Literary Devices
“…Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom…” is an example of:
Simile
His sword is called Hrunting and he wants it given to Unferth if he dies.
A powerful monster, living down In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient
As day after day the music rang Loud in that hall, the harp’s rejoicing
Call and the poet’s clear songs, sung
Of ancient beginnings of us all, recalling
The ALMIGHTY MAKING THE EARTH. . .
In the above passage, the people are celebrating...
The Earth's creation by God.
How does Beowulf die?
He is bitten in the neck by the dragon
What literary device is being used in the quote and what is being described? “Every neighboring tribe across the whale’s-way”.
Kenning: Sea
Describe the way that Wiglaf feels after the other Geats abandon Beowulf during the battle with the Dragon.
He feels scorn and disappointment for them.
"Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend,
Grendel who haunted the moors, the wild
Marshes, and made his home in hell
Not hell but earth."
According to the above passage, the monster lives in:
A hell on earth
What is an indirect emotion that Beowulf feels after killing Grendel's Mother?
Ashamed
What literary term best describes the following lines? (Pay attention to what is in all caps) “That mighty protector of men/meant to hold the monster till ITS LIFE/LEAPED OUT.”
Personification
What is the real reason that Beowulf goes on his quest?
legendary remembrance and honorable glory
But Hrothgar’s
Heart was bent. The best and most noble
Of his council debated remedies, sat
In secret sessions, talking of terror
And wondering what the bravest of warriors could do.
And sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone gods,
Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s
Support, the Devil’s guidance in driving
Their affliction off.
List all of the things that Hrothgar's men did in the above passage
Discussed solutions to their problem
Wondered how others would handle the situation
Took part in sacrificial rituals
The Almighty drove
These demons out, and their exile was bitter,
Shut away from men; they split Into a thousand forms of evil—spirits
And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants,
A brood forever opposing the Lord’s
Will, and AGAIN AND AGAIN DEFEATED.”
The above passage suggests that the monsters are:
Defeated over and over again
“Then he said farewell to his followers, / Each in his turn, for the last time” is an example of
Foreshadowing
How does Grendel die? Grendel's Mother? The Dragon? Be specific.
Beowulf rips Grendel's arm off and he bleeds out alone.
Beowulf cuts off Grendel's Mother's head by using a giant sword he found chained to the wall in her battle-hall.
The dragon is stabbed and killed by both Beowulf and Wiglaf
“. . .I drove
Five great giants into chains, chased
All of that race from the earth. I swam
In the blackness of night, hunting monsters
Out of the ocean, and KILLING THEM ONE
BY ONE.”
How does the above passage portray Beowulf as an epic hero?
He is able to accomplish supernatural feats
DOUBLE POINTS
Where is the dragon's treasure placed? Why?
It is placed in the tower/barrow where Beowulf is buried. This is to show that the treasures Beowulf had were nothing compared to the bravery he showed throughout his life.
“Then the sword / melted, blood – soaked” uses an example of:
Caesura
List as many specific examples as you can of Beowulf showing the traits of an epic hero throughout the poem.
Super Strength (Shown by killing ripping off Grendel's arm/Carrying his head)
Battling the Dragon as an old man
Noble Lineage
Generational fame and glory after his death
Let them
Beware, those who are thrust into danger,
Clutched at by trouble, yet can carry no solace
In their hearts, cannot hope to be better! Hail
To those who will rise to God, drop off
Their dead bodies and SEEK OUR FATHER'S PEACE!”
According to the above passage, men who possess no comfort or relief in their hearts in the midst of danger will:
How is below theme shown in the epic poem? Include specific examples.
Heroism and loyalty establish identity
Beowulf's heroism shapes who he is and guides the actions that he takes throughout the poem. This includes his fight with many monsters and his willingness to leave his things for his people if he dies.