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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 Wulfgar?

2. How long does Unferth say Beowulf wallowed at sea?

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

4. What does Beowulf do with his "grisly trophy" of Grendel's defeat?

5. Who tells Beowulf that Grendel can only be defeated by bare hands?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Beowulf and Hrothgar are saying their goodbyes, what does Hrothgar pledge to Beowulf?

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

4. After Hrunting fails Beowulf, how do Beowulf and Grendel's mother fight?

5. What is Wiglaf armed with?

6. Who is Aeschere?

7. What does Beowulf command Wiglaf to do with the treasure?

8. How does Beowulf feel about his dying to defeat the dragon and win the treasure for his people?

9. How does Beowulf kill the dragon?

10. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar in an attempt to convince him to accept Beowulf's bid to slay Grendel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a point during the battle with Grendel's mother at which only God can save Beowulf. Why do you think the author makes it a point to state that God set Beowulf free? What does this saving of Beowulf symbolize?

Essay Topic 2

Each of Beowulf's three foes fall along a scale ranging from completely monster to the most human-like. Place the foes in order of least human to most human and discuss the characteristics of each in terms of their animal and human characteristics.

Essay Topic 3

After the defeat of the dragon, Beowulf's people are left in despair at the loss of their king rather than joyous at the defeat of the dragon. What do you think this reaction symbolizes?

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This section contains 514 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample