Discussion Questions On Beowulf's 'Hall'
1. Why does Hrothgar decide to build a mighty hall? What does he call it? Describe this hall.
Hrothgar earned large amounts of respect on the battlefield. As a result, friends and family began to obey him and the size of his band grew, thus he decided that he would construct himself a large mead-hall. The work of the hall was dispersed all throughout the world. He named the hall Heorot and quickly left an image on gatherers by giving out rings and armbands at banquet. Within the hall, the atmosphere is relaxed while music from the harp plays and singing from the poet.
2. Describe what transpires in the mead hall to evoke the anger of the monster. In the darkness near the mead hall was a monster which we later learn is Grendel, Grendel …show more content…
was angered by the entertainment that was occurring with the loud music and poet reading aloud. 3. What is Grendel’s lineage? Why is he described as being “born of Cain”?
One can assume Grendel’s lineage comes from Cain given that he is compared to the individual. In the Bible, Cain killed his brother Abel after God choose the lamb provided by Abel as oppose to the grass offered by Cain. This deed was ultimately the worst of the time, thus when one finds out that the author of Beowulf was a Christian they can categorize Grendel and his murder’s into the same category. 4. Why has Grendel been exiled? All of the monsters , ogres, elves, Giants, who had gone against God had been exiled to a place from from the rest of mankind.
5. What happens during Grendel’s first visit to Heorot? When does this occur? Describe the scene. Grendel finds the remains of the party that had occurred in the mead hall, still mad he strikes at them, feasting on the bodies that lie asleep. Given that the individuals were asleep, we can assume the attack happened at night. As the morning broke, the sadness is described as Lord Hrothgar can see what transpired from the attack.
6. How long does Grendel haunt Heorot? Night one’s attack occurred, then two and so on. Grendel ended up haunting Heorot for twelve winter.
7. Why doesn’t Grendel attach Hrothgar? Grendel was only able to attack those who were not protected by God, Hrothgar was protected by the Lord.
8.
To what measures do Hrothgar and his nobles resort to rid themselves of Grendel? Praying aloud, promising unholy sacrifices if they could be free from Grendel's wrath.
9. How does Beowulf react when he hears of the plight of the Danes and Hrothgar?
He asks that a ship (wave-cutter) be made for him and a group of fierce, brave men join him on his journey to Heorot. 10. How are Beowulf and his men received when they arrive on the Danish shore? Hrothgar shook his spear at them and demanded they state who they are. The wrong image was given off considering that the men were dressed in armor, it could be assumed they came for battle. 11. Why does Beowulf describe himself by recounting his heritage? Why has he come? Beowulf wants Hrothgar to know he can be trusted and show that he alone is capable of taking on the monster. He has come to determine if Grendel is real and them take on the task of defeating the monster causing harm 12. How does the watchman respond to Beowulf’s explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes?
A quick man in thought must be the one to take on the task. He must also be able to distinguish actions and …show more content…
words.
13. Hrothgar’s herald greets Beowulf and his men. According to the herald, what distinguishes Beowulf’s visit from those of others who have come before him? No other group of men in the land of Heorot has presented themselves more proudly than that of Beowulf’s. 14. Who is Wulfgar? What role does he play on pages 61-63? Wulfgar is a wise herold who asks Beowulf of his purpose in Heorot. His role is to ask Hrothgar if Beowulf may speak with him. The lord replys saying that he knew Beowulf when he was a child. 15. According to Wulfgar, why have Beowulf and his men come all the way from Geatland to help the Danes?
Wulfgar believes that it was God that has sent the group of men to help in the defeat of Grendel. 16. Describe Beowulf’s boasts upon meeting Hrothgar, King of the Danes. Beowulf begins by describing the “fame-winning deeds” that he has accomplished, he explains the fights he has fought with Giants and sea-serpents. He says that as a result, the men know what he is capable of. 17. What one request does Beowulf make of Hrothgar? On page 64, Beowulf asks that Hrothgar allow Beowulf and his men to handle Grendel and his wrath alone, they do not ask for assistance in defeating the monster. 18. If Beowulf loses the battle with Grendel, what are his instructions for after his death?
He explains that there will be no need for Beowulf’s head or corpse to be buried as Grendel will have taken it by then. As for his body or armour , he asks that it is sent onto Hygelac. 19. How did Hrothgar become king? What is his past relationship to the Geats? Heatholaf died, followed by Heorogar which left Hrothgar as king of the people. Previously, Hrothgar knew of Beowulf’s father and worked with him. 20. What is the purpose of the feast that Hrothgar hosts in Beowulf’s honor? The feast is dedicated to Beowulf and his men as a thanks for coming her Heorot in attempt to restore order and also as a going away party as they prepare to battle the monster. 21. Identify Unferth. Why does he seem to be perplexed by Beowulf’s stories? How does he address Beowulf?
Unferth is the son of Edgelaf. He is confused by Beowulf’s stories not because they are false but because he does not want to believe that there is any man greater than he, which Beowulf is claiming to be. He addresses Beowulf by saying that he, Son of Edgelaf, has endued more of a struggle than Beowulf. 22. Describe Unferth’s tale of the swimming competition between Breca and Beowulf. The swimming competition took place when the two men were very young. They used swords to fight off the whales and the waves were rough. 23.
What is Beowulf’s response to Unferth? Beowulf says how he gave Unferth a good fight until he was attacked by a sea monster which left Unferth victorious. 24. Beowulf continues with his story, countering Unferth’s tale. How does his tale end?
Beowulf’s tale ended with him challenging Unferth to match Beowulf with any man who could match his bravery.
25. Describe Wealhtheow.
Wealhtheow is the queen to Hrothgar who greeted the Geats in the hall. She offered the first cup to the land’s guardian. 26. What is Hrothgar’s declaration to Beowulf at the end of line 661.
There has never been a man like Beowulf in the land of Heorot and Hrogthgar vows to always remember him no matter where in the world.
27. Beowulf and his men move into Heorot for the night while Hrothgar sleeps peacefully. What is Beowulf’s boast?
That in the night he will not fight Grendel with a sword but rather let the fate be in the hands of God.
28. What do Beowulf’s men think of their chances against Grendel? The men did not believe they would ever make it home. Page 72 stated, “Not one of them thought he would thence be departing ever to set eyes on his own country, the home that nourished him, or it's noble
people” 29. How does Grendel respond when he comes to Heorot? Describe his reaction to seeing the sleeping Geats.
Grendel breaks down the door and was angered at the sight of the soldiers. Then he smiles at the thought of the meal that awaits him and states that after this night, he will no longer eat the men. 30. What happens when Grendel reaches for Beowulf? Beowulf was the faster man, he sat up and begins to fight back with the monster. 31. Describe the struggles that ensue between Beowulf and Grendel.
Beowulf is much stronger than Grendel anticipated, it was then that Grendel wished that he could turn and escape from the situation he had got himself into. 32. What happens when Beowulf’s men attack Grendel? Account for this outcome to their efforts.
The men look to attack Grendel as aid to Beowulf by drawing their swords, however Beowulf did not want their help. Beowulf wanted to take on the monster himself. 33. At the conclusion of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, what transpires? Beowulf comes out victorious after he battles the monster, separating muscles, snapping tendons and bones. Grendel had no relief following the battle. Beowulf then proceeded to hang up the arm, hand, shoulder and limbs for all of Heorot to see. 34. On the morning following the battle, describe the reactions of Hrothgar’s people.
The townspeople felt no pity toward the death of the monster, instead they were ecstatic, coming from near and far to see the accomplishments of Beowulf the previous night. 35. Describe the lake into which Grendel vanished.
As described on page 77, the lake was “bubbling, black-mingled, the warm wound-blood welled upwards”. Readers can conclude that the monster was forced back into a lake of blood and died miserably. 36. Who is Sigemund? Why is his story recounted?
Sigemund is Wale’s great son. His story is recounted to explain of the battle that he took on and the admiration he received from his people, however it also mentions how his glory came to an end. One can assume that the story of Beowulf and Grendel will replace the tale of Sigemund.
Hrothgar earned large amounts of respect on the battlefield. As a result, friends and family began to obey him and the size of his band grew, thus he decided that he would construct himself a large mead-hall. The work of the hall was dispersed all throughout the world. He named the hall Heorot and quickly left an image on gatherers by giving out rings and armbands at banquet. Within the hall, the atmosphere is relaxed while music from the harp plays and singing from the poet.
2. Describe what transpires in the mead hall to evoke the anger of the monster. In the darkness near the mead hall was a monster which we later learn is Grendel, Grendel …show more content…
was angered by the entertainment that was occurring with the loud music and poet reading aloud. 3. What is Grendel’s lineage? Why is he described as being “born of Cain”?
One can assume Grendel’s lineage comes from Cain given that he is compared to the individual. In the Bible, Cain killed his brother Abel after God choose the lamb provided by Abel as oppose to the grass offered by Cain. This deed was ultimately the worst of the time, thus when one finds out that the author of Beowulf was a Christian they can categorize Grendel and his murder’s into the same category. 4. Why has Grendel been exiled? All of the monsters , ogres, elves, Giants, who had gone against God had been exiled to a place from from the rest of mankind.
5. What happens during Grendel’s first visit to Heorot? When does this occur? Describe the scene. Grendel finds the remains of the party that had occurred in the mead hall, still mad he strikes at them, feasting on the bodies that lie asleep. Given that the individuals were asleep, we can assume the attack happened at night. As the morning broke, the sadness is described as Lord Hrothgar can see what transpired from the attack.
6. How long does Grendel haunt Heorot? Night one’s attack occurred, then two and so on. Grendel ended up haunting Heorot for twelve winter.
7. Why doesn’t Grendel attach Hrothgar? Grendel was only able to attack those who were not protected by God, Hrothgar was protected by the Lord.
8.
To what measures do Hrothgar and his nobles resort to rid themselves of Grendel? Praying aloud, promising unholy sacrifices if they could be free from Grendel's wrath.
9. How does Beowulf react when he hears of the plight of the Danes and Hrothgar?
He asks that a ship (wave-cutter) be made for him and a group of fierce, brave men join him on his journey to Heorot. 10. How are Beowulf and his men received when they arrive on the Danish shore? Hrothgar shook his spear at them and demanded they state who they are. The wrong image was given off considering that the men were dressed in armor, it could be assumed they came for battle. 11. Why does Beowulf describe himself by recounting his heritage? Why has he come? Beowulf wants Hrothgar to know he can be trusted and show that he alone is capable of taking on the monster. He has come to determine if Grendel is real and them take on the task of defeating the monster causing harm 12. How does the watchman respond to Beowulf’s explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes?
A quick man in thought must be the one to take on the task. He must also be able to distinguish actions and …show more content…
words.
13. Hrothgar’s herald greets Beowulf and his men. According to the herald, what distinguishes Beowulf’s visit from those of others who have come before him? No other group of men in the land of Heorot has presented themselves more proudly than that of Beowulf’s. 14. Who is Wulfgar? What role does he play on pages 61-63? Wulfgar is a wise herold who asks Beowulf of his purpose in Heorot. His role is to ask Hrothgar if Beowulf may speak with him. The lord replys saying that he knew Beowulf when he was a child. 15. According to Wulfgar, why have Beowulf and his men come all the way from Geatland to help the Danes?
Wulfgar believes that it was God that has sent the group of men to help in the defeat of Grendel. 16. Describe Beowulf’s boasts upon meeting Hrothgar, King of the Danes. Beowulf begins by describing the “fame-winning deeds” that he has accomplished, he explains the fights he has fought with Giants and sea-serpents. He says that as a result, the men know what he is capable of. 17. What one request does Beowulf make of Hrothgar? On page 64, Beowulf asks that Hrothgar allow Beowulf and his men to handle Grendel and his wrath alone, they do not ask for assistance in defeating the monster. 18. If Beowulf loses the battle with Grendel, what are his instructions for after his death?
