an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge

when you take on the perspective of a character in a text

the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story through their actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others

information or facts to show something is true

Characterisation of Beowulf and Grendel

English

In 'Beowulf’, pupils read and discussed the tale. In ’Beowulf Narrative Writing’, they will use the book as a stimulus for writing.

In 'Blackberry Blue’, pupils read and discussed the features of a traditional tale. In ’Beowulf’, pupils develop their understanding of traditional tales by discussing and reading a classic.

In this unit, pupils read and explore a translation and adaptation of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They explore the language and the context of the poem and then explore and discuss the chapters sequentially, gaining strong comprehension.

'Beowulf': reading

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

pins his arm behind his back and tears it off

Match each key term to the correct meaning. 

Which word below means the same as 'go more quickly'?

Who is rewarded with a gold buckle after Grendel is defeated?

How would you describe the ending of Chapter 4 of 'Beowulf'?

Which characters does Beowulf meet at the Danish court? 

He has fought a sea monster on the ocean floor. 

Which of the following are claims Beowulf made about himself?

Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support our impression that Unferth is rude? 

Who is left in Heorot at the end of the night? 

Beowulf thinks he will survive the night. 

The other Geat warriors think they will survive the night. 

Unferth thinks Beowulf will defeat Grendel.

Wealhtheow is hopeful that Beowulf will defeat Grendel.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz