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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. Of the two men who grow up like brothers in the same household, which is more powerful?

2. Whose behavior as a smart and honorable person shows promise of becoming a great individual?

3. How many predictions does Gest make?

4. What are the factors by which the land along the west coast is divided among the family in Chapters 1-10?

5. Who is Hoskuld's brother who immigrates to Iceland?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Gudrun and Kjartan's relationship and its effect on their families initially.

2. What is different about Olaf the Peacock?

3. When Geirmund attempts to leave, what does Thurid do?

4. Describe Hoskuld.

5. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

6. What is the importance of Olaf Feilan in the unfolding of the plot of the Laxdaela Saga?

7. What does Melkorka want and do for her son?

8. How does the Laxriverdale dynasty begin and who is important in this dynasty?

9. Why is there tension between Olaf and Thorleik and what does Olaf do to ease it?

10. What does Hoskuld do that initially upsets his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe some of the settings for the Laxdaela Saga. The characters travel through Norway, Iceland, Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Which areas do they settle in and why? Which do they leave? What is the overall setting for most of the story? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular cultural events. Why did the author choose to use these places?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of revenge. Identify at least two characters in the Laxdaela Saga who either embody or experience revenge then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Fear is an important theme throughout the book, particularly when unusual and unexplained things happen. Discuss fear as it is used in the Laxdaela Saga. Explain how fear relates to various characters. Does fear motivate characters to take certain actions? Does it lead to conflict? Some examples include Hoskuld's initial fear of shame for having an illegitimate son to Goddi's cowardice that invokes the wrath of his wife Vigdis.

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This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample