledgeable personscintillating – shining or gleaming brightlyunscathed – unharmedwends – goes on a course; directs a course

1. The narrator uses a kenning when he says that Beowulf “unlocked his word-hoard.” What does this phrase mean?

2. What do the boar-figures symbolize on the men’s armor?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter V

Vocabulary

boon – a gift, grant, privilegebucklers – small round shieldshelm – a helmethither – heremethinks – “I think”

1. The warriors’ weapons are collected before they are granted an audience with Hrothgar. What does this action imply about the culture and the relationship between the Geats and Scyldings?

2. Why does Wulfgar believe that the Geats are there for glory and not because they are exiled?

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Chapter VI

Vocabulary

abide – to stay; restbeneficent – kindly disposed; graciousbulwark – a defensive wall; a source of strength and protectionfell – evil, dark, dangeroushearth – home; firesideheralded – hailed, greetedliegemen – people who have sworn loyalty to a lord; vassalspeerless – incomparablesagacious – wise; of or relating to a sagestalwart – stout, sturdythither – “to there”vagrant – a wanderer, especially one who earns subsidence by illegal means

1. Describe Hrothgar’s reaction to Beowulf’s arrival.

2. According to Beowulf, why is he qualified to fight Grendel?

3. How does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel?

4. What is Beowulf’s only request if he is killed in battle?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter VII

Vocabulary

dearth – a state of being in need (of something); a lack (of something)fealty – an oath of loyalty and service made by a feudal vassal to a lord

1. In the past, why did Beowulf’s father swear loyalty to Hrothgar?

Chapter VIII

Vocabulary

billows – great waves or surging waterbuffeted – hit repeatedly, beaten forcefullymain – the high seasstrove – past tense of strive; to have struggled, competed

1. Of what does Unferth accuse Beowulf?

2. According to Beowulf, how did his race with Breca begin?

3. What can be discerned about Beowulf’s personality by his response to Unferth’s insult?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter IX

Vocabulary

assailed – attackedbane – a cause of harm or deathblithe – happy and free from worryfestal – relating to a feastobscurity – the state of being obscure or darkprowess – power, superior abilityrecompense – payment in return, repaymentreprisal – retributionvalorous – brave, courageous

1. What does Beowulf reveal about Unferth’s past?

2. Explain Beowulf’s tone and meaning in his statement to Unferth: “Heorot would not have such havoc if your battle were as bold as your boast is loud! But he has found that he need not fear reprisal in sword-clashes with your Danish clan, your people, the mighty Scyldings.” (Pg. 29)

3. What ceremonial act does the queen perform when she arrives in the hall?

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4. Who serves the men with the mead-cup? What does this custom suggest about the culture?

5. When does Beowulf expect Grendel to attack?

6. What does Hrothgar tell Beowulf before they separate for the evening?

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Chapter X

Vocabulary

esquire – the attendant of a warrior or knighthew – to chop and cutretinue – a group of servants or attendantsvaunted – boastfully asserted

1. Beowulf discards his weapons in order to be on equal ground with Grendel. What does this action reveal about Beowulf’s personality?

2. How confident are the Geatish warriors in comparison to Beowulf?

3. How is Grendel described? Why does the author describe him this way?

4. In what way is the author’s perspective shifting from a pagan viewpoint to a monotheistic viewpoint?

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Chapter XI

Vocabulary

clamor – a loud continuous noisecrags – large bouldersdin – a loud and lingering noise (especially one comprised of various sounds)gilded – to cover with a thin layer of goldire – hateful angersate – to satisfy

1. How is Grendel’s death or defeat foreshadowed?

2. Why is the word “destiny” capitalized?

3. How does Grendel react when he encounters Beowulf, who grabs the monster’s arm?

4. Find an example of alliteration in this chapter.

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Chapter XII

Vocabulary

brandished – waved defiantly (a weapon)falchion – a broad, curved medieval swordharrowing – troublesome, tormentingsinews – muscle fibers

1. Why can weapons not harm Grendel?

2. What trophy does Beowulf take from Grendel and place on display?

3. How is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel an example of good versus evil?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XIII

Vocabulary

anon – soon, presentlydisparage – to speak ill of; to insultfallow – not seeded to produce crops; not activemere – a lakeretainers – household servantsvault – a room with an arched roof

1. Of whom does the thane sing about in relation to Beowulf?

2. According to the tale, what happens to the dragon that Sigemund kills?

3. What similarities do Beowulf and Sigemund share?

4. Whom does the thane contrast against Beowulf and Sigemund? How does this character differ from the two heroes?

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Chapter XIV

Vocabulary

baleful – indicating evil; sinister, maliciousreprieve – a temporary suspension of judgment or punishmenttravail – toil, painful task

1. How does Hrothgar react when he sees Grendel’s hand?

2. Cite an example from this chapter where the father and son motif arises.

3. Describe Grendel’s hand.

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XV

Vocabulary

ensign – a flag, bannerquaffed – drankridden – very full ofscathe – to injuresumptuous – rich, lavish, grandthrongs – large crowds, multitudes

1. What is the condition of Heorot after Beowulf’s battle with Grendel?

2. Regarding Hrothgar and Hrothulf, the author writes, “Heorot was now filled with friends; no Scylding folk had yet attempted treachery.” (Pg. 41) What does this statement imply, and what literary element is being used?

3. What does Hrothgar give to Beowulf for killing Grendel?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XVI

Vocabulary

bard – a composer and singer of epic verseFrisian – an early medieval tribe of people who occupied parts of what are the mod-

ern-day nations of Denmark, the Netherlands, and northern Germanyhauberks – breastplateshillock – a small hillplighted – to have given a pledgepyre – a pile of firewood (especially one used for burning dead bodies)remnants – that which remains

1. The bard sings about a battle between what two groups of people?

2. Describe the events that occur between Finn and Hengest.

3. Who is Hildeburh, and why does she mourn? How is her situation an example of divided loyalty?

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Chapter XVII

Vocabulary

bereft – robbed or deprived ofdiadem – a royal crownflagons – large vessels, normally made of metal, used to carry and serve winelay – an uncomplicated poem; a balladmagnanimous – characterized by generosity and nobility in spirit

1. How is the peace pact between Finn and Hengest broken?

2. Compare and contrast Beowulf and Hengest.

3. Why does Wealtheow ask Hrothgar to be gracious and kind towards the Geats?

4. What is the significance of Beowulf sitting between the young princes, Hrethric and Hrothmund?

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Chapter XVIII

Vocabulary

bolsters – firm pillowscuirass – a breastplate

1. What is particularly special about the collar that Wealtheow gives to Beowulf? What does the collar symbolize?

2. What do the warriors do before they go to sleep? Does the narrator approve of this habit?

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Chapter XIX

Vocabulary

barter – to exchangedauntless – fearless, bravedolorous – sorrowful, grievousvassal – a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has pledged al-

legiance

1. Why does Grendel’s mother go to Heorot?

2. Why does the narrator express no sympathy for Grendel’s mother, who has lost her only son?

3. What does Grendel’s mother take from Heorot?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XX

Vocabulary

hart – a deerheaths – largely desolate areas with scraggly brush for vegetation; vegetation that fills

such an areahewn – to cut with blows from an axe or heavy cutting instrumentmarches – the border-areas, the perimetermiscreant – a villain, troublemakertrodden – past tense of tread; to walk along

1. How is the conflict between the monsters and Hrothgar’s clan similar to a blood-feud? How does the conflict differ from a blood-feud?

2. According to Hrothgar, what strange sight can be seen at night on the mere?

3. How do deer react when chased by hunters to the perimeter of the mere?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXI

Vocabulary

drakes – dragonslament – to mourn; to strongly regretserpentine – like a snake; twistedtumult – a turbulent uprising of a crowd; riot

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar, “Do not lament, wise sire! It seems better that each man avenge hisfriends than to mourn them to no end.” (Pg. 53) How does this comment portray characterdifferences between Beowulf and Hrothgar?

2. How do Hrothgar and Beowulf respond to Grendel’s mother’s attack?

3. The men track Grendel s mother to a place where the water is bloody. What do they findnear the lake-cliff?

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4. What creatures are swimming in the lake, and how do they react when the warriors arrive?

5. Describe Beowulf’s state of mind as he prepares to battle Grendel’s mother.

6. What does Ecglaf’s son, Unferth, do that causes him to fall “short of glory and the honor of court?” (Pg. 54)

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXII

Vocabulary

talons – the claws of an animal, especially a bird of prey

1. Where does Grendel’s mother live?

2. Why does Beowulf not kill Grendel’s mother with Hrunting, the sword?

3. Describe the struggle between Grendel’s mother and Beowulf.

4. According to the narrator, what is the ultimate reason that the knife does not kill Beowulf? What literary element does this situation portray?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXIII

Vocabulary

ardent – passionate, shining, fierybandying – exchanging back and forth, as in a gameephemeral – temporary, passing, transitoryfetters – shacklesvisage – the face

1. What does Beowulf use to defeat Grendel’s mother?

2. How does Beowulf make a final act of retribution on Grendel?

3. What happens to Beowulf’s newly acquired sword, and why?

4. What does Beowulf take from the cave?

5. How long was Beowulf in the water before the warriors lost hope?

6. How many men were needed to carry Grendel’s head to Heorot?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXIV

Vocabulary

aught – nothingbastion – a fortification, stronghold

1. Describe the sword hilt that Beowulf gives to Hrothgar. What story is inscribed on the hilt?

Chapter XXV

Vocabulary

covetous – envious; desiring the possession of anothernigh – nearoverweening – excessively arrogantyore – time long past

1. What warning does Hrothgar give to Beowulf?

2. How is Hrothgar more in keeping with Christian morality than pagan tradition?

3. Unferth gives Beowulf Hrunting, the sword, as a gift. Beowulf accepts the sword, and makes no mention of its failure when he fought Grendel’s mother. What does Beowulf’s behavior reveal about his personality?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXVI

Vocabulary

wielding – waving around; carrying

1. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar in the morning?

2. Why does Hrothgar cry when he bids Beowulf farewell?

3. How is Beowulf’s behavior different from when he first arrived in Hrothgar’s court, and why?

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Chapter XXVII

Vocabulary

burnished – polishedpretense – a claim, especially unsupported, to a distinction or accomplishment

1. What does Beowulf give to the boat-warden?

2. How did Queen Thyrth earn a terrible reputation? Is her behavior customary in Germanic culture?

3. The author writes, “Although she is without peer, no wife should, upon false pretense of injury, take the life of a warrior thane!” (Pg. 66) What does this statement suggest about the roles or rights of women in this culture?

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Chapter XXVIII

Vocabulary

abject – utterly hopeless, desperatebeseeched – asked earnestly; imploredcarnage – extensive slaughter, especially in battle; bloodshedsagacious – showing keen perception and sound judgment

1. What does Beowulf tell Hygelac about Hrothgar’s daughter, Freawaru?

2. According to Beowulf, what is the purpose of the marriage between Freawaru and the son of Froda? Does Beowulf think that the marriage will be successful, and why or why not?

3. Of what is Grendel’s satchel made, and what does Beowulf say the monster wanted to put in his satchel?

4. What do the Danish people do with their dead? Why are they unable to give Æschere a proper funeral?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapters XXIX – XXXI

Vocabulary

barrow – a tomb or vault usually buried beneath a small hill or moundbastion – a fortified place; strong defense, usually used figurativelyhides – units of measurement for land in medieval England. One hide was the

amount required to support a family, or approximately 60 – 120 acres, depending on the quality of land.

requitals – payment for servicesvenerable – worthy of respect or reverence

1. What does Beowulf do with the treasure he receives from Hrothgar, and why?

2. What is Beowulf’s greatest natural gift? Provide two examples from the story that prove his talent.

3. Why had Geatish warriors considered Beowulf “weak and an unpromising prince” before her was honored by Hygelac? (Pg. 72) What does the warriors’ viewpoint say about their culture?

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4. What does Hygelac bestow upon Beowulf for his service?

5. Both Beowulf and Hygelac own land and estates because of their inheritance, but why does the kingship go to Hygelac?

6. How long is Beowulf king before trouble with a dragon begins?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXII

Vocabulary

respite – a brief delay or intervaltankard – a large drinking cup with a handle and a lid

1. Why does a slave hide in the dragon’s lair?

2. What is the origin of the dragon’s treasure, and who hid it?

3. What does the slave remove from the cave, and why?

4. How does the dragon know that a man took the cup?

5. How does the dragon respond to the theft?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXIII

Vocabulary

bereaved – in the state of being bereftHetware – a Frankish tribe that lived near the Rhine Riverhordes – wandering tribes or groups

1. When does the dragon attack and why?

2. Why does Beowulf have a shield made out of iron?

3. Following Hygelac’s death, whom do the people and Hygd wish to be king? Why does he refuse?

4. When Hygelac dies in battle, Beowulf is the only surviving warrior. Beowulf is forced to swim from the battle carrying how many coats of mail?

