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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. What does Hrothgar give Beowulf that is so tough no steel can cleave it?

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

3. How many men did Beowulf bring with him to Denmark?

4. What does Beowulf say his spears are made of?

5. What wound does Beowulf inflict on Grendel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. Why does Beowulf ask for an iron shield rather than a wooden one before he battles the dragon?

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

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

7. What do Beowulf and his men see when they reach the cliffs on their way to the lair?

8. Why does Beowulf nail Grendel's arm to the wall of Heorot?

9. What does the dragon do in seeking his revenge?

10. After Grendel's mother fails to kill Beowulf with a knife, how does Beowulf break free of her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

There is some question as to whether or not Wiglaf will make a good king. What does this uncertainty say about the author's view of the stability of his changing world?

Essay Topic 3

What makes Beowulf an archetypal hero? What characteristics does he possess? What are some of the things he does that show he is a hero?

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This section contains 569 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample