Beowulf Chapters 4 and 5 - Homework due Thursday 2/19

Answer these questions on chapters 4 and 5 (complete sentences, notebook).

Chapter 4
1. What does “unlocking words from deep in his breast” (ll. 258-259) mean?
2. When Beowulf gives his “credentials” to the watchman (ll. 260 & foll.), what information does he give?
3. “A soldier should know the difference between deeds and words, and keep that knowledge clear in his brain.” (ll. 288-290) What is the watchman saying?
4. Why does Beowulf say he’s come to Denmark?
5. What are “mail shirts?” How do we know?
6. How does the watchman remind us of Herot’s importance?
7. How do we know the watchman is a Christian?
8. Look for the following words in the text, and then write down a meaning based on the context:

• mounted
• tar
• gable

Chapter 5

1. How do we know weapons were important in this society?
2. Who is “the Geats’ proud prince?”
3. What does "wait on your word" (l. 364) mean?
4. What does “armor nobly worked” (l. 367) mean?