"Beowulf" Chapters 37-42

Chapter 37
Review: Where did the dragon’s treasure come from?
Describe the actions that killed the dragon.
How is the dragon like a snake? (One word tells you!)
What does Beowulf ask for at the end of this chapter? Why?
Chapter 38
What does Beowulf say he sold his life for?
What are Beowulf’s two final requests to Wiglaf?
Chapter 39
What reference to Christianity is made in this chapter? (before line 2870)
What does Wiglaf say will the result of the soldiers’ cowardly actions?
Chapter 40
What does the messenger say is going to happen after Beowulf’s death?
Chapter 41
Why do you think the messenger tells the story in lines 2922-3000?
Why is the treasure burned with Beowulf’s body?
What is “the truth” in line 3030? Tell it in your own words.
Chapter 42
Why are the soldiers able to enter the tower? (Hint: see end of chapter 41)
What do you think “mild” means in the next-to-last line?


ASSIGNMENT FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 10:

Describe the following events in vivid, 4-stress lines (6-10 lines total). Use strong, imaginative verbs and nouns!

· the hero entered the janitor’s closet, and surprised the monster.
· The monster was doing something in there.
· The monster turned and hit the hero, knocking him down.
· The hero took something and threw it at the monster.
· It knocked him down.
· The hero won the fight.