Beowulf Flashcards
Why does Beowulf come to Herot Hall?
To defeat Grendel
What does Beowulf use to fight Grendel?
His bare hands
Why does Beowulf want his people to build a barrow over his head?
To remember him
What body parts does Beowulf take from Grendel?
Arm and head
How does Beowulf’s journey to Grendels mother’s cave show that he is larger than life?
He has to swim for hours to reach it.
What piece of his own equipment saves Beowulf in the battle against Grendel’s mother?
His chainmail shirt.
Who stays and fights with Beowulf with the dragon?
Wiglaf
Why does Beowulf request to see the dragon’s treasur?
To make sure his people are taken care of.
How does Beowulf die?
In the battle with the dragon.
What is an epic?
A long narrative poem that describes the deeds of heroes.
What are the three characteristics of an epic?
Supernatural beings, a hero does great deeds in battle, heightened language, the setting is board, the hero is identified by people.
Why might the first composition of Beowulf be accurate?
These stories were told orally, so once translated they change.
Why are Beowulf and Grendel archetypal characters?
We see the villain and hero repeated throughout literature.
Define Motif
Recurring elements associated with heroic or recognizable literature.
Elements in the literature that are repeated.
What are two characteristics of Grendel that make him an epic villain?
Supernatural being and kills without remorse and reason.
