Beowulf
by Eddie McPherson
1ST POET: Many, Sire, but the
monster is too strong and evil.
No man is able to stand against
it. (BEOWULF has entered and
stands behind HYGELAC.)
BEOWULF: I shall stand against
it, Your Highness.
HYGELAC (Surprised): I didn’t
see you enter. Beowulf, this is a
royal bard from the land of the
Danes. (Turns to 1ST POET) My
nephew, Beowulf.
BEOWULF: I have heard others
speak of this terrible beast
whose name is Grendel. Hall
Heorot in this land of the Danes
stands empty because men fear
to enter it. I have decided I will
go and destroy this beast for the
good of every man there.
Which sentence from the passage best develops the theme that a commitment to doing good for others can help someone be
courageous?
a. “The Great Lord is on
my side.”
b. “Many, Sire, but the
monster is too strong
and evil.”
c. “I have heard others
speak of this terrible
beast whose name is
Grendel.”
d. “I have decided I will
go and destroy this
beast for the good of
every man there.”