Evaluate, Analyze, Draw conclusions

Reread lines 268–313. The poet uses various techniques— alliteration, caesura, kennings—in the description of the battle between Grendel and Beowulf. How might these techniques have helped AngloSaxon poets chant or sing the poem and convey its meaning?

Analyze: Identify two kennings associated with Grendel. How do these phrases convey the poet’s attitude toward the character?

Draw Conclusions: Reread lines 85–103, which describe how Hrothgar’s followers prayed for protection from Grendel’s attacks. Are these Christian ideas fully integrated into the epic? Explain why or why not.