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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. Who leaves Hrothgar's hall unimpressed by the blind man's words in Chapter 3?

2. The dragon encourages Grendel to do what with his life?

3. Where are criminals sent to live?

4. What Biblical stories does the harper sing of?

5. What is the word used to denote the king's followers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss what the dragon tells Grendel about the thoughts of men. Who brings connectedness to these thoughts?

2. How does the story of Finn foreshadow what could happen with Hrothgar's truces with Hygmod and Ingeld?

3. How is the dragon’s appearance described?

4. What does Grendel hope his mother will tell him someday? Why doesn't she?

5. What entices Grendel to Hrothgar's hall? Why is a part of him swept up in the merriment?

6. Describe the hairless man and his function in the group.

7. How does Grendel feel about the brainless ram?

8. Describe how the men look the very first time Grendel sees them.

9. Discuss Grendel's mother and how she differs from her son.

10. How does Grendel's existence hinge on Hrothgar's survival?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Unferth's character. Is Unferth a protagonist or an antagonist in the novel? Why? What traits does Unferth exhibit?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Why do you think that Grendel continues to update the reader on the dragon? Why does Grendel refer to the dragon by smell? How does Grendel’s relationship with the dragon evolve in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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