Problem
Film: Beowulf
i. In the Beowulf excerpts we read, Grendel's motivation for devouring the warriors in the mead hall is a bit obscure, but we do have some hints. Why does he start attacking and eating men, according to the text?
ii. But the film adaptation we viewed provides another motivation. Why does Grendel attack the mead hall in the film? In other words, what motivates him? How does this change in motivation alter how you see the character?
iii. Describe Grendel's appearance in the film versus in the text of Beowulf. Why do you think the warriors at the beginning of the film hunt him and his family?
iv. Describe King Hrothgar in the film. Does he fit the expectation of an Anglo-Saxon king-a gift-giver, as we saw in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, who does not hoard his wealth and is strong, noble, courageous, and fair-minded?
v. Describe Beowulf throughout the movie. How is he different from the Beowulf we see in the text? What makes an ideal hero, in your opinion? Does Beowulf in the film or text fit your ideal hero criteria? Why or why not?