McNair’s English 12
Beowulf Study Guide
Name: ____________________________________
Date: __________________________ Period: ____
You may use your textbook and any notes to complete the study guide. This is due the day of the test.
Part I: Identification: Identify the following characters, poetic devices and terms.
Wiglaf:
Hrothgar:
Beowulf:
Grendel:
Hrunting:
Herot:
Edgethro:
Stock Epithet:
Kenning:
Alliteration:
Mead:
Wyrd:
Allusion:
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Part II: List 5 different lines that demonstrate the evil nature of Grendel and/or Grendel’s mother. You will
need to include the line # from the text.
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2.
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4.
5.
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Part III. Answer the following questions about the situation/plot of Beowulf on your own paper.
1. When, where, and how does Grendel attack?
2. What does Beowulf represent? What about Grendel?
3. From where or whom does Grendel come and why is this relevant?
4. Where does Grendel live and how is it described in “Battle with Grendel’s Mother”?
5. What is stolen from the dragon? Who stole it? Why is this important to Beowulf?
6. How does Beowulf differ from his battles with Grendel and his mother vs. his battle with the dragon?
7. Why did Grendel did not attack the king directly?
8. Why does Beowulf come to Hrothgar’s rescue?
9. What does Beowulf take from Grendel during their battle in Herot? After the battle with his mother?
10. How long is Beowulf king before he fights the dragon?
Part IV. Identify the following as an example of kenning, alliteration, or stock epithet.
1. “strong hearted wakeful sleeper”
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2. “Higlac’s follower”
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3. “slithering slime”
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4. “shepherd of evil, guardian of crime …”
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5. “sliding silently”
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6. “their mighty war-king”
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Part V. The Epic Poem and the Epic Hero
List three specific reasons that support why Beowulf fits the description of an epic hero.
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List four characteristics of the epic poem.
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Part VI. Additional stuff … answer on your own paper (same as Part III).
1. Compare and contrast Grendel’s lair with Herot. Cite specific examples.
2. Discuss the theme of good vs. evil as discussed in Beowulf. Cite examples.
3. Beowulf is the story of a man struggling against three monsters and mysterious incarnations of evil. The
narrative is divided into three parts. Central to each is the life and death struggle between the hero and
some supernatural adversary. Describe each of the battles according to the following battles … Beowulf’s
Fight with Grendel, Fight with Grendel’s Mother, Fight with the Dragon!
1. Kinds of difficulties he faces –
2. The preparations he makes –
3. The supernatural elements involved, if any –
4. The extent to which the poet forecasts what will happen –
5. Description of the battle and its outcome -