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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Beowulf see a "tremendous sword" in the lair of Grendel's mother?
(a) In the armory.
(b) On the wall.
(c) On a table.
(d) At her side.

2. At what point does Beowulf decide to enter the lake to search for Grendel's mother?
(a) Immediately upon arrival.
(b) After blowing his horn for the second time.
(c) When Grendel's mother calls out to him.
(d) He does not enter the lake.

3. Who is to receive Beowulf's treasure if he dies?
(a) Hygelac.
(b) Hrothgar.
(c) Unferth.
(d) Wulfgar.

4. At the beginning of Chapter 2, who is brooding with grief and greedy for revenge?
(a) Beowulf.
(b) Grendel's mother.
(c) Hrothgar.
(d) Unferth.

5. When Grendel's blood turns the lake red, what do Hrothgar and his men assume?
(a) Beowulf is dead.
(b) The lake has grown fiery hot.
(c) All of the serpents have died.
(d) Beowulf has defeated the monster.

6. Inside Grendel's mother's lair, what upholds the weight of the water?
(a) Magic.
(b) Huge serpents.
(c) Stout rafters.
(d) Stone walls.

7. How many men does it take to carry Grendel's head?
(a) 2.
(b) 4.
(c) 6.
(d) 8.

8. When Beowulf reaches the bank of the lake, what does he do?
(a) Kisses the ground.
(b) Falls to the ground in exhaustion.
(c) Places Grendel's mother's head on a spear.
(d) Places Grendel's head on a spear.

9. Who promises to come with "a thousand spears and a thousand shields" if the other should be attacked?
(a) Wiglaf makes this promise to Beowulf.
(b) Beowulf makes this promise to Hrothgar.
(c) Beowulf makes this promise to Wiglaf.
(d) Hrothgar makes this promise to Beowulf.

10. Where is Beowulf when Grendel's mother arrives at Heorot?
(a) Sleeping in his room.
(b) With the King.
(c) Sitting by the fire.
(d) In the stable with his new horses.

11. Before battling Grendel's mother, what does Beowulf ask the King to do if he should die?
(a) Build him a monument.
(b) Send his men back to their homeland.
(c) Look after his men.
(d) Promise to tell stories of his heroism.

12. Who stays at the lake after the Danes leave?
(a) Hrothgar.
(b) Unferth.
(c) Grendel.
(d) Beowulf's comrades.

13. After Beowulf's sword fails to kill Grendel's mother, what does he use to try to fight her?
(a) His bare hands.
(b) A rope.
(c) An axe.
(d) Rocks.

14. As Beowulf prepares to leave Denmark, what does Hrothgar do "as if his heart would break?"
(a) Sings.
(b) Watches the ships sail away.
(c) Weeps.
(d) Helps Beowulf load his possessions.

15. What saves Beowulf's life from Grendel's mother's near-fatal attack?
(a) His mailcoat.
(b) Hrunting.
(c) A shield.
(d) His warriors.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Beowulf do when he sees Grendel's body in the lair?

2. Who leads Beowulf to the Grendel lake?

3. How does Hrothgar kill the first monster at the Grendel lake?

4. Who does Grendel's mother kill during the night?

5. Who does Beowulf will his sword to in case of his death?

(see the answer keys)

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