View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many serpents did Beowulf slay in his story of the swimming competition between he and Breca's?
(a) 6.
(b) 10.
(c) 15.
(d) 2.

2. How many men did Beowulf bring with him to Denmark?
(a) 50.
(b) 13.
(c) 14.
(d) 5.

3. Who do the Danes honor the one man in Beowulf's party who was killed by Grendel?
(a) They do not honor him.
(b) With a poem in his honor.
(c) By re-naming the hall after him.
(d) With a song by the minstrel.

4. During their swimming competition, what separated Beowulf and Breca?
(a) Nothing.
(b) A north-easter storm.
(c) The whales.
(d) A ship.

5. Who is Hrothgar?
(a) The monster.
(b) The King of the Geats.
(c) Beowulf's brother.
(d) The King of the Danes.

Short Answer Questions

1. What towered "high to reach heaven" and "strong to withstand the buffet of war?"

2. What does the Queen give Beowulf and his men to drink?

3. Who stays awake waiting for Grendel while the other warriors sleep in the hall?

4. Who did Hrothgar give golden rings and bracelets to?

5. According to Beowulf, in the story of his swimming competition with Breca, who cried out for help?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the train on the Queen's dress look like?

3. Who is Aeschere?

4. Why is Beowulf scarcely able to breathe as he fights the dragon?

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

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

7. How does Beowulf describe Hrothgar when he greets the King?

8. 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?

9. How does Beowulf kill the dragon?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 507 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample