Beowulf Review: Part 2 (Whoa, Mama!)

Last updated over 2 years ago

10 questions

Note from the author:

Choose the best answer based on your understanding of Beowulf, lines 1251 to 1924.

Instructions

Choose the best answer based on your understanding of Beowulf, lines 1251 to 1924.

Library

Beowulf Review: Part 2 (Whoa, Mama!)

Last updated over 2 years ago

10 questions

Note from the author:

Choose the best answer based on your understanding of Beowulf, lines 1251 to 1924.

Instructions

Choose the best answer based on your understanding of Beowulf, lines 1251 to 1924.

Question 1

What is significant about Grendel’s mother seeking vengeance for her son’s death?

As a woman, Grendel’s mother has offered her son as a “peace-pledge” and been rejected.

Grendel’s mother seeks vengeance not just on her son’s killers, but on all humanity.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother has always wanted to be a part of Hrothgar’s community until this point.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother is pursuing vengeance in alignment with the heroic code of the Danes themselves.

Question 2

How are the carefully laid out lineages of the Geats and Danes related to Grendel’s family?

The Danes claim that Grendel’s kind are “fatherless” and therefore not to be trusted by the patriarchal society of the poem.

The Danes claim that Grendel’s mother cannot seek vengeance by the fact that she is a woman, and only men can seek vengeance.

The Danes and Geats keep careful track of their histories, just like Grendel and Grendel’s mother have an extensive lineage.

Grendel’s family lineage is extensively discussed, while the lineages of Danish and Geatish heroes are barely mentioned.

Question 3

Why does Grendel’s lineage exclude him from human society?

Because their roots extend back into ancient history, they command greater respect than humanity can give.

Grendel and his mother are held responsible for the sin of Cain, their supposed ancestor.

Grendel and his mother’s relation to Cain is the subject of pity, since they cannot be blamed for Cain’s sin.

Grendel and his mother are revealed to be Danes, though cast out for a betrayal long ago.

Question 4

What is the effect of Christianity on the poet’s attitude toward its protagonist?

Christianity dampens the poem’s adoration of Beowulf because it attributes his deeds to God.

Christianity makes Beowulf’s accomplishments seems small by comparison with those of God.

Christianity makes the poem’s view of Beowulf more objective, as if he were merely obeying God’s orders.

Christianity strengthens the poem’s support of Beowulf because it links his actions to God’s will.

Question 5

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _ and _.

Grendel; Beowulf

his loyalty to Beowulf; his loyalty to Hrothgar

his religious beliefs; the deeds of a pagan Beowulf

the story; the storyteller

Question 6

What is significant about Grendel possibly surviving his encounter with Beowulf?

If Grendel survives it hints that a future encounter will settle the matter once and for all.

If Grendel survives it implies that Grendel’s mother will be even harder to kill than her son.

If Grendel survives it implies that evil can never be totally destroyed in Beowulf’s world.

If Grendel survives it makes Beowulf’s heroic deeds appear weak and ineffective in hindsight.

Question 7

How does our understanding of Grendel’s mother differ from that of Grendel himself?

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep, primordial evil, but Grendel’s mother’s actions are more justified.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep resentment of humans, but Grendel’s mother is more human than her son.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a strong spiritual belief, but Grendel’s mother is more open to Christianity.

Neither Grendel nor his mother are interested in humanity, but Grendel’s mother actively attacks humans whenever she can.

Question 8

Which statement best describes how the setting affects Beowulf’s struggle with Grendel’s mother?

Beowulf is fearful of the mere, which gives Grendel’s mother the advantage.

Beowulf is fighting outside the human realm, against both a monster and nature itself.

Beowulf is fighting underwater, which calls to mind the swimming competition with Breca.

Beowulf is fighting while he is fatigued, but Grendel’s mother has been resting in the mere.

Question 9

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _ to show how _ has become a wise ruler.

an image; an evil man

a symbol; Hrothgar

a theme; mortality

a transition; a young hero

Question 10

10.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s transition after defeating Grendel’s mother?

Beowulf has come to respect the monsters he fights, and turns his thoughts to peace.

Beowulf has failed so many times that defeating Grendel’s mother gives him newfound confidence.

Beowulf has proved himself enough to become the ruler and king he was fated to be.

Beowulf has proved himself to the Danes and paid the “death-price” that was owed.

Question 1

What is significant about Grendel’s mother seeking vengeance for her son’s death?

As a woman, Grendel’s mother has offered her son as a “peace-pledge” and been rejected.

Grendel’s mother seeks vengeance not just on her son’s killers, but on all humanity.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother has always wanted to be a part of Hrothgar’s community until this point.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother is pursuing vengeance in alignment with the heroic code of the Danes themselves.

Question 2

How are the carefully laid out lineages of the Geats and Danes related to Grendel’s family?

The Danes claim that Grendel’s kind are “fatherless” and therefore not to be trusted by the patriarchal society of the poem.

The Danes claim that Grendel’s mother cannot seek vengeance by the fact that she is a woman, and only men can seek vengeance.

The Danes and Geats keep careful track of their histories, just like Grendel and Grendel’s mother have an extensive lineage.

Grendel’s family lineage is extensively discussed, while the lineages of Danish and Geatish heroes are barely mentioned.

Question 3

Why does Grendel’s lineage exclude him from human society?

Because their roots extend back into ancient history, they command greater respect than humanity can give.

Grendel and his mother are held responsible for the sin of Cain, their supposed ancestor.

Grendel and his mother’s relation to Cain is the subject of pity, since they cannot be blamed for Cain’s sin.

Grendel and his mother are revealed to be Danes, though cast out for a betrayal long ago.

Question 4

What is the effect of Christianity on the poet’s attitude toward its protagonist?

Christianity dampens the poem’s adoration of Beowulf because it attributes his deeds to God.

Christianity makes Beowulf’s accomplishments seems small by comparison with those of God.

Christianity makes the poem’s view of Beowulf more objective, as if he were merely obeying God’s orders.

Christianity strengthens the poem’s support of Beowulf because it links his actions to God’s will.

Question 5

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _ and _.

Grendel; Beowulf

his loyalty to Beowulf; his loyalty to Hrothgar

his religious beliefs; the deeds of a pagan Beowulf

the story; the storyteller

Question 6

What is significant about Grendel possibly surviving his encounter with Beowulf?

If Grendel survives it hints that a future encounter will settle the matter once and for all.

If Grendel survives it implies that Grendel’s mother will be even harder to kill than her son.

If Grendel survives it implies that evil can never be totally destroyed in Beowulf’s world.

If Grendel survives it makes Beowulf’s heroic deeds appear weak and ineffective in hindsight.

Question 7

How does our understanding of Grendel’s mother differ from that of Grendel himself?

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep, primordial evil, but Grendel’s mother’s actions are more justified.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep resentment of humans, but Grendel’s mother is more human than her son.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a strong spiritual belief, but Grendel’s mother is more open to Christianity.

Neither Grendel nor his mother are interested in humanity, but Grendel’s mother actively attacks humans whenever she can.

Question 8

Which statement best describes how the setting affects Beowulf’s struggle with Grendel’s mother?

Beowulf is fearful of the mere, which gives Grendel’s mother the advantage.

Beowulf is fighting outside the human realm, against both a monster and nature itself.

Beowulf is fighting underwater, which calls to mind the swimming competition with Breca.

Beowulf is fighting while he is fatigued, but Grendel’s mother has been resting in the mere.

Question 9

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _ to show how _ has become a wise ruler.

an image; an evil man

a symbol; Hrothgar

a theme; mortality

a transition; a young hero

Question 10

10.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s transition after defeating Grendel’s mother?

Beowulf has come to respect the monsters he fights, and turns his thoughts to peace.

Beowulf has failed so many times that defeating Grendel’s mother gives him newfound confidence.

Beowulf has proved himself enough to become the ruler and king he was fated to be.

Beowulf has proved himself to the Danes and paid the “death-price” that was owed.

Beowulf Review: Part 2 (Whoa, Mama!)

Beowulf Review: Part 2 (Whoa, Mama!)

What is significant about Grendel’s mother seeking vengeance for her son’s death?

How are the carefully laid out lineages of the Geats and Danes related to Grendel’s family?

Why does Grendel’s lineage exclude him from human society?

What is the effect of Christianity on the poet’s attitude toward its protagonist?

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _____ and _____.

What is significant about Grendel possibly surviving his encounter with Beowulf?

How does our understanding of Grendel’s mother differ from that of Grendel himself?

Which statement best describes how the setting affects Beowulf’s struggle with Grendel’s mother?

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _____ to show how _____ has become a wise ruler.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s transition after defeating Grendel’s mother?

What is significant about Grendel’s mother seeking vengeance for her son’s death?

How are the carefully laid out lineages of the Geats and Danes related to Grendel’s family?

Why does Grendel’s lineage exclude him from human society?

What is the effect of Christianity on the poet’s attitude toward its protagonist?

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _____ and _____.

What is significant about Grendel possibly surviving his encounter with Beowulf?

How does our understanding of Grendel’s mother differ from that of Grendel himself?

Which statement best describes how the setting affects Beowulf’s struggle with Grendel’s mother?

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _____ to show how _____ has become a wise ruler.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s transition after defeating Grendel’s mother?

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _ and _.

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _ to show how _ has become a wise ruler.

Throughout the poem, the poet struggles with the tension between _ and _.

The poet uses Beowulf’s emergence from the mere as _ to show how _ has become a wise ruler.