A. Reread lines 1-2 aloud ( A powerful monster, living down/In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient...). Notice the use of alliteration with the repetition of the letters p and d. What mood, or feeling, does the alliteration convey?

B. Note the description in lines 23-29 of supernatural creatures that are "again and again defeated." What universal themes might these lines suggest?

C. What is the tone of lines 44-49? What words and details convey this tone?

D. What does the kenning "hell- forged hands" in line 64 suggest about Grendel?

E. Reread lines 109-116, in which Beowulf is first introduced. What traits of an epic hero does he appear to possess?

F. Notice that in lines 153-159, Beowulf boasts about past victories that required superhuman strength and courage. Why might the people of Beowulf's time have valued such traits?

G. Observe that as Hrothgar begins to speak about Grendel in lines 207-210, the mood becomes bleak and despairing. What repeated sounds does the poet use to suggest this mood?

H. Note that Hrothgar delivers a long speech to Beowulf in lines 190-224. What values are reflected in the speech?

I. Reread lines 233-235. Notice that the translator uses punctuation to convey the effect of the midline pauses, or caesuras, in the lines. In what way does the rhythm created by the pauses reinforce the action recounted here?

J. Reread lines 293-300. What impression of the battle does the alliteration help convey?

NO K

L. Reread lines 389-396. In what ways does this description reflect the techniques used by the Anglo-Saxon poets? Cite details.

M. Reread lines 464-474. What details of the battle and its setting are characteristic of an epic?

N. What does the light described in lines 526-528 suggest about Beowulf's victory?

O. What do lines 549-555 suggest about attitudes toward fame in the Anglo-Saxon period?

P. Reread lines 587-594. Why do you think the Geats want the Danes to see Grendel's skull?

Q. Notice the repeated use of the letter f in lines 606-611. What tone does the alliteration help convey?

R. Reread lines 668-671. What do these lines reveal about the qualities of an epic hero?

S. What values are implied in lines 691-696? What message about these values do the lines convey?

T. Note that Beowulf summarizes his 50-year reign in lines 744-755. What ideals are reflected in Beowulf's speech?

U. Reread lines 768-778. What theme do the lines suggest?

V. Identify the kennnings used in lines 789-794 to refer to the dragon and to Beowulf. What does the phrase used to describe Beowulf emphasize about the warrior?

W. Reread lines 812-819. Why is it important to Beowulf that he leave a legacy behind?

X. What does Wiglaf's speech in lines 851-862 tell you about the importance of honor and the consequences of dishonorable behavior in Beowulf's time?

Y. Reread lines 889-893 aloud. Notice the alliteration in the phrases "words for their lords" and "warm with love." How would you describe the tone of these lines?