5. How does Heardred die?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXIV

Vocabulary

dirge – a funeral hymnelsewhere – death, the afterlifelament – to feel deep sorrow or regret; mourn

1. How does Beowulf find the dragon’s cave?

2. How many men seek out the dragon?

3. When Beowulf was a youth, why was King Hrethel unable to seek a blood-price for his son’s death?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXV

Vocabulary

dire – dreadful, terribleduress – imprisonmentfray – a fight, battleHugas – another name for the Frisians, or a tribe from their lands. Little historical

information appears to exist regarding the Hugas, apart from what is written in Beowulf.

vanguard – a group or line of troops that advances in the forefront of others

1. Before entering the cave, why does Beowulf retell the major battles of his life?

2. How many men enter the cave to fight the dragon?

3. Why does Beowulf’s attack not go as well as he had planned?

4. What do the warriors do when Beowulf is in trouble?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXVI

Vocabulary

bequest – something that is bequeathed; a legacy of some sort passed on from one generation to the next

boss – a knob or protuberance at the center of an ornament (such as a shield)glaive – a spear that has a knife or dagger-sized blade attached to its point

1. Who helps Beowulf and why?

2. According to legend, why are iron blades useless to Beowulf in battle?

3. How does the dragon fatally injure Beowulf?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXVII

Vocabulary

asunder – split apart, separatedwinsome – charming, attractive

1. How is the contrast between Beowulf and Wiglaf similar to that of Beowulf and Hrothgar earlier in the novel? How do they differ?

2. What thoughts comfort Beowulf while he is dying?

3. What image does Beowulf wish to see before he dies?

4. How are Beowulf’s battles with Grendel and his mother similar to Beowulf’s battle with the dragon? How are they different?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XXXVIII

Vocabulary

cairn – a mound of stones that serves as a marker or memorialtarry – to stay for a time longer than originally intended

1. What does Beowulf instruct Wiglaf to do?

2. What does Beowulf give to Wiglaf before he dies, and what is the significance of this action?

Chapter XXXIX

Vocabulary

avail – to be of use or help, as in accomplishing an endignoble – not noble in character or qualitylaggards – people who lag behindwane – to lessen in number or intensity

1. What does Wiglaf say to the warriors when they return? How are they punished for their cowardice, and is the punishment fitting for their culture?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XL

Vocabulary

Franks – the name given to a group of tribes that once inhabited the region of the Roman province of Gaul, the area that is roughly the modern nations of France, Belgium, and parts of western Germany

Merowings – a tribe of the Franks that eventually came to found the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings that began to rule in the early 5th century

throng – a crowd

1. What do the people anticipate will happen once news of Beowulf’s death travels, and why?

2. Why do the Geats expect trouble from the Swedes?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XLI

Vocabulary

citadel – a place of safetycrag – a steep, rugged rock that rises above others or projects from a rock massdolorous – mournful

1. Who are Eofor and Wulf Wonreding, and what did they do?

2. What do the Geats decide to do with the dragon’s treasure?

3. How do the Geats mourn for Beowulf?

4. What do the men find lying near Beowulf’s body?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XLII

Vocabulary

balefire – a bonfirebier – a platform on which a coffin or corpse is placed

1. How is the treasure cursed, and why is Beowulf exempt from the curse?

2. In what way was Beowulf’s death noble?

3. What is done with the dragon’s body?

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STUDY GUIDE

Chapter XLIII

Vocabulary

extol – to praise highly

1. What is hung on Beowulf’s funeral pyre?

2. What does the woman sing about during Beowulf’s funeral? Why is this woman put in the story?

Documents

Beowulf - Teaching Unit · 2017-10-31 · 4 Beowulf STUDENT COPY STUDY GUIDE Chapter II Vocabulary adversity – a state of destitution or calamity arbiter – a judge atrocity –