Beowulf: The Battle with Grendel Questions p. 415-419

1. Lines 233–240:

Note the punctuation that indicates the caesura in some of these lines. How does the rhythm created by those pauses reinforce the action described?

2. Lines 233–261:

a. What details reinforce the idea of Grendel as a force of evil?
b. How does this view of Grendel increase suspense?
c. What foreshadowing is in this passage?
d. Why does the poet include it?

3. Lines 262–272:

Why does Beowulf allow one of his followers to be taken by Grendel before he attacks him?

4. Lines 290–305:

What do the setting details in this passage reveal about Anglo-Saxon civilization?

5. Lines 314–327:

a. Why is Grendel such a formidable opponent?
b. What is the significance of the inability of Beowulf’s men to help him?

6. Lines 332–359:

a. What evidence supports the idea that the fight between Grendel and Beowulf is symbolic of the struggle between good and evil?
b. How does the symbolism of Beowulf’s gesture in lines 356–359 reveal a theme resulting from this conflict?

7. Lines 370–375:

How do the alliteration and imagery affect the impact of this part of the poem?

8. Lines 376–380:

How does this passage relate to the Anglo-Saxon view of immortality?

9. Lines 387–397:

How does this scene reflect the techniques used by Anglo-Saxon poets?

Beowulf: The Battle with Grendel Questions p. 415-419 1. Lines 2...