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.
1ST POET: But surely you have heard that no man has stood against the corpse-maker.
BEOWULF: Mark my words, sir. With my bare hands I will smite the beast and bring peace to Hrothgar’s kingdom. The Great Lord is on my side. (2ND POET enters as HYGELAC and BEOWULF exit and 1ST POET crosses downstage.)
Beowulf, folktale, adapted by Eddie McPherson © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which sentence from the passage best develops the theme that a commitment to doing good for others can help someone be courageous?
(1 point)
Responses
“I have heard others speak of this terrible beast whose name is Grendel.”
“I have heard others speak of this terrible beast whose name is Grendel.”
“The Great Lord is on my side.”
“The Great Lord is on my side.”
“I have decided I will go and destroy this beast for the good of every man there.”
“I have decided I will go and destroy this beast for the good of every man there.”
“Many, Sire, but the monster is too strong and evil.”
“Many, Sire, but the monster is too strong and evil.”
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1 answer
The sentence from the passage that best develops the theme that a commitment to doing good for others can help someone be courageous is:
“I have decided I will go and destroy this beast for the good of every man there.”
This statement highlights Beowulf's commitment to helping others by facing the danger of Grendel, demonstrating that his courage is driven by his desire to protect and serve the people of Hrothgar's kingdom.
