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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. What wound does Beowulf inflict on Grendel?
(a) He cuts off Grendel's leg.
(b) He rips Grendel's arm off.
(c) He stabs Grendel through the heart with his sword.
(d) He chops Grendel's head off.

2. Who did Hrothgar give golden rings and bracelets to?
(a) Grendel.
(b) His followers.
(c) Grendel's mother.
(d) His wife.

3. What towered "high to reach heaven" and "strong to withstand the buffet of war?"
(a) Grendel.
(b) The Catholic Church.
(c) Heorot.
(d) Beowulf.

4. For how many years had Grendel plagued Hrothgar?
(a) 3 years.
(b) 9 years.
(c) 12 years.
(d) 50 years.

5. After Grendel's defeat, what do the Danes decorate the hall with?
(a) Dragon scales.
(b) Tapestries depicting the battle.
(c) Pictures of Beowulf.
(d) Golden embroidery.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are Grendel's arms described as being like?

2. As Beowulf and his men march to Heorot, what glares from their helmets?

3. What does the Queen give Beowulf and his men to drink?

4. What does Beowulf do when the celebration after Grendel's defeat ends?

5. Who meets Beowulf and his men when they reach Denmark?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does the dragon live in a burial mound?

2. Why is Beowulf scarcely able to breathe as he fights the dragon?

3. Why are Hrothgar and his men surprised when Beowulf returns to Heorot with Grendel's head?

4. As Beowulf lies dying, what thoughts give him comfort?

5. What is the name of the man the watchman says will meet Beowulf and his men at the door of Heorot, and what is the man's position in the kingdom?

6. How do Beowulf's men react when they see that Beowulf is faltering during his battle with the dragon?

7. What happens when Beowulf strikes the dragon with his sword?

8. Why does Beowulf say he needs his mailcoat and shield to fight the dragon?

9. What does the dragon do in seeking his revenge?

10. How does Beowulf feel about his dying to defeat the dragon and win the treasure for his people?

(see the answer keys)

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