View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the king of Ireland?

2. How does Olaf receive a share of Hoskuld's estate?

3. What is the name of the item that Bolli receives?

4. What is an outlaw in Iceland?

5. Who is Olaf the son of?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Olaf's reputation grow?

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

6. What happens in the aftermath of the murder of Kotkel and his clan?

7. Who is Hrut Herjolfsson?

8. What surprising discovery is revealed about Melkorka?

9. What is the problem King Harald faces with chieftains?

10. Describe Hoskuld.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the family in the Laxdaela Saga. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family of most Scandinavian families living today in Iceland? Do some research to assist in your writing.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Royalty is mentioned throughout the Laxdaela Saga from the King of Norway to the King of Ireland. What is the importance of royalty in terms of status, power, wealth and privilege? Do the royal people mentioned in the Laxdaela Saga act in honorable ways? Who is the most noble of all characters and is he or she royal and if so, in what way? Describe.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample