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Beowulf Review: Part 3.1 (Hello, Dragon!)
By Greg Hafer
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Last updated over 2 years ago
10 questions
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Instructions
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Choose the best answer based on your understanding of
Beowulf
, lines 1925 to 2515.
Choose the best answer based on your understanding of
Beowulf
, lines 1925 to 2515.
Question 1
1.
Why does the poet compare Hygd and the wicked Queen Modthryth?
The poet uses the comparison to further foreshadow the doom of all men and women alike.
The poet uses the comparison to reveal Hygd as an evil influence in Geatland.
The poet uses the contrast to critique the limitations placed on women in Beowulf’s world.
The poet uses the contrast to define the proper role for women in Beowulf’s world.
Question 2
2.
Which statement best describes why treasure is a complex symbol in the poem?
Treasure is a symbol of both decadence and power, a tension Beowulf blames for the creation of evil.
Treasure is a symbol of both family ties and vengeance, a tension calmed through marriage and the “death-price.”
Treasure is a symbol of both heroism and arrogance, a tension Beowulf never learned to overcome.
Treasure is a symbol for both honor and greed, a tension created by a Christian retelling of a pagan story.
Question 3
3.
In Hygelac’s hall, we learn that Beowulf has been _____ in Geatland, but has now gained _____.
attacked; safety with his uncle
condemned to death; his freedom
revered; even more acclaim
undervalued; his uncle’s respect
Question 4
4.
In what sense does Hrothgar’s disinterested attitude toward treasure make him an exemplary ruler?
It demonstrates his immense personal guilt at the violence of his past.
It indicates he doesn’t think kingdoms need wealth to survive.
It suggests he treats rich and poor with equal kindness.
It shows he values virtue and honor over wealth.
Question 5
5.
What is the significance of the mead-hall in
Beowulf
?
It shows he values virtue and honor over wealth.
It is the best place to face the terrors of the world head on, as Beowulf did with Grendel.
It is the one place in a dangerous world where a king’s subjects might feel secure.
It is the only place in a warlike society where marriages and other bonds of peace may be forged.
Question 6
6.
How does the gloomy tone shape Beowulf’s character development in later parts of the poem?
Aware of the dragon’s power, Beowulf becomes unsure and even cowardly for the first time.
Aware of his advanced age, Beowulf laments that he has grown too old to face the world’s terrors.
Aware of his own doom, Beowulf becomes nostalgic about the course of his life.
Aware of his coming victory, Beowulf boasts just as proudly as he did when he was a young man.
Question 7
7.
What is the societal and religious significance of the story of the Last Survivor?
The Last Survivor begins the cycle of vengeance against outsiders once again.
The Last Survivor laments that in a world without Beowulf, no store of treasure will be safe.
The Last Survivor realizes that treasure has no meaning, religious or otherwise, without people and community.
The Last Survivor realizes that treasure will outlast every society and therefore only has religious significance.
Question 8
8.
Why does the poet include the details of Hygelac’s son and Beowulf’s guardianship of the boy?
These details expand on the complex relationship between treasure and society.
These details reveal Beowulf’s true character, a power-hungry and manipulative ruler.
These details show how ambition and greed will sneak into human affairs no matter who is involved.
These details show how Beowulf’s actions mirror those of previous wise kings in the story.
Question 9
9.
Despite favorable comparisons to _____, Beowulf surpasses them all by _____ rather than calling on a young warrior.
the dragon; raiding the hoard himself
Hygelac and his lineage; marrying Wealhtheow
legendary heroes; drafting Hrothgar
successful kings; fighting the dragon himself
Question 10
10.
What does the dragon’s advantage against aged Beowulf make clear to the poet’s audience?
It shows that Beowulf has learned nothing from his previous battles with monsters.
It shows that Beowulf is a man like any other, who must one day fail.
It shows that Beowulf is an ineffectual ruler, who makes bad decisions.
It shows that Beowulf will overcome any odds—that he cannot lose.