sections 32-38 (pgs 1102-1115)
- How much time has elapsed since the episode with Grendel's mother? What has Beowulf been doing in the meantime?
- What act enraged the dragon? What was the reason behind this act being committed?
- What happened to Beowulf's Throne? Consider what was said about Hrothgar's throne in Herot back in section 2 (between lines 165-170). Why is this significant?
- What happened to the heathens in this episode?
- How did Beowulf come to rule the Geats? He could have ruled earlier, but did not. Why?
- Again, we see Beowulf's insistence on fighting alone. Why does he choose to do this, even though he knows he is not the warrior he used to be?
- Research the word "fate" online, using dictionaries, Christian encyclopedias and any other resource you can find. Is it significant that "...Fate sent him to the dragon and sent him death."(line 2400)? Find other instances where the word "fate" is used in this episode. What other words appear to be conspicuously missing?
- Find examples that Beowulf knows this could very well be his last battle.
- What was the first sign that fate was not on Beowulf's side?
- What separates Wiglaf from the others? What message did he give the others? What was his reward?
- Even in the end, Beowulf's desire for fame shines through. Explain.