Activity Read Beowulf pt V Answer questions at

Activity • Read Beowulf pt. V. • Answer questions at the bottom of each page: Literary Element and Big Idea Questions. • Answer packet questions.

Warm Up • What are two examples of an author’s voice?

Reading Strategy p 38 • What events preceded the dragon’s attack on the Geats?

Reading Strategy p 38 • 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 p 39 • What does this conflict suggest about Beowulf’s upcoming conflict with the dragon?

Literary Element p 39 • 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 p 40 • How do the dragon’s motives differ from those of Grendel?

Literary Element p 40 • 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 p 40 • What is ironic about this sequence of events?

Reading Strategy p 40 • 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 p 41 • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf as a ruler of his people?

Big Idea p 41 • 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 p 42 • How would you contrast Beowulf’s and Hrothgar’s responses to attack?

Big Idea p 42 • 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 p 42 • Is Beowulf being foolhardy or noble in deciding to fight alone? Explain

Literary Element p 42 • 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 p 42 • What effect does this sequence of events create?

Reading Strategy p 42 • 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 p 43 TOP • What does this passage reveal about Beowulf?

Big Idea p 43 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 p 43 BOTTOM • How does this passage show the bond of kinship in Anglo-Saxon culture?

Big Idea p 43 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 p 44 • What sequence of events led to Wiglaf’s receiving his fathers armor and sword?

Reading Strategy p 44 • 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 p 44 • What does this passage reveal about the relationship between a chief and his followers?

Big Idea p 44 • 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 p 45 TOP • How might Wiglaf’s actions affect the fight?

Literary Element p 45 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 p 45 • What is ironic about Beowulf’s strength?

Literary Element p 45 • 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.

Warm Up • How is Beowulf mortally wounded? • How would this type of an end be fitting for the epic warrior hero? EXPAIN 2 -4 sentences

Big Idea p 47 TOP • Why does Beowulf believe that he has been a good king?

Big Idea p 47 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 p 47 BOTTOM • Why does the treasure mean so much to Beowulf?

Warm Up • What heroic quality does Wiglaf possess that the rest of Beowulf’s followers lack? • Explain….

Big Idea p 47 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 p 48 • Why does Beowulf plan the tower so carefully?

Big Idea p 48 • 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 p 48 • Beowulf's followers return to their leader after, not during, the battle. What can you conclude about them?

Reading Strategy p 48 • 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 p 49 • Why did the Anglo-Saxons regard cowardice as a particularly shameful?

Warm Up • What was the best part of homecoming? Why explain…. . • What was the worst part of homecoming? Why? Explain….