1. The Old English poem Beowulf is usually considered to be an epic. What epic qualities are found in Serraillier's retelling of the Beowulf story? What qualities found in other famous epics does it lack?

2. In the world created in the poem, what qualities is the hero expected to possess? Besides Beowulf, what other characters have some of these qualities?

Which qualities do they have?

3. Why is Beowulf eager to come to the aid of others in the poem?

4. Does Beowulf change in the course of the poem?

5. Which particular human emotions are most often revealed in this poem?

Which common human emotions are absent from the poem?

6. In the original Old English poem, the desire for revenge is especially important. How important is revenge in Serraillier's version of the poem?

7. What is the role of material goods and possessions in the poem?

8. What roles...