Lines 2287-2669 (pgs. 155-181) 

 

1.  Using specific examples from the text, draw parallels between the Dragon in Geatland and Grendel in Denmark. Be careful, however, deal only with what the text has told you so far. Do not make any statements for which you do not have contextual support. 

 

2. After the battle with the Frisians, in which Hygelac was killed, Beowulf refused Hygd's offer of the crown. Why? What does this tell you about Beowulf's character? 

 

3.  Re-read lines 2379-2396. Briefly explain the details surrounding Heardred’s death. How does Beowulf respond to this incident, as king? 

 

4.  Before facing the Dragon, Beowulf sits atop a cliff and reveals that he is aware of his own mortality. What does this mean, and how does Beowulf show it? 

 

5.  Beginning with line 2425, Beowulf tells a lay. What are the details of this lay, and what is its moral? 

 

6. In lines 2510-2515, Beowulf makes his final boast. From reading these lines what would you say Beowulf deems most important, as a warrior? From these same lines can you identify one of Beowulf's main weaknesses? 

 

7.  Consider lines 2599-2601. What does the poet mean by the "claims of kinship"? Why is this concept significant? 

 

8. In lines 2631-2668, Wiglaf addresses the rest of Beowulf's troops. Judging from his speech, what does Wiglaf deem important? Support your claims with evidence from the text.