Oct. 7 Class Notes

Today in class, Mr. Laz started off explaining that the college essay is due this Monday, Oct. 13th, and then continued on with last week's Beowulf lesson. I used my question packet for most of the notes I took.

Study questions: "The Feast at Heorot"

1) Who challenges Beowulf's heroic stature, and why?
Unferth. It would be rude for Hrothgar to do so in his own hall due to a belief of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

2) What event does he refer to, and why does he claim this to be proof of Beowulf's unworthiness?
He is referring to the Brecca vs. Beowulf race event. He claims this to be proof of his unworthiness because the race was very rash and foolish, done in both their youths.

3) How does Beowulf defend his actions?
Beowulf tells his legacy and his victory over sea monsters during his childhood race with Brecca.

4) What good for the tribe comes out of the competition?
Honor, greatness, and strength.

5) How does Beowulf turn the accusation of unworthiness around on his accuser?
Beowulf labels Unferth drunk and explains that he killed his own brother. Resulting for Beowulf from that argument was a highly guaranteed acceptance for the Danes because he proved himself very quick and intelligent for completely reversing the argument.

"The Fight with Grendel"
Beowulf rips off Grendel's arm and gives it to the Danes as a trophy. The symbolism that comes out of Grendel's death is that "evil destroys evil". Beowulf held Grendel's arm down until the monster eventually ripped it off itself.

By Mike Wall