As an epic poem, Beowulf has captured the attention of scholars for centuries. The interview format is a popular way to explore the characters and motives behind the story. In this post, we’ll take a look at some sample Beowulf interview questions and answers.
Beowulf Cast Interviews
Beowulf shows you how: JOB INTERVIEWS
Similar to my own time, trading services is required in the twenty-first century to obtain mead. However, you might have to spend time in a cramped space talking into a plastic speaking horn or writing things down rather than merely becoming a serf or spear-thane.
Traditionally, you and your potential overlord meet to discuss whether you’re suitable for this soul-crushing task. This is called a ‘job interview’.
This will involve a series of questions meant to gauge your commitment, personality, and capacity for quick thinking. However, this is horse dung because all your “job interview” really reveals is your capacity to respond to canned questions with canned responses. This is where I come in.
So, Mr. Why do you think you would like to work with us at MEGACORPTM PLC, Beowulf?
Actually, I don’t particularly want to work for you; I’m just letting you breathe my air because I’m willing to exchange my services for mead. ’.
What unique abilities do you believe you can contribute to our team?
‘. My Lord, I offer you the same services I offer to everyone else: a strong heart and a sharpened spear. What special financial compensation rates are you offering me?
Can you recall a time when you accomplished something for which you are especially proud?
‘..I got here didn’t I?’
Tell me about yourself, what are your weaknesses, and what you like to do in your free time.
(Like I’m about to tell you, Beowulf suggests using lies and half-truths to make yourself look good, such as saying that your weakness is that you’re a complete workaholic and that your favorite pastime is reading to orphans. ).
What do you look for in a job?
What kind of animal would you be, and why?
“If you kept asking me stupid questions, I’d be a roaring lion and bite your behind,” ’.
What kind of salary are you going for?
‘..No, go on. You first. Tell me.’
(Your potential warrior king will play a mental version of rock, paper, scissors to see how little he can get away with charging you. Beowulf advises you to mumble inaudibly at this point. ).
Have you any questions?
Until you respond to that question, everything else is meaningless to me. “Yes, do I get the job? ’.
In conclusion, I wish you the best of luck as you embark on this strange ritual and your search for mead.
HAIL THE VICTORIOUS DEAD!
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In order to obtain wealth and, more importantly, fame (which he refers to as a warrior’s “best bulwark” [l]), Beowulf wants to battle Grendel. 1389]). A warrior should seek out the most difficult opponents he can find, according to the ancient Northern European warrior code, in order to improve his own reputation. When he recounts the tale of paying a sizable sum of money on behalf of Beowulf’s father, Hrothgar raises the possibility that Beowulf may have chosen to fight Grendel in order to pay off a debt to him. Hrothgar, however, might just be attempting to save face because it is embarrassing for him to rely on Beowulf’s assistance. What warning does Hrothgar give Beowulf?.
Hrothgar cautions Beowulf about the perils of kingship in lines 1700–184. He cautions Beowulf “not to give way to pride” (l 1760), which causes great leaders to become complacent when they ought to be alert to emerging threats. However, Hrothgar goes on to say that regardless of one’s level of pride, death and defeat are unavoidable: “Death will arrive, dear warrior, to sweep you away” (ll). 1767-8). Why does Unferth question Beowulf’s ability?.
Unferth is “sick with envy” (l. 502) of Beowulf’s reputation and courage. Unferth’s challenge offers Beowulf a chance to show off his talent for boasting from a dramatic perspective. As Beowulf recounts the tale of his swimming competition, we learn that the hero is as skilled at boasting as he is at fighting. Boasting was regarded as a legitimate way for a warrior to improve his reputation. What is Grendel?.
Grendel’s exact nature is left mysterious. We are aware that he has a manly build (“weres wstmum,” [l] 1352]), but he is so heavy that four warriors are required to carry his head. He is a “mearc-stapa” (l) and a descendant of Cain, the Biblical character who was cursed by God for killing his brother. 103), a “border-stepper. According to some readers, Grendel symbolically represents those who have been driven from their homes and forced to live outside national borders due to Hrothgar’s and Northern warrior society’s violent crimes. According to some readers, Grendel is a symbol for the unknown dangers that lie outside the realm of human understanding. Why does Beowulf want to see the treasure?.
Beowulf requests to see the treasure he captured from the dragon as he is about to die. He might believe that his wealth will ensure his enduring fame. He undoubtedly believes that this wealth will help his people recover from the loss of their king. But the poem makes it clear that this optimism is misplaced. The treasure is “tarnished and corroding” (ll. 2761-2), and much of it is re-buried with Beowulf.
