Beowulf Exam Questions With Correct And
Revised Answers.
Based on what you've learned about Beowulf so far, what do you think your experience reading
it will be like? What do you think the style and content of the story will be? - answer✔✔The
language and the style of a poem written so long ago might be hard to follow. While the
description of the battles with monsters and a dragon will be interesting, I may have to read the
lines several times to understand what is happening.
Based on your knowledge of epics, describe in your own words how Beowulf displays the
characteristics of an epic hero. - answer✔✔Beowulf experiences the hero's journey of departing
from his home, undergoing initiation through battles, and returning home. He also displays
admirable qualities that set him apart from others. Similar to other epic heroes, Beowulf's pride
leads to his downfall.
Fill in the table with definitions of the literary techniques and concepts that occur in Beowulf.
Mention one example of each concept or technique from the poem. - answer✔✔Kenning- a
compound word or phrase that is also a metaphor- "whale road"
Synecdoche- a part that represents the whole- using the word keel to represent a ship
Alliteration and its use- the repetition of a consonant sound in the first letter of every word; in
Beowulf, alliteration is used to produce a cacophonous or harsh-sounding effect- "friendless, a
foundling, fate repaid him"
Hubris- arrogant pride- "pride overpowering gathers and grows!The warder slumbers, the guard
of his spirit;Too sound is that sleep, too sluggish the weightOf worldly affairs, too pressing the
Foe, The Archer who looses the arrows of sin"
Epithets- the use of an adjective or phrase to name a character- "the ruler of glory"
Warrior Code- rules of conduct to which a hero in an epic adheres- Beowulf's loyalty to Hrothgar
Fill in examples from Beowulf that illustrate the themes listed in the table. - answer✔✔Envy
consuming a character- the jealousy of Unferth and Grendel
Revenge ultimately leading to death- Grendel's mother and the dragon seeking revenge
Generosity and hospitality- Hrothgar's generosity and hospitality towards Beowulf