Things to Know for Beowulf Quiz

Characters (who they are what they do):
Grendel
Beowulf
Hrothgar
Wealhteow
Hygelac
Ecgtheow
Unferth
Wulfgar
Heremod
Sigemund
Hengest
Hildeburh
Finn

Know the meaning of both Beowulf and Grendel's names.

Symbols: Heorot, Grendel's arm, Shield

Themes: Explain how the following themes work and give examples of scenes that reinforce them.

Exile, Wergild, The Role of Women, The Role of Warriors, The Role of Kings, Wyrd, Good vs. Evil, Man Alone in a Hostile World, Beowulf as an Anti-War poem.

Give an explanation of the following digestions (why they are included in the text, what they reinforce): Sigemund, Finn

Give 1-2 examples of the following: Flyte, Kenning, Litotes.

Discuss the allusions to Cain and Genesis.
Discuss the importance of the Skald (or poet).

Be able to give a general summary of PART I - Grendel.

OR THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS (straight from your study guide list):

2. Describe Heorot
3. What is important about the descriptions of Shield Sheafson? What was his childhood like? What was has burial like?
4. Discuss the manner in which Beowulf addresses the sentinel guarding the coast? What is odd about it?
5. Give two reasons Beowulf comes to Denmark.
6. Why does Grendal attack Heorot?
7. How is Heorot symbolized before Grendal’s coming?
8. How long has Heorot remained empty?
9. What is the significance of Grendal being descended from Cain?
10. Give four examples of Kennings in the story.
11. Give four examples of Alliteration in the story.
12. Discuss wergild and how it has worked so far in the story.
13. Discuss how the following themes have appeared in the story: Loyalty, Reputation, good vs. evil, Christianity vs. Paganism, role of women, role of Kings, role of the Warrior, Beowulf as a anti-war poem. Give examples of scenes that back up each