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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Beowulf do when he sees Grendel's body in the lair?

2. At the beginning of Chapter 2, who is brooding with grief and greedy for revenge?

3. After Beowulf's sword fails to kill Grendel's mother, what does he use to try to fight her?

4. Who forged the tremendous sword that is in Grendel's mother's lair?

5. What saves Beowulf's life from Grendel's mother's near-fatal attack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After the defeat of the dragon, Beowulf's people are left in despair at the loss of their king rather than joyous at the defeat of the dragon. What do you think this reaction symbolizes?

Essay Topic 2

There is a point during the battle with Grendel's mother at which only God can save Beowulf. Why do you think the author makes it a point to state that God set Beowulf free? What does this saving of Beowulf symbolize?

Essay Topic 3

What makes Beowulf an archetypal hero? What characteristics does he possess? What are some of the things he does that show he is a hero?

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This section contains 211 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample