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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who leaves Hrothgar's hall unimpressed by the blind man's words in Chapter 3?
(a) Hrothgar.
(b) The old Shaper.
(c) Unferth.
(d) Hrothulf.

2. How many men does Grendel kill on his first raid?
(a) Five.
(b) Seven.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

3. Why is Unferth so weak?
(a) Because he has traveled a far distance.
(b) Because the journey into the cave is difficult.
(c) Because he is old.
(d) Because he is wounded.

4. What three things does the dragon know?
(a) Beginning, present, and end.
(b) Truth, lies, and men's words.
(c) Secrets of the men, of the gods, and of the animals.
(d) Men speech, animal speech, and dragon speech.

5. How does Grendel discover that he cannot be harmed in Chapter 6?
(a) A guard attacks him.
(b) He steps on a spearhead.
(c) His mother scratches him.
(d) He hits himself with a knife.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Hrothgar build on his hill out of stone?

2. How old is Hrothgar when Grendel decides to destroy him?

3. How long has Grendel been at war with humans in Chapter 1?

4. What does Grendel call the bard in the hall?

5. Who is Unferth's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. The dragon talks about fate, free will, and the consistency of time but encourages Grendel to change something. How does the dragon not heed his own advice?

2. Why do you think Grendel chooses to spare Unferth in his cave and on subsequent raids?

3. Discuss the futility of Unferth coming to Grendel's cave and what the action says about Unferth's character.

4. What is the significance of Hrothgar's name for his mead hall?

5. Discuss Grendel's personal transformation during and as a result of his first raid.

6. How does Grendel's existence hinge on Hrothgar's survival?

7. Why do you think Grendel is so offended by the Shaper's words?

8. Who proves to be more heroic during the encounter between Unferth and Grendel in Grendel's cave?

9. Discuss the quote on page 7 where Grendel gives himself alternate names (shadow-shooter, earth-rim-roamer, walker of the world's weird wall). What does this signify?

10. Describe Unferth's reaction to Grendel's speaking.

(see the answer keys)

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