Beowulf Review: Part 3.2 (Bye, Dragon!)

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Choose the best answer based on your understanding of Beowulf, lines 2516 to 3182.

1

As Beowulf prepares to meet his fate, the poet muses on _, while Beowulf himself laments _.

a better solution; the lack of help

a Christian afterlife; the inevitable end of his life

vengeance; the theft of gold

the warrior’s ethos; his relationship with Christianity

1

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s reaction to the treasure he has gained before death?

He is ambivalent toward the treasure, since he now believes that gold has no worth.

He is angered that there isn't as much gold as he expected.

He is relieved that the wealth will be given to his people despite his death.

He is shocked to discover relics from his lineage, and he recounts the stories of his ancestors.

1

What can you infer from the rusting, decayed state of the treasure Beowulf has won with his life?

Beowulf has gained more treasure than anyone else.

Beowulf will, in the end, betray his people.

Beowulf will inevitably die, as all people do.

Beowulf will live longer than anyone before him.

1

What is significant about Wiglaf’s eloquent adoration and proclaimed loyalty to Beowulf as his king dies?

Wiglaf establishes the continuity of eloquent young warriors driven by honor, mirroring Beowulf’s first speeches in Heorot hall.

Wiglaf is used by the poet to show the impossibility of any man taking the kingship from Beowulf upon his death.

Wiglaf proclaims the loss of Beowulf as a fundamental change to his way of life, and that the world will be different now.

Wiglaf is speaking ironically, since he has never believed in Beowulf as a “good king” or a hero, and stating that the death is meaningless.

1

Which statement best describes the poet’s use of Wiglaf as a symbol?

Wiglaf becomes king after Beowulf, representing the beginning of a new lineage among older families.

Wiglaf cowers at the sight of the dragon, and represents the greedy and ambition element of Beowulf’s world.

Wiglaf is witness to Beowulf’s death, and represents the continuity of Beowulf’s story.

Wiglaf must bury Beowulf, representing the inevitability of death for every hero.

1

What does the poet’s sympathy for the dragon indicate about the poet’s perspective on heroism?

The poet calls into question the very act of heroism by pitying the dragon as Beowulf’s victim.

The poet feels that both protagonist and antagonist must be equal for their struggle to have value.

The poet sympathizes with the dragon because he knows the dragon can never gain heroic status.

The poet thinks the dragon is more heroic than Beowulf but admits that no one would agree.

1

How does the end of the poem mirror its beginning?

At both points, countries are at war with each other.

At both points, a kingdom is vulnerable to outside attack.

At both points, a ruler has asked for help and defenses from afar.

At both points, there is a mood of excitement and adventure.

1

Wiglaf speaks of Beowulf’s _, but he also wonders if Beowulf’s final act was _.

flaws; god-like

great deeds; foolish and arrogant

heroism; done out of greed

long life; suicide

1

How does Beowulf’s funeral compare to his characterization in life?

The poet contrasts Beowulf's Anglo-Saxon upbringing with his Christian memorial.

The poet contrasts Beowulf’s dignified end with Grendel’s violent end.

The poet contrasts the simplicity of Beowulf’s burial with the extravagance of the life he led.

The poet juxtaposes the generosity of Beowulf’s behavior with the grandiosity of his burial.

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How do Beowulf’s death and funeral relate to the code of heroism he lived by?

In a culture that reveres departed heroes, it seems that Beowulf would rather die than avoid a fight he will lose.

In a culture that reveres wise kings, it seems that Beowulf’s headstrong behavior violates the code he has lived by.

In a culture that values heroic actions, it seems that Beowulf was treated unfairly by fate, having to fight three monsters.

In a culture that values treasure, it seems that Beowulf’s selfish request to buried with the gold betrays his people.

Beowulf Review: Part 3.2 (Bye, Dragon!)

As Beowulf prepares to meet his fate, the poet muses on _____, while Beowulf himself laments _____.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s reaction to the treasure he has gained before death?

What can you infer from the rusting, decayed state of the treasure Beowulf has won with his life?

What is significant about Wiglaf’s eloquent adoration and proclaimed loyalty to Beowulf as his king dies?

Which statement best describes the poet’s use of Wiglaf as a symbol?

What does the poet’s sympathy for the dragon indicate about the poet’s perspective on heroism?

How does the end of the poem mirror its beginning?

Wiglaf speaks of Beowulf’s _____, but he also wonders if Beowulf’s final act was _____.

How does Beowulf’s funeral compare to his characterization in life?

How do Beowulf’s death and funeral relate to the code of heroism he lived by?

As Beowulf prepares to meet his fate, the poet muses on _____, while Beowulf himself laments _____.

Which statement best describes Beowulf’s reaction to the treasure he has gained before death?

What can you infer from the rusting, decayed state of the treasure Beowulf has won with his life?

What is significant about Wiglaf’s eloquent adoration and proclaimed loyalty to Beowulf as his king dies?

Which statement best describes the poet’s use of Wiglaf as a symbol?

What does the poet’s sympathy for the dragon indicate about the poet’s perspective on heroism?

How does the end of the poem mirror its beginning?

Wiglaf speaks of Beowulf’s _____, but he also wonders if Beowulf’s final act was _____.

How does Beowulf’s funeral compare to his characterization in life?

How do Beowulf’s death and funeral relate to the code of heroism he lived by?

As Beowulf prepares to meet his fate, the poet muses on _, while Beowulf himself laments _.

Wiglaf speaks of Beowulf’s _, but he also wonders if Beowulf’s final act was _.

As Beowulf prepares to meet his fate, the poet muses on _, while Beowulf himself laments _.

Wiglaf speaks of Beowulf’s _, but he also wonders if Beowulf’s final act was _.