You will find most of the answers by clicking on one of the following links:
 
 

Click on the Celtic button -- OR --

Click on the Dragon.

 

 1.  Find the answers for the following questions:

            How does "Beowulf" reveal a pagan tradition?
            What Christian traditions are presented in the epic?
            What external conflicts does Beowulf have to confront?
            What internal conflicts does he have to face?
            Explain how loyalty is one of Beowulf's best character traits.
            How does Beowulf grow in wisdom as he ages?
            What attitudes of the Anglo-Saxon people are exhibited in the reading of "Beowulf"?
            What does Grendel symbolize?  Justify your answer.
            What does Grendel's momma symbolize?

2.  Define the following terms from "Beowulf:"    (a) thane (b) weird (c) wergild (d) Valhalla (e) Odin (f) Aesir (g) Ragnarok (h) kenning (i) corslet (j) buckler (k) retainer (l) fen (m) bard

3.  Here are 14 traditional Anglo-Saxon epic devices.  Give one example of how each is illustrated in "Beowulf."

            Long narrative
            Invocation
            Begin in the middle of the story
            Flashback
            Repetitions
            Lists
            Trite phrases
            Epithets
            Conflict
            Code of hospitality
            Supernatural
            Affects entire nation
            Vast setting
            Boasting

4.  Check out the Web Site above (click on the dragon button).  Be able to discuss these questions in class.

5.  Essay Final Exam on "Beowulf" (to be word processed and printed and turned in to the teacher):

        A.  The opening of the poem is a description of Scyld's funeral while the ending is a description of Beowulf's funeral.  What are the similarities which exist between Scyld and Beowulf.
        B.  What are the similarities between Hrothgar and Beowulf?
        C.  All three Anglo-Saxon leaders mentioned above were eager for fame.  Why was fame so important to the Anglo-Saxons?
        D.  Why do people love stories about monsters?  Do you think that the love of monster tales may help people symbolically to deal with the evil of the world in which they live?  Explain.
        E.  What modern heroes have we seen?  Why would you characterize these people as heroes?  What modern monsters have we experienced?  Why do you consider these monsters?
        F.  Define "epic."  How is "Beowulf" an epic?

 
 

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