View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to Beowulf, who was the first ashore in the swimming match with Breca?

3. Where does Beowulf say he and his men are from?

4. What instruments are playing as the Queen enters the hall?

5. How does Grendel enter the hall?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Beowulf kill the dragon?

2. When do Beowulf and his men learn of the attack of Grendel's mother on Heorot?

3. How does Unferth describe Beowulf when he tells the story of Beowulf's swimming race with Breca?

4. Once the Queen leaves Heorot, where do the Danes go?

5. What do Beowulf's people do with the dragon's treasure and why?

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

7. According to Hrothgar, what cannot harm Grendel?

8. What item lights Beowulf's way as he dives through the Grendel lake?

9. What do the people in the story call the Baltic Sea?

10. Why are Hrothgar and his men surprised when Beowulf returns to Heorot with Grendel's head?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of Christianity in Beowulf the Warrior. What was going on historically at the time the epic was written? How is that reflected in the story? Describe elements that represent Christianity as well as elements that represent paganism.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Though the two do not get along, Beowulf wills his sword to Unferth before he goes into battle with Grendel's mother. Why does he do this? What does this act say about Beowulf?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 501 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample