Grendel Lesson Plan

How does the text’s format change during this section? Why do you think this happens?

Students may notice that some sections of the text segue into interludes of poetry, or Shakespearian-style scenes. Discuss how the different formats may convey different things, particularly in contrast with the format of the majority of the text, which is straightforwardly narrated by Grendel. Are these divergent sections also told by Grendel, based on what he observes and what he imagines? Or, does the text suddenly switch away from Grendel’s point-of-view? Consider how these changes in format may relate to the original format of Beowulf.

Consider Hrothulf’s conversation about...