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Search all of SparkNotes
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Suggestions
Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.
Frankenstein
Great Expectations
Lord of the Flies
Pride and Prejudice
The Tempest
No Fear Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Teacher
Blog
Help
Beowulf
Literature
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Summary
Plot Overview
Five Key Questions
What Does the Ending Mean?
Summary & Analysis
Lines 1-300
Lines 301-709
Lines 710-1007
Lines 1008-1250
Lines 1251–1491
Lines 1492–1924
Lines 1925–2210
Lines 2211–2515
Lines 2516–2820
Lines 2821–3182
Characters
Character List
Beowulf
Grendel
Hrothgar
Unferth
Wiglaf
Grendel’s Mother
The Dragon
Main Ideas
Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
Is Beowulf a hero?
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
Quotes By Theme
Heroism
Mortality
Treasure
Evil
Christianity
Quotes By Section
Lines 1–300
Lines 301–709
Lines 710–1007
Lines 1008–1250
Lines 1251–1491
Lines 1492–1924
Lines 1925–2210
Lines 2211–2515
Lines 2516–2820
Lines 2821–3182
Quotes By Character
Beowulf
Hrothgar
Grendel
Wealhtheow
Wiglaf
Further Study
Context
Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England
The Poetry of Anglo-Saxon England
Movie Adaptations
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Lines 1-300
Lines 301-709
Lines 710-1007
Lines 1008-1250
Lines 1251-1491
Lines 1492-1924
Lines 1925-2210
Lines 2211-2515
Lines 2516-2820
Lines 2821-3182
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Companion Texts
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
Sample A+ Essay
How to Cite This SparkNote
Teacher's Handbook
Further Study
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Further Study
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
1
of 5
Beowulf is a hero in youth because he is strong and brave, but why is he a hero as an older man?
Because he's given special powers by the dragon
Because of his sense of honor and responsibility
Because he remains just as strong as he was as a young man
Because he's immortal
2
of 5
What does Grendel represent?
Evil
An outcast
A lonely, jealous, and almost sympathetic creature at times
All of the above
3
of 5
What defines Hrothgar's leadership?
Foolishness
Stability
Change
Risk
4
of 5
Why is Unferth a foil (a contrasting character) to Beowulf?
Unferth's jealousy and shame make Beowulf's honor and might clearer.
Unferth's honor and strength make Bewoulf look weaker.
Unferth speaks the truth that Beowulf is afraid to say.
Unferth's weakness makes Beowfulf look cruel and uncaring.
5
of 5
What does Wiglaf represent?
Passivity and inaction
The end of hope
The future and the next generation of heroes
All that is wrong with the warriors who run away from the fight
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Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
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Beowulf
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MAIN IDEAS
Is Beowulf a hero?
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QUOTES
Themes
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