Read Beowulf line 1-1470 (in the Heaney version) or through Chapter 22 in the Project Gutenberg version

As you read Beowulf, answer the following questions. Be prepared to discuss each of these questions in class. 

1. What is the setting of the first part of the epic?

2. What familiar story is told by the speaker in the first 12 lines of the poem?

3. How was Grendel conceived (created), and where is he required to live?

4. Describe Grendel’s attack on Herot Hall. How long have the attacks gone on as the story opens? What time of day does Grendel appear? What does he symbolize?

5. What measures did Hrothgar and his men use in their attempt to stop Grendel?

6. What part of Herot does Grendel avoid and why?

7. What element of paganism is seen in Hrothgar’s people? What religion is the scop who tells this story? What religious advice does he offer?

8. How does Beowulf learn of the Danes’ plight (huge problem)? How many thanes does Beowulf take with him?

9. Look at how the poet introduces Grendel. What heroic traits does Beowulf possess based on this introduction? Who is Wulfgar?

10. What credentials (personal qualifications) does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?

11. What is Beowulf’s battle plan for Grendel? What is his weapon? Give details.

12. In the event Beowulf should die in battle, what request does he make of Hrothgar?

13. How does Hrothgar know Beowulf’s father? Explain.

14. Why does Beowulf allow Grendel to devour one of his best men in the night’s attack.

15. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Be specific and explain the sequence of the action.

16. Why can’t the swords of Beowulf’s thanes wound Grendel?

17. How does Herot Hall hold up under the battle? What could destroy it?

18. What souvenir of the battle does Beowulf keep for the Danes?

19. Describe the home of Grendel as seen by the warriors the day after the battle.