Thursday, October 1, 2009

What questions do you have about Beowulf thus far?

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10 comments:

  1. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 6:58 PM

    It says in "Beowulf"page 5, that Grendel killed thirty men. Grendel must have killed a lot more to take over Hrothgar's kingdom as well. They also say on page 6 that it was Grendel against the rest, he had no help at this time.

    "So Grendel became ruler; against right he fought, one against all."
    -Kodi Doane

    It is said that Beowulf had the strength of thirty men.

    Looking at Grendel's past record, how is it possible that Beowulf, who was unarmed, was able to win the fight against Grendel and tear his arm off? This seems very unlikely.

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  2. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    I am only confused about one thing. I seem to remember someone saying that the Danes and the Geats were enemies and I don't understand the relationship between them. If they are enemies then why is Beowulf going to help the Danes?

    -Kelly Myers

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  3. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    I would like to know how did Beowulf become so badass? He is probably one of the most badass heros to ever be. He is completely fearless and just presents himself as very tough. I would also like to know how none of those losers could kill Grendel. They left their dirty work up to Beowulf.
    -Steven Blanchard

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  4. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    The overall style of writing seems to confuse everyone, so I'm glad I'm not alone in that. Some questions I have are concerning the feud(s). Are there multiple ones, and between who? Also, why did Beowulf help Hrothgar even with their opposing religious views? In the case of religion, why was Hrothgar saying that God (of the Geats) sent them instead of one of their own gods?

    -Jaime Trudel

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  5. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    The only question I have about Beowulf thus far is regarding the creation of the monster Grendel. In the book it states that he and his mother are decedents of Cain, but how is it possible for a half giant to be directly related to a demon, as she is described as?
    -Matt Marchand

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  6. StudentOctober 1, 2009 at 9:26 PM

    On page 28, lines 736-740, who is the "powerful kinsman of Hygelac"?
    -Stephanie Bohr-

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  7. b-kyerhOctober 1, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    One of the main questions I have about Beowulf is in regard to Beowulf winning the battle against Grendel. Before Beowulf arrived at Heorot, many soldiers armed with brutal weapons had failed to defeat Grendel and had died trying. However, Beowulf, a regular (if strong and brave) human, had the strength to defeat this large monster unarmed. I wonder, then, how Beowulf managed to win the battle against Grendel unarmed and manage to rip off his arm.
    -Hannah Kyer

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  8. Sam BurkeOctober 2, 2009 at 8:07 AM

    Questios about Beowulf that I have thus far include, is Grendel really a descendent from Cain and if not, why is Grendel horrendous and cruel to the Danes? Does Grendel resent the Danes' happiness and desire to be one of them? Is Grendel similar to the creature in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in its quest to seek revenge for unhappiness on its creator? Also, what are some of Beowulf's (the Geat) other achievements?

    ~Sam Burke

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  9. d-rayOctober 2, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    What is the main message that is trying to be portrayed in this book?

    Is Beowulf symbolic of a religious figure or is he just a hero on earth?

    Is Beowulf as strong as he claims, and how will he respond to great challenges?

    ray cohen

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  10. Valerie SticklesOctober 2, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    One question that I have about Beowulf thus far is about Beowulf the Geat's character. I am very curious about Beowulf's own thoughts on the issue of fighting Grendel to the death. I know that in many historical pieces of literature, an epic hero is considered and conveyed as totally invincible, both physically and emotionally. I can not recall an epic poem or historical novel of any sort which I have read where the hero shows fear towards his enemy. This seems very unnatural to me. If the aestheticism of literature comes partially from truth and connections, then how can epic poems with inhumanly fearless heroes be considered aesthetic? Don’t get me wrong; I do not hate Beowulf, or The Odyssey, or any other epic poem out there. Both works are very strong pieces of literature, and are definitely worth reading. However, I really do hope that Beowulf’s fears will be exposed at some point during this epic poem. I will be able to connect to the poem in a much better way if the reader gets to see what is inside Beowulf’s head.
    -Valerie Stickles

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