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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. Hygmod proposes a truce by what gesture in Chapter 10?

2. Grendel refers to what between Wealtheow and Hrothgar in Chapter 8?

3. The giant is described as having the strength of how many men, according to the narrative in Chapter 10?

4. In what year of Grendel's wars does Hrothgar's power begin to fail?

5. How many sons does Hrothgar have by Wealtheow?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do the Danes respond to the arrival of the Geats?

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

4. Does the Finn tale function only to foreshadow what will befall Hrothgar? Who else could suffer a similar fate?

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

6. Discuss the sentiment that bread-thieves die while murderers go free. What is meant by this statement?

7. The goat invading the mere can be seen as a symbol and foreshadowing. What does the goat stand for?

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

9. What does Grendel mean by saying that it is just as pointless to kill Wealtheow as to let her live?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the name "Shaper" as applied to the hall poet or bard. Why is the title significant? What does the singer shape whenever he sings?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Grendel's relationship with his mother when he is young. How does she treat him? How does this affect his adulthood? How does their relationship shift as he grows older?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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