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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. At what age does Feng return to Denmark?

2. Why does Gerutha feel snubbed by Horwendil on their wedding night?

3. Why does Gerutha use the phrase ". . . no woman wants to be a mere piece of furniture, to be bartered for and then sat upon?"

4. Who is Laertes?

5. What does Gerutha think about Horwendil?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Gerutha on her wedding night.

2. Describe how the conversation during the sleigh ride displays the difference in the personality between Horwendil and Gerutha.

3. What is disappointing about the name Amleth for Gerutha?

4. Describe how Gerutha, Horwendil, Amblet, and Feng's names change in parts 2 and 3 of the story.

5. Where do the names come from in the story?

6. How does Horwendil and Gerutha's wedding night prove that Horwendil is not truly interested in Gerutha?

7. Name three supporting characters and describe their association with one of the main characters.

8. In what ways does Gerutha find Feng more interesting and desirable than Horwendil?

9. How does Gerutha think that Feng and herself are in similar situations?

10. Describe the springtime for Gerutha; what things are changing in her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many strong characters and personalities in the story, including Gertrude and Claudius. Think about these questions as you write an answer for each part in the essay. Has Gertrude's character changed after many years of marriage? Or is she still the bold young woman of sixteen at heart?

Part 1. Describe the personalities of Gertrude and Claudius when they were first married. Compare it to Gertrude's character at the end of the story.

Part 2. Explain how each character is "strong" in their own way.

Part 3. Do you think that Gertrude's personality has weakened with years of marriage? Has she become old and sodden?

Essay Topic 2

Each of the main characters has a relationship that involves loving another person. Which character do you think gives the most love to other people? Which character do you think is the most lovable by other characters? Explain your reasoning for each answer.

Essay Topic 3

When Horvendil is told of the affair between his wife and his brother, his reaction is severe. He decides to seize Fengon's assets and execute Corambis. Answer the following questions in a three part essay.

Part 1. Do you think that Horvendil is being cruel to his brother, or do you think it is a just punishment for Fengon? Why or why not?

Part 2. Do you think that Horvendil is overreacting to the situation with his decision to execute Corambis? Why or why not?

Part 3. What does Horvendil's decisions tell us about him as a man and a king?

(see the answer keys)

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