The Epic Hero
Monsters of Evil
Culturally Significant
Not on the test, but lets what you can remember!
Modern English
100
What weapons does Beowulf use to kill Grendel? Why?
What is bare hands. Beowulf is honorable and does not wish you fight unfairly. Grendel does not hold a weapon.
100
Name the three monsters Beowulf must fight.
What is Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Dragon.
100
Define a Folk Epic.
What is stories about heroes recited or sung as entertainment and passed down through generations.
100
Who is Burton Raffel?
What is the translator of Beowulf.
100
What is alliteration?
What is the repetition of one vowel or consonant sound in a section of writing. It is usually at the beginning of words or by stressed syllables. Beowulf examples: "The Hall of the Heart", "His pledge and promise", "Dragging the dead men home to his den"
200
To what does the poet give credit for Beowulf's victory over Grendel's mother?
What is God's judgment or fate. God decides who shall win.
200
Why does Beowulf use a sword and shield to fight the dragon?
What is due to the fire breath and poison tongue of the dragon.
200
Define Literary Epic and give an example from your text and notes.
What is epics written down by individual authors. The lliad or Odyssey are Literary Epics.
200
Explain your answer. True or False: The epic "Beowulf" was almost destroyed in a flood.
What is false. "Beowulf" was almost destroyed in a fire.
200
In which situation might someone most need solace? A. a victory over a monster B. the discovery of a great treasure C. the sight of Grendel's head D. the death of a loved one
What is D.
300
Why does Beowulf want a tower built for him?
What is to remind people of his life and famous deeds.
300
Who is Grendel descended from? Why is this significant to Hrothgar's safety? Think of the Christian elements found in this section of the poem.
What is Cain and Abel. Hrothgar is loved and protected by God, and Grendel has been cast out of God's love.
300
How does the poet of "Beowulf" define evil?
What is any creature or spirit opposing God, who is always/usually defeated.
300
Good Guess? Give it a try! What year was "Beowulf" discovered, translated, and brought into American culture?
What is 1936.
300
When Beowulf requests that he alone "May purge all evil from this hall," what does he mean by purge?
What is to drive out all evil.
400
Why does Wiglaf think he and his comrades should help Beowulf fight the dragon?
What is in the past they had promised to repay Beowulf's kindness with their lives.
400
Guess, give it a try! What does this line mean? The monster's/Thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws... Hint: Grendel is thought to possess human personality traits i.e greed and cowardice.
What is impulsive.
400
How does Beowulf's character represent the values of Anglo-Saxon culture?
What is bravery, fairness, responsibility or concern for others, piety (thanking God/fate), ambition, loyalty, and intelligence. They also valued reputation and earthly materials.
400
The first American translator of "Beowulf" also wrote what epic tales?
What is "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings".
400
Which of these words best fits the image of the dragon presented in this quotation? ...The dragon/Coiled and uncoiled, its heart urging it/Into battle... A. Writhing C. Massive B. Purging D. Loathsome
What is A.
500
Define the qualities of an Epic Hero.
What is a larger-than-life figure, typically of noble or semi-divine birth, who pits his courage, skill, and virtue against opposing, often evil, forces.
500
What aspect of life does the dragon symbolize and why? Think about stages of life.
What is death or old age. He has killed Beowulf after he lead a long, victorious life.
500
The pagan Germans, Greeks, and other ancient peoples believed that fame and glory are the only ideals that will survive death. What evidence can you find in "Beowulf" that supports this ideal?
What is Beowulf's goal to win glory by defeating Grendel. He values or boasts about his victories and heroism. Death equals defeat (loss of glory and fame) when his kinsman mourn his tardiness while defeating Grendel's Mother. Even when old he want to fight the dragon for fame or glory. He builds a tower to keep his name alive after death.
500
Between what centuries was "Beowulf" first recited orally and then written down? What are the changes made to "Beowulf" between those times? Hint: earlier than the 12th century.
What are the 6th and 11th centuries. "Beowulf" is not similar from when it was first created due to the adding of Christian elements.
500
Which of the following lines from "Beowulf" contains an example of a kenning? A. "Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days/Of my youth have been filled with glory." B. "The high hall rang, its roof boards swayed," C. "...I have come so far,? Oh shelter of warriors and your people's loved friend,"
What is B.
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