Questions for Discussion
Please read Chapters 1 through 13 and answer the following questions for discussion. This will not be submitted or graded but it is important that you do the reading and be ready to discuss the questions. (Consider typing your notes directly on this document.)
Be ready to discuss:
Section 6: Thursday, 9/18
Sections 4 and 5: Friday, 9/19
Chapter One:
In this chapter we meet Grendel, the first of the monsters in Beowulf. He has a connection to the Biblical Cain: who is Cain? Describe the connection between the two.
Cain murdered his brother Abel in the bible. Grendel is a descendant of Cain who was evil as well, and made his home a hell on earth.
Chapter Two:
How long does Herot stay empty after Grendel’s first attack? What does …show more content…
This shows that King Hrothgar and his men were very sentimental about the deaths of their fellow men.
Read lines 175 to the end of this chapter very carefully. Explain how these lines demonstrate the religious changes going on in England in the Anglo-Saxon period.
It sounds like Catholicism is replacing a polytheistic religion.
Chapter Three:
What is Beowulf’s reputation in the world?
Beowulf's reputation is that he is stronger than anyone in the world and the greatest of all Geats.
Based on this chapter alone, what is Beowulf’s reason for sailing to Hrothgar’s kingdom? What does this suggest to you about Beowulf’s character?
Beowulf's reason was to go and help the famous king. This shows that he is brave and has a good heart.
Chapter 4:
At first, the Danish guard (in Chapter 3) is not very welcoming to Beowulf and his men but his attitude soon changes. What qualities does Beowulf demonstrate in his speech which changes the guard’s mind?
Beowulf shows that him and his men are seeking the prince. He also tells the Danish guard that his father Edgetho, was a famous soldier.
Chapter