Anglo-Saxon and Beowulf Exam                                                       NAME:

English III                                                                                           PERIOD:

 

  1. What can you infer are three traits the Anglo-Saxon’s valued based on your study of Beowulf?

 

 

  1. What tribe lives in Herot?

 

 

  1. How long has Grendel been attacking Herot before Beowulf arrives?

 

4.     
Who helped Beowulf fight the dragon?

 

 

  1. Who/what is Grendel compared to?

 

 

  1. How does Beowulf die?

 

7.     
Cite a quote that shows how Beowulf feels about dying.  

 

 

8.      Hrothgar’s great hall is called

 

 

9.      Where do Beowulf’s soldier’s build his tower?

 

 

10.  How long does Beowulf serve as king?

 

 

11.  How many years pass between his victory over Grendel’s mother and his battle with the dragon?

 

 

  1. What are 2 possible reasons Beowulf waited, allowing Grendel to kill a Geat, before attacking? (2)

1. ___________________________________   2. __________________________________

 

 

  1. What did Beowulf use to fight Grendel?

 

 

  1. What did Beowulf use to fight Grendel’s mother?

 

 

  1. When Grendel attacked Herot, what is one thing he wouldn’t approach? WHY? (2)

 

 

  1. What are 2 things Beowulf’s people do to honor him after his death. (2)

1. __________________________________  2. _______________________________

 

 

  1. 30. To whom does Beowulf give his power? (1)

 

 

 

Critical Thinking Essays

Answer the following in COMPLETE sentences. Be thorough in your responses.

 

 

  1. When Beowulf arrives in Herot, he tells stories about himself: how he battled trolls, killed sea beasts, and painted himself red with the blood of his enemies. Do you believe his accounts indicate he is a proud, boastful person? Is this his tragic flaw? Why else might he be telling these stories? EXPLAIN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. In your mind, is Beowulf a hero? Consider his motivations. Are they heroic? Does Beowulf possess heroic traits we discussed in class?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What leads to Beowulf’s downfall? Explain your answer using examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Beowulf continues his last battle even though he knows he has been defeated. Why do you think he does this? Discuss at least two possibilities for his motivation. Is it worth it in the end? Defend and explain your answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. The battle between good and evil is one of the underlying themes in Beowulf. Obvious battles are seen through the battles with the monsters. Discuss how these three battles represent the constant struggle between good and evil. Who/what represent good? Who/what represent evil? Discuss at least one other struggle between good and evil other than the battles with the monsters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What had Herot represented to its people prior to Grendel’s arrival? Discuss what it was intended to be and what it was supposed to serve in your response. What did Herot represent to its people after Grendel’s arrival? Discuss the feelings of the people and other background about the mead-hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Discuss the role of reputation in Beowulf. Why is reputation important in Anglo-Saxon times? What types of things does reputation motivate characters in Beowulf to do? Why?