Beowulf Section 3 Comprehension Check

Analyze how Beowulf's physical prowess relates to the injury he inflicts on Grendel.

Beowulf rips Grendel's shoulder and arm off. This causes great injury to Grendel, because Beowulf has great strength.

Describe the scene as Grendel approaches Heorot.

Dark, foggy

Assess why Beowulf does not plan to use weapons against Grendel.

For weapons are useless against the demon.

Analyze why Beowulf removes his armor.

He believes he counts himself as dangerous as Grendel, not needing any assistance other than his strength

Tell what Beowulf does with his battle trophy.

He displays it to the hall or Heorot, showing he has won the battle

Show how Grendel displays that he is more monster than human.

He has a demonic sense to him. He seethes with bloodlust and acts as if he is a predator hunting prey. He can't resist the urge to kill.

Summarize how Grendel reacts to Beowulf's attack.

He reacts in fear, as his strength causes grendel to want and hide from this Beowulf

Explain how a previously-discussed physical quality of Beowulf's is used to injure Grendel.

His unparalleled strength is literally breaking grendel

Select a passage which shows how Hrothgar displays his confidence in Beowulf.

Hrothgar wished Beowulf health and good luck, named him hall-warden and announced as follows: "Never, since my hand could hold a shield have I entrusted or given control of the Danes' hall to anyone but you. Ward and guard it, for it is the greatest of houses.

Describe the scene in Heorot as Beowulf and Grendel struggle

The danes and Geat were watching over the pair, as they grappled with each other and the mead halls destruction in the background

Examine how the Geats' sword attacks on Grendel affect the monster and explain why

They had no effect of Grendel as no blade on earth could harm him

Tell what the Geats do while waiting for Grendel's arrival at Heorot.

They lie in wait, knowing full well they very well might never see their homeland again

Discuss why Wealhtheow uses "measured words" (Line 625) when addressing Beowulf.

This is because to her, Beowulf is a gift sent by God in order to protect her kingdom

To whom does the kenning "grey-haired treasure-giver" in Line 607 refer, and what does the kenning tell us about this person?

This kenning refers to Hrothgar. It tells us that Hrothgar has many riches in store for beowulf's victory and that he his most likely well in age

Formulate what you believe motivated Beowulf to come to Heorot.

To pay back the debt of his father to Hrothgar