Search results
A short summary of Anonymous's Beowulf. This free synopsis covers all the crucial plot points of Beowulf.
- Lines 1–300
A summary of Lines 1–300 in Anonymous's Beowulf. Learn...
- Suggestions for Further Reading
Beowulf and Grendel: The Truth Behind England’s Oldest...
- Beowulf
Beowulf’s second combat is with Grendel’s mother. The story...
- Protagonist
Beowulf’s death leaves his people vulnerable and afraid,...
- Character List
Previous section Lines 2821–3182 Quick Quiz Next section...
- Quick Quiz
SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year...
- Analysis of Major Characters
SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year...
- Flashcards
Prepare for your next exam with Beowulf flashcards. Test...
- Lines 1–300
Need help with Beowulf vs. Grendel (Lines 702–836) in Anonymous's Beowulf? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
Plot Summary We’ll start with a brief summary of Beowulf before proceeding to some textual analysis and critical reading. Beowulf is a classic ‘overcoming the monster’ story. Most people know that the poem documents the struggle of the title character in vanquishing a monster named Grendel. But what is less well
Beowulf’s second combat is with Grendel’s mother. The story of Hildeburh (ll.1070-1158) shows us how Grendel’s mother embodies a limitation of the warrior code. Hildeburh is a princess who loses all her male relatives because her husband’s family is feuding with her brother’s family.
Key Plot Points. PDF Cite. While we recommend reading Beowulf in its entirety, we understand that your classroom may have time constraints. The following Key Plot Points are meant to guide...
Plot in Beowulf. The poem begins with Hrothgar, king of the Danes, who has recently constructed the great hall of Heorot. Hrothgar and his men celebrate the new hall, but their festivities are disrupted by Grendel, a monster who overhears the sounds of joy and grows hostile. Grendel begins killing the Danes in droves.
Hrothgar is a successful warrior king with numerous supporters. Once he has an established army and victories under his belt, he orders his mead-hall, Heorot, built. At first, the hall hosts great...