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

2. What does Hrothgar vow to treat Beowulf like after Grendel's defeat?

3. How many horses does Hrothgar give Beowulf and his men?

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

5. According to Beowulf, who was the first ashore in the swimming match with Breca?

Short Essay Questions

1. Rather than Beowulf being the one to call for help when he and Breca were in the ocean, what does Beowulf say actually happened?

2. When do Beowulf and his men learn of the attack of Grendel's mother on Heorot?

3. Where was the "tremendous sword" forged and who forged it?

4. What is Wiglaf armed with?

5. According to Hrothgar, what cannot harm Grendel?

6. What does Beowulf command Wiglaf to do with the treasure?

7. When Beowulf cuts Grendel's head from his body, what happens to Grendel's blood?

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

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

10. What item lights Beowulf's way as he dives through the Grendel lake?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is some question as to whether or not Wiglaf will make a good king. What does this uncertainty say about the author's view of the stability of his changing world?

Essay Topic 2

What does Heorot represent to the warriors? Why does it represent these things? How does it represent them?

Essay Topic 3

The Queen is mentioned only briefly in the story, yet her role is significant. What does the queen represent? Why is her role important to the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 504 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample