Read Beowulf: Part 1 (pages 1-11) and answer the following questions: 1. Analyze how Beowulf's speech when he arrives in King Hrothgar's land contributes to his characterization
What can you tell about the following aspects of Beowulf's character?
A. his personality;
B. his values and belief system;
C. his abilities and qualifications for the "job" of slaying Grendel; and
D. how he feels about himself as a hero?
Be sure to cite specific textual evidence to back your analysis.
2. Beowulf was the ultimate hero of Anglo-Saxon culture. Identify the personality traits and physical qualities
that make him a hero, and explain what that reveals about the values of Anglo-Saxon culture. (In other words,
what qualities did they believe a hero should possess? What was important to them?)
3. Poetric Devices: Reread the following lines, particularly the portions of words that are bold and italcized.
How does the poet's use of alliteration (repetition of the beginning sounds of two or more words, such as
Dunkin Donuts or Petter Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers) in those words/syllables influence the mood or
tone? For example, "jil danced a jolly jig" sounds fun and lighthearted, while "Siteven slowly sat, somber and
solemn" sounds sad because all of the "s" words make long, slow sounds when you say them.
A "A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient, as day after day."
B. "My tongue grows heavy in this hall, and my heart... here in this hall.. how many times have my men...
sworn to stay after dark and stem that horror..."
C. "Herot trembled, wonderfully built to withstand the blows, the struggling great bodies beating its beautiful
walls... its benches rattled... as Grendel and Beowulf battled across them."