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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. In Chapter 10, why does Hengest kill Finn?
(a) Power and revenge.
(b) Finn killed Henest's father.
(c) Self-defense.
(d) Boredom.

2. What does the old woman tell the children about in Chapter 10?
(a) A dragon in the mountains.
(b) A monster in the woods.
(c) A hidden underwater cave.
(d) A giant from across the sea.

3. Grendel says the priests taste like what?
(a) Old goat.
(b) Snake.
(c) Duck eggs.
(d) Chicken.

4. Grendel says that he hopes the number twelve is what in Chapter 7?
(a) A holy number.
(b) The days of the month.
(c) The number of men he can eat at once.
(d) The number of men he can carry.

5. Who is the young king?
(a) Heremod.
(b) Beowulf.
(c) Hygmod.
(d) Hrothulf.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Grendel observe an archer killing in Chapter 9?

2. Grendel says that what is the worst pain in Chapter 10?

3. In Chapter 7, who calms the argument between Unferth and another thane?

4. Who is the lead Stranger said to have challenged to a swimming match in Chapter 11?

5. Who helps the Stranger fight Grendel in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the statement, "By deeds worth praise a man can, in any kingdom, prosper!" (112). How do these words from the Shaper contradict what the dragon told Grendel?

2. Describe the lead Stranger. How does he act? What does he look like?

3. Discuss the people's view of religion after years of Grendel's oppression.

4. What is the relationship between Hrothgar and Wealtheow? Are they a happy couple?

5. Compare the bowsman hunting the hart to the priest coming to Grendel in the ring of gods.

6. Discuss the priests' reaction to Ork's tale of speaking with the Great Destroyer.

7. Discuss Wealtheow's life at Hart and her unspoken feelings about her position as queen.

8. In Chapter 12, who are Grendel's final words directed toward? What foreshadowing do his words provide?

9. What similarities do you see between the brief account of Finn and Hnaef and Hrothgar and Wealtheow's brother?

10. What do Wealtheow's words to the sleeping Hrothulf mean?

(see the answer keys)

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