Question

discussion questions

• in lines 619 - 620, the poem describes grendels severed head as \a weird and wonderful sight\ why do you think this sight seemed weird and at the same time wonderful?
• analyze beowulfs \final boast\ to determine how it contributes to the poems meaning.

Explanation:

• Grendel's severed head:
• Weird: Grendel was a terrifying monster. His severed head was an unnatural and grotesque sight. It was a reminder of the violence and horror of the battle.
• Wonderful: At the same time, it was a symbol of Beowulf's victory. It showed that good had triumphed over evil. It was a source of pride and celebration for the people.
• Beowulf's "final boast":
• Contribution to the poem's meaning: Beowulf's final boast shows his courage and confidence. It also shows his sense of duty and honor. He is willing to risk his life to protect his people. This contributes to the poem's theme of heroism and the importance of courage and honor.

Answer:

• Grendel's severed head: The sight of Grendel's severed head was weird because it was a reminder of the violence and horror of the battle. It was wonderful because it was a symbol of Beowulf's victory and showed that good had triumphed over evil.
• Beowulf's "final boast": Beowulf's final boast contributes to the poem's meaning by showing his courage and confidence, as well as his sense of duty and honor. It also contributes to the poem's theme of heroism and the importance of courage and honor.