Beowulf Questions/Answers

Person 1: Erica

Questions: Prologue- The fight with Grendel  (10Q)           

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation]

1)Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?

The unusual thing about Shield’s journey to become a ruler was that he came from humble beginning. He was not wanted by is parents. Despite all of the neglect in his early years he became a ruler. For his funeral he was put on a boat in which he had many treasures and material goods. The relation between Hrothgar and Shield is that they are family.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1)What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?

Hrothgar built the Heorot hall. Grendel the monster attacked it and attacks/kills thirty men. The attacks last for 12 years. That is also the amount of year Danes residents are in fear. 

[The Hero Comes to Heorot]

1)What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?

Beowulf decides to take action and help. He takes 14 of his toughest men and they all sail to Danes to stop Grendel from doing more harm.

2)Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?

The Geats first met a guard whom questions them about their arrival and purpose to be in that town. They respond that they come to help kill Grendel.

       3)They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?

Herald (Wiglaf) is a kind of watchman/messanger. He interrogates the Geats, and after he knows there purpose for being there he tells Hrothgar about them. Hrothgar is pleased to have them help.

4)What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?

Beowulf brags about himself and say he will be able to kill Grendel very easily. Hrothgar helps Beowulf’s dad with some issues.

[Feast at Heorot]                       

1)What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?

Unferth doubts Beowulf’s accomplishments. Beowulf says his accomplishments loud and proud. He also accuses Unferth of killing his brothers. This episode is relevant to the poem as a whole because Beowulf’s confident and honor is present. Beowulf is ready to protect his reputation through out the whole poem.

2)What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?

She is being flirty welcoming to the Geats.

[The Fight with Grendel]

1)Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?

Beowulf is actually very nervous before the battle yet he refuses to wear armor.

2)What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?

When Grendel enters Heorot the hall shakes and rings. Beowulf and Grendal fight in the hall. They battle across the floor and in every direction. When Grendal tries to escape he is powerless. He manages to escape wounded, and expected to die soon. Grendal leaves his arm, claw and shoulder behind.