View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dietrich trying to accomplish by going to see Gunther and Hagen after he discovers that his men are slain?

2. Whom does Kriemhild find to avenge Siegfried's death?

3. Who seemingly approves of every action that Hagen takes?

4. What does Hagen do to upset Kriemhild in front of the four hundred warriors she intends to use to attack Hagen and Volker?

5. Who is killed when Hagen and Gelfrat meet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the moral of the Nibelungenlied? What lesson does it teach about grief and justice?

Essay Topic 2

Gunther and Siegfried share similarities and differences in their feelings for their new brides, the way they acquired these brides, and the experiences they have on the wedding night. Write an essay that compares and contrasts their early experiences and relationships with their new brides up to and including the wedding night. What do these differences contribute to the plot, tone, and mood of the poem?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Siegfried and Gunther is central to the poem. Upon what is the relationship of Siegfried and Gunther based? What are the circumstances surrounding its beginning? How and why does it change and evolve? What is the motivation of each king to maintain the relationship, and how does that change over time? Write an essay that compares and contrasts the way Gunther and Siegfried relate to each other over time, until their queens quarrel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 313 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample