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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 is Hrapp of Hrappstead?

2. Who is the king of Norway that is involved in a tense and political dispute with chieftains from Iceland?

3. When Hoskuld travels to Norway, what does he procure to build himself a fine estate?

4. When the inheritor of Hrapp's land drowns, who comes into possession of the land?

5. What is the item that Bolli receives?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Geirmund.

3. How does the Laxriverdale dynasty begin and who is important in this dynasty?

4. What is the horrific dream Olaf the Peacock has of his son?

5. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

6. How does Olaf's reputation grow?

7. Describe Geirmund's marriage.

8. What happens after Thurid gives Bolli the sword?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of revenge. Identify at least two characters in the Laxdaela Saga who either embody or experience revenge then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Bolli and Kjartan are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Bolli had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Kjartan had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to family members and how? Which one is stronger and in what way?

Essay Topic 3

Property plays a significant role in the Laxdaela Saga, handed down from one generation to the next, annexed by conquerors, legislated by the law, divided among offspring and fought over in violent duels. Discuss the changing circumstances of Icelandic settlement in the Commonwealth period, where the individual and collective had to adapt to new circumstances such as a new religious order and laws governing marriage, divorce and inheritances. Do you find that the Laexdala Saga offers you enough background to fully grasp the socioeconomic, political, and cultural changes sweeping Iceland at the time?

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This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample