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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. Grendel compares the ram to what?

2. What does the Shaper sing of that upsets Grendel?

3. What is the narrator’s name?

4. The dragon encourages Grendel to do what with his life?

5. What does Grendel do to Hrothgar's guard that attacks him in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the hairless man and his function in the group.

2. What does the dragon say that changes Grendel's mind about approaching men? How does the dragon feel about Grendel's change of heart?

3. What does Grendel do when Unferth falls asleep in his cave in Chapter 6?

4. Why do the firesnakes guard the sunken door?

5. How does Grendel's relationship with men change after his visit to the dragon?

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

7. Describe life around the village as Grendel observes it.

8. Describe the firesnakes. What sort of creature do you think they are?

9. Why is Grendel drawn to and repulsed by Hrothgar's great hall?

10. Does Grendel have delusions about his own intelligence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what Grendel comes to realize while hanging in the tree. Why is this realization important? How does this realization shape Grendel’s actions?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of the word "theories" in the book. Grendel refers to theories and the dragon refers theories also. What theories do they propose? How are the dragon and Grendel theories themselves?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Unferth's character. Is Unferth a protagonist or an antagonist in the novel? Why? What traits does Unferth exhibit?

(see the answer keys)

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