Monday, October 20, 2008

Monday, October 20th

Since I forgot to blog the past two times I was supposed to, I'll post the notes from today.

"Another Celebration at Heorot"

Who does Beowulf credit for his success in the battle against Grendel's mother?
-God, but in earlier versions of the poem, it could have been the gods or weird (fate).

How does humanity live its lives, according to Hrothgar?
-They live with the understanding of their own mortality, and the understanding that ALL THINGS END.

How does Hrothgar use himself as an example for Beowulf?
-He tells him not to think that there is no danger or that there are no enemies
-He tells him that his strength will fade.
-He should live for eternal rewards (Heaven)

"Beowulf Returns Home"

What does Beowulf do with Hrunting?
-He returns it to Unferth and says that it was a great help in battle.

What is the function of Beowulf's first speech to Hrothgar in this section?
-To tell Hrothgar that has to leave, and that he will return if they ever need him again.

By what appositive is Hygelac also known
-Killer of Ongentheow
-Anglo Saxons were known by their families, leaders, and deeds.

Why does Beowulf talk about the betrothal of Freawaru, Hrothgar's daughter, while relating his story to Hygelac?
-He thinks the betrothal will end with violence.

Why are we given yet another complete rendition of Beowulf's battles?
-Because the stories were not told one after the other in AS culture.

Kevin Storms

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