GUIDING AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 

 1. One characteristic of the epic is the involvement of the supernatural in the outcome. Identify and explain how the supernatural is involved in this battle with Grendel. 

 
 2. How would you evaluate Beowulf’s announcement that he will fight Grendel barehanded
     and what happens in the battle? Did Beowulfmake too bold a statement then? Is it possible    
     that he could have been defeated?

 3. Why does Beowulf hang the arm he tore from Grendel from the rafters as evidence of his 
      victory? 
      Can you think of anything we do today quite similar to Beowulf’s action?

 4. What does Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel maen for Herot?

 5. Why does Bewulf’s defeat of Grendel seem so grand and so noble than any ordinary victory?

 6. Boewulf’s victory reveals much about his character. What do we learn? 
     How is his character developed simply though his victory?

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