Reading Strategy p38
What events preceded the dragon’s attack on theGeats?
Reading Strategy p38
What events preceded the dragon’s attack on theGeats?The theft of a gem-studded cup by someone who accidentally stumbles on the entrance to the stone tower.
Literary Element p39
What does this conflict suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon?
Literary Element p39
What does this conflict suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon?This passage has an elegiac mood, stating that not only the accoutrements but thewarrriorswho owned them eventually pass away. By creating this mood, the poet suggest that Beowulf’s conflict with the dragon might result in his death and his people’s demise.
Literary Element p40
How do the dragon’s motives differ from those ofGrendel?
Literary Element p40
How do the dragon’s motives differ from those ofGrendel?Grendelattacks out of hatred for humans, the dragon attacks out of revenge.
Reading Strategy p40
What is ironic about this sequence of events?
Reading Strategy p40
What is ironic about this sequence of events?It is ironic that in resolving a problem with his master, the slave triggers a conflict that threatens the entire kingdom.
Big Idea p41
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people?
Big Idea p41
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people?Beowulf is humble and conscientious ruler. Her respects the tradition that a kingdom is punished for the sins of its king, and he accepts moral responsibility for his people’s suffering.
Big Idea p42
How would you contrast Beowulf’s andHrothgar’sresponses to attack?
Big Idea p42
How would you contrast Beowulf’s andHrothgar’sresponses to attack?Hrothgardoes not try to slayGrendel, the monster that is slaughtering his people. Beowulf, however, decides to fight the dragon that threatens his people. Beowulf is either braver or more powerful thanHrothgar, or both.
Literary Element p42
Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? Explain
Literary Element p42
Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? ExplainSome may say he is foolhardy because he, an elderly warrior, can conquer a powerful adversary without help from his warriors.Others may say that Beowulf is noble for trying to protect his warriors from certain death.
Reading Strategy p42
What effect does this sequence of events create?
Reading Strategy p42
What effect does this sequence of events create?It createssuspence. First a cloud of hot breath, then a shuddering of the ground as the dragon plods forward. The poet slows down the action of the narrative as Beowulf and dragon approach each other.
Big Idea p43 TOP
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf?
Big Idea p43 TOP
What does this passage reveal about Beowulf?Beowulf courageously fights although he knows that he is doomed. Beowulf seems more heroic because he accepts his fate even as he fights the only losing battle of his life.
Big Idea p43 BOTTOM
How does this passage show the bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture?
Big Idea p43 BOTTOM
How does this passage show the bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture?The bond entails that a warrior must remain to fight alongside his kinsman even in the face of extreme danger and death.
Reading Strategy p44
What sequence of events led toWiglaf’sreceiving his fathers armor and sword?
Reading Strategy p44
What sequence of events led toWiglaf’sreceiving his fathers armor and sword?Wiglaf’sfather,Wexstan, won the armor and the sword in battle by killing KingOnela’snephew.Wexstankept the armor and sword to give to his son whenWiglafcame of age.Wiglafinherited the sword and armor whenWexstandied.
Big Idea p44
What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers?
Big Idea p44
What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers?A chief gave weapons, armor, and other goods to his followers in return for their loyal service in a time of need.
Literary Element p45 TOP
How mightWiglaf’sactions affect the fight?
Literary Element p45 TOP
How mightWiglaf’sactions affect the fight?Though seriouslywonded, Beowulf now has an ally in his fight against the dragon. This could be a difference maker.
Literary Element p45
What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength?
Literary Element p45
What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength?Beowulf’s strength is his biggest asset as a warrior. This becomes his handicap in his battle with the dragon. He is so strong that the force of his blows shatters any weapon he wields against the dragon.
Big Idea p47 TOP
Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king?
Big Idea p47 TOP
Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king?He has managed to maintain the peace for fifty years, has never sworn an unholy oath, and has never engaged in battle against a kinsman.
Big Idea p47 BOTTOM
Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf?
Big Idea p47 BOTTOM
Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf?The treasure is proof of his greatness and will bring glory and security to his people.
Big Idea p48
Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully?
Big Idea p48
Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully?Immortality consists solely of fame, so he plans his monument carefully. He wants to ensure that his people will cherish his memory for as long as possible.
Reading Strategy p48
Beowulf's followers return to their leader after, not during, the battle. What can you conclude about them?
Reading Strategy p48
Beowulf's followers return to their leader after, not during, the battle. What can you conclude about them?With the exception ofWiglaf, who is loyal and brave, Beowulf’s followers turn out to be cowards and traitors. They violate the heroic code because of their fear.
Big Idea p49
Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as a particularly shameful?
Big Idea p49
Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as a particularly shameful?
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