He explains that there will be no need for Beowulf’s head or corpse to be buried as Grendel will have taken it by then. As for his body or armour , he asks that it is sent onto Hygelac. 19. How did Hrothgar become king? What is his past relationship to the Geats? Heatholaf died, followed by Heorogar which left Hrothgar as king of the people. Previously, Hrothgar knew of Beowulf’s father and worked with him. 20. What is the purpose of the feast that Hrothgar hosts in Beowulf’s honor? The feast is dedicated to Beowulf and his men as a thanks for coming her Heorot in attempt to restore order and also as a going away party as they prepare to battle the monster. 21. Identify Unferth. Why does he seem to be perplexed by Beowulf’s stories? How does he address Beowulf?
Unferth is the son of Edgelaf. He is confused by Beowulf’s stories not because they are false but because he does not want to believe that there is any man greater than he, which Beowulf is claiming to be. He addresses Beowulf by saying that he, Son of Edgelaf, has endued more of a struggle than Beowulf. 22. Describe Unferth’s tale of the swimming competition between Breca and Beowulf. The swimming competition took place when the two men were very young. They used swords to fight off the whales and the waves were rough. 23.
What is Beowulf’s response to Unferth? Beowulf says how he gave Unferth a good fight until he was attacked by a sea monster which left Unferth victorious. 24. Beowulf continues with his story, countering Unferth’s tale. How does his tale end?
Beowulf’s tale ended with him challenging Unferth to match Beowulf with any man who could match his bravery.
25. Describe Wealhtheow.
Wealhtheow is the queen to Hrothgar who greeted the Geats in the hall. She offered the first cup to the land’s guardian. 26. What is Hrothgar’s declaration to Beowulf at the end of line 661.
There has never been a man like Beowulf in the land of Heorot and Hrogthgar vows to always remember him no matter where in the world.
27. Beowulf and his men move into Heorot for the night while Hrothgar sleeps peacefully. What is Beowulf’s boast?
That in the night he will not fight Grendel with a sword but rather let the fate be in the hands of God.
28. What do Beowulf’s men think of their chances against Grendel? The men did not believe they would ever make it home. Page 72 stated, “Not one of them thought he would thence be departing ever to set eyes on his own country, the home that nourished him, or it's noble
people” 29. How does Grendel respond when he comes to Heorot? Describe his reaction to seeing the sleeping Geats.
Grendel breaks down the door and was angered at the sight of the soldiers. Then he smiles at the thought of the meal that awaits him and states that after this night, he will no longer eat the men. 30. What happens when Grendel reaches for Beowulf? Beowulf was the faster man, he sat up and begins to fight back with the monster. 31. Describe the struggles that ensue between Beowulf and Grendel.
Beowulf is much stronger than Grendel anticipated, it was then that Grendel wished that he could turn and escape from the situation he had got himself into. 32. What happens when Beowulf’s men attack Grendel? Account for this outcome to their efforts.
The men look to attack Grendel as aid to Beowulf by drawing their swords, however Beowulf did not want their help. Beowulf wanted to take on the monster himself. 33. At the conclusion of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, what transpires? Beowulf comes out victorious after he battles the monster, separating muscles, snapping tendons and bones. Grendel had no relief following the battle. Beowulf then proceeded to hang up the arm, hand, shoulder and limbs for all of Heorot to see. 34. On the morning following the battle, describe the reactions of Hrothgar’s people.
The townspeople felt no pity toward the death of the monster, instead they were ecstatic, coming from near and far to see the accomplishments of Beowulf the previous night. 35. Describe the lake into which Grendel vanished.
As described on page 77, the lake was “bubbling, black-mingled, the warm wound-blood welled upwards”. Readers can conclude that the monster was forced back into a lake of blood and died miserably. 36. Who is Sigemund? Why is his story recounted?
Sigemund is Wale’s great son. His story is recounted to explain of the battle that he took on and the admiration he received from his people, however it also mentions how his glory came to an end. One can assume that the story of Beowulf and Grendel will replace the tale of Sigemund.