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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is Wulfgar?
(a) Hrothgar's son.
(b) Beowulf's kinsman.
(c) The King's herald.
(d) Grendel's son.

2. What does Beowulf do when the celebration after Grendel's defeat ends?
(a) Makes sure his men are fed.
(b) Leaves immediately for the lair of Grendel's mother.
(c) Sleeps.
(d) Seeks an audience with the queen.

3. Where does Beowulf say he and his men are from?
(a) Denmark.
(b) Germany.
(c) England.
(d) Sweden.

4. What kind of man is Unferth described as being?
(a) Cheerful.
(b) Cowardly.
(c) Jealous.
(d) Loving.

5. What are Grendel's arms described as being like?
(a) Bands of steel.
(b) A mighty king's.
(c) Tree trunks.
(d) A hairy gorilla's.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many horses does Hrothgar give Beowulf and his men?

2. What decorates the goblets the Queen uses to serve Beowulf and his men?

3. What does Beowulf call Unferth's claims against him?

4. After Beowulf tells the story of himself and Breca, what does he call Unferth?

5. As Beowulf and his men march to Heorot, what glares from their helmets?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the name of the man the watchman says will meet Beowulf and his men at the door of Heorot, and what is the man's position in the kingdom?

2. Where does the watchman see the "glint of death" in Beowulf's party?

3. Why does Beowulf say he needs his mailcoat and shield to fight the dragon?

4. In response to Unferth's tale, what does Beowulf say that he and Breca were really doing?

5. Why does Beowulf say he snaps his fingers in the face of death?

6. What does Grendel look like?

7. After Hygelac's death, what does Beowulf do for fifty years?

8. Why does Grendel retreat to his lair after battling with Beowulf?

9. When Beowulf cuts Grendel's head from his body, what happens to Grendel's blood?

10. As Beowulf lies dying, what thoughts give him comfort?

(see the answer keys)

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