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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Beowulf, what did he and Breca giddily plunge into the water to do?

2. What color is the banner Hrothgar gives Beowulf?

3. What towered "high to reach heaven" and "strong to withstand the buffet of war?"

4. What does Beowulf call Unferth's claims against him?

5. What kind of man is Unferth described as being?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Beowulf lies dying, what thoughts give him comfort?

2. Why does Grendel retreat to his lair after battling with Beowulf?

3. How does Beowulf plan to show Unferth what courage is?

4. Why does Beowulf ask for an iron shield rather than a wooden one before he battles the dragon?

5. Where was the "tremendous sword" forged and who forged it?

6. Why does Beowulf say he needs his mailcoat and shield to fight the dragon?

7. How does Beowulf describe Hrothgar when he greets the King?

8. What do the people in the story call the Baltic Sea?

9. What does the train on the Queen's dress look like?

10. When Beowulf agrees to battle Grendel's mother, what does Hrothgar offer him as a reward?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each of Beowulf's three foes fall along a scale ranging from completely monster to the most human-like. Place the foes in order of least human to most human and discuss the characteristics of each in terms of their animal and human characteristics.

Essay Topic 2

Though the two do not get along, Beowulf wills his sword to Unferth before he goes into battle with Grendel's mother. Why does he do this? What does this act say about Beowulf?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining what an epic poem is and how this story fits into that definition. What characteristics of an epic does it have? Are there elements of an epic that are missing?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 546 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample