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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 instrument does the minstrel play while Beowulf and his men are in the hall?

2. How many serpents did Beowulf slay in his story of the swimming competition between he and Breca's?

3. After Grendel's defeat, what do the Danes decorate the hall with?

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

5. When does Hrothgar say he previously knew Beowulf?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What hope does Beowulf have for his future as Chapter 3 begins?

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

10. Why does Grendel attack Heorot at night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why isn't Hrothgar able to defeat Grendel without the aid of Beowulf? Formulate a theory and use examples from the book to support your theory.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining what an epic poem is and how this story fits into that definition. What characteristics of an epic does it have? Are there elements of an epic that are missing?

Essay Topic 3

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? Do you think Grendel's mother is a sympathetic or an empathetic character? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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