Women in Beowulf

Question 1

How does W’s direct address to B show her power?

Answer 1

She thanks God for: “granting her wish that a deliverer she could believe in would arrive to ease their afflictions”. Pg. 18

Question 2

Hrothgar’s thanking B’s mother for bringing him into the world

Answer 2

“Whoever she was who brought forth this glory of manhood…that woman can say that in her labour the Lord of Ages/bestowed a grace on her.” Pg. 25

Question 3

What is the name of the Danish princess, wife of Finn?

Answer 3

Hildeburh

Question 4

What is Hildeburh’s plight?

Answer 4

• Doubly grieved by the battle, but exerts power in her demand that the corpses of her brother (the Danish leader Hnaef) & her son (Frisian warrior) be burned on the same pier – women as peace-makers – even if this peace can only be achieved in death.

Question 5

What oxymoron describes Grendel’s mother?

Answer 5

monstrous hell-bride

Question 6

Grendel’s mother’s purpose

Answer 6

grief-wracked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.

Question 7

Which two Queens are contrasted

Answer 7

Queen Hygd and Queen Modthryth:

Question 8

Why is the second Queen so evil?

Answer 8

“kept bound in hand-tightened shackles, racked, tortured”

Question 9

What is the name of Hrothgar’s wife?

Answer 9

• Wealhtheow