In approximately 250 words and drawing upon textual evidence, respond to one of the following prompts:
- Discuss the tension between Germanic feud culture and the religious teaching that the poet/compiler infuses
within the poem. Do you find that the idea of the feud is criticized or upheld by the religious undercurrents? - Discuss the notion of fate as it applies to both a pagan and Christian context. Where do you find a fatalistic
interpretation of fate? Do you find that Beowulf’s outcomes are predetermined? Does Beowulf exercise true
agency? Should fate be equated with predestination or is it more malleable? - The narrative sets up a fairly clear dichotomy between good and evil. That said, is there anything in the text
that may cause you to feel sympathy for Grendel or his mother? Is there anything that would make you
question the heroism, integrity, or virtue of Beowulf and Hrothgar?
