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Reading Strategy p38. What events preceded the dragon’s attack on the Geats ?. Reading Strategy p38. What events preceded the dragon’s attack on the Geats ? The theft of a gem-studded cup by someone who accidentally stumbles on the entrance to the stone tower. . Literary Element p39.
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Reading Strategy p38 • What events preceded the dragon’s attack on the Geats?
Reading Strategy p38 • What events preceded the dragon’s attack on the Geats? The theft of a gem-studded cup by someone who accidentally stumbles on the entrance to the stone tower.
Literary Element p39 • What does this conflict suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon?
Literary Element p39 • What does this conflict suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon? This passage has an elegiac mood, stating that not only the accoutrements but the warrriors who owned them eventually pass away. By creating this mood, the poet suggest that Beowulf’s conflict with the dragon might result in his death and his people’s demise.
Literary Element p40 • How do the dragon’s motives differ from those of Grendel?
Literary Element p40 • How do the dragon’s motives differ from those of Grendel? Grendel attacks out of hatred for humans, the dragon attacks out of revenge.
Reading Strategy p40 • What is ironic about this sequence of events?
Reading Strategy p40 • What is ironic about this sequence of events? It is ironic that in resolving a problem with his master, the slave triggers a conflict that threatens the entire kingdom.
Big Idea p41 • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people?
Big Idea p41 • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people? Beowulf is humble and conscientious ruler. Her respects the tradition that a kingdom is punished for the sins of its king, and he accepts moral responsibility for his people’s suffering.
Big Idea p42 • How would you contrast Beowulf’s and Hrothgar’s responses to attack?
Big Idea p42 • How would you contrast Beowulf’s and Hrothgar’s responses to attack? Hrothgar does not try to slay Grendel, the monster that is slaughtering his people. Beowulf, however, decides to fight the dragon that threatens his people. Beowulf is either braver or more powerful than Hrothgar, or both.
Literary Element p42 • Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? Explain
Literary Element p42 • Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? Explain Some may say he is foolhardy because he, an elderly warrior, can conquer a powerful adversary without help from his warriors. Others may say that Beowulf is noble for trying to protect his warriors from certain death.
Reading Strategy p42 • What effect does this sequence of events create?
Reading Strategy p42 • What effect does this sequence of events create? It creates suspence. First a cloud of hot breath, then a shuddering of the ground as the dragon plods forward. The poet slows down the action of the narrative as Beowulf and dragon approach each other.
Big Idea p43 TOP • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf?
Big Idea p43 TOP • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf? Beowulf courageously fights although he knows that he is doomed. Beowulf seems more heroic because he accepts his fate even as he fights the only losing battle of his life.
Big Idea p43 BOTTOM • How does this passage show the bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture?
Big Idea p43 BOTTOM • How does this passage show the bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture? The bond entails that a warrior must remain to fight alongside his kinsman even in the face of extreme danger and death.
Reading Strategy p44 • What sequence of events led to Wiglaf’s receiving his fathers armor and sword?
Reading Strategy p44 • What sequence of events led to Wiglaf’s receiving his fathers armor and sword? Wiglaf’s father, Wexstan, won the armor and the sword in battle by killing King Onela’s nephew. Wexstan kept the armor and sword to give to his son when Wiglaf came of age. Wiglaf inherited the sword and armor when Wexstan died.
Big Idea p44 • What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers?
Big Idea p44 • What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers? A chief gave weapons, armor, and other goods to his followers in return for their loyal service in a time of need.
Literary Element p45 TOP • How might Wiglaf’s actions affect the fight?
Literary Element p45 TOP • How might Wiglaf’s actions affect the fight? Though seriously wonded, Beowulf now has an ally in his fight against the dragon. This could be a difference maker.
Literary Element p45 • What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength?
Literary Element p45 • What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength? Beowulf’s strength is his biggest asset as a warrior. This becomes his handicap in his battle with the dragon. He is so strong that the force of his blows shatters any weapon he wields against the dragon.
Big Idea p47 TOP • Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king?
Big Idea p47 TOP • Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king? He has managed to maintain the peace for fifty years, has never sworn an unholy oath, and has never engaged in battle against a kinsman.
Big Idea p47 BOTTOM • Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf?
Big Idea p47 BOTTOM • Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf? The treasure is proof of his greatness and will bring glory and security to his people.
Big Idea p48 • Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully?
Big Idea p48 • Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully? Immortality consists solely of fame, so he plans his monument carefully. He wants to ensure that his people will cherish his memory for as long as possible.
Reading Strategy p48 • Beowulf's followers return to their leader after, not during, the battle. What can you conclude about them?
Reading Strategy p48 • Beowulf's followers return to their leader after, not during, the battle. What can you conclude about them? With the exception of Wiglaf, who is loyal and brave, Beowulf’s followers turn out to be cowards and traitors. They violate the heroic code because of their fear.
Big Idea p49 • Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as a particularly shameful?
Big Idea p49 • Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as a particularly shameful?