Sunday, August 26, 2012

Beowulf Questions

I teamed up with Matthew Patel, Owen Iness, Samantha Garrison, and Chanel Yamaguchi to finish off these questions. Hoorah for collaboration!

(Lines 2510-2820)\
3) The second time Beowulf fights the dragon he finds himself much weaker from age and receives a venomous bite from the creature. Before the venom fully spreads he manages one fatal blow and defeats the dragon.
4) Beowulf (whilst dying) asks Wiglaf to retrieve the dragon's treasure in an effort to make his death easier. When Wiglaf returns with the treasure Beowulf is very grateful and informs Wiglaf that he must now rule the people. He then asks to be buried in a barrow.

(Lines 2821-3182)
1) Beowulf's companions are filled with shame when they return among Wiglaf and Beowulf's dead body. In response Wiglaf gets angry with the men and tells them it's their fault and that Beowulf's generosity was wasted on them. He expects there will  be more costs than just Beowulf's death in the future.
2) The messenger tells the city of Beowulf's death and to expect the Franks Frisians to attack them soon.
3) Wiglaf asks the Geats to take part in the building of Beowulf's pyre and praise the leader they once had.
4) The dragon's body is thrown off a cliff and into the water.
5) During the funeral there is much mourning by the Geats, especially by one woman in particular who takes fear in the inevitable future. Afterwards, Beowulf's body is positioned on a cliff where all passing ships can see him.
6) Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland,
for their hero’s passing his hearth-companions:
quoth that of all the kings of earth,
of men he was mildest and most beloved,
to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise.
Normally a military hero is praised for his battle skills and being a savior to the people, but instead Beowulf is praised for his generosity toward his people and ambition towards being a hero for them.

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