Heroes and Foes in Contrast

This compare-and-contrast worksheet is designed for Grades 7-10 and helps students analyze characters from Beowulf using a Venn diagram. Students choose one of two prompts:

• Beowulf vs. Grendel (hero vs. foe within the epic), or
• Beowulf vs. a modern hero of their choice (cross-text or real-world comparison)

Using the diagram, learners identify traits, motivations, values, and actions, noting where the characters are similar and where they differ. The visual structure supports organized thinking and helps students prepare for deeper discussion or extended analytical writing.

Learning Goals

• Compare & Contrast in Literature (Secondary ELA) – Identify similarities and differences between characters
• Character Analysis – Examine motivations, values, and actions
• Graphic Organizer Use – Organize ideas clearly using a Venn diagram
• Analytical Thinking – Draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoning

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Aligned with middle and early high school ELA standards
• Choice-Based Engagement – Allows students to select a comparison that interests them
• Visual Organization – Supports learners who benefit from structured planning tools
• Builds Toward Writing – Serves as an excellent prewriting activity for essays or paragraphs
• Flexible Use – Ideal for epic units, discussion prep, or assessment
• Low Prep – Print-and-use worksheet with clear prompts

This Heroes and Foes in Contrast worksheet helps students understand heroism through comparison, whether examining the moral divide between Beowulf and Grendel or connecting ancient heroism to modern ideals. By organizing similarities and differences visually, learners strengthen analytical skills and gain insight into how literature defines heroes and villains across time.

This worksheet is part of our Beowulf worksheets collection.