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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 are Hrothgar and his warriors doing when Grendel first enters Heorot?

2. What decorates the goblets the Queen uses to serve Beowulf and his men?

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

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

5. As Beowulf and his men march to Heorot, what glares from their helmets?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Beowulf plan to show Unferth what courage is?

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

3. How do Beowulf's men react when they see that Beowulf is faltering during his battle with the dragon?

4. What spoils does Grendel's mother take with her from Heorot?

5. According to Hrothgar, what cannot harm Grendel?

6. 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?

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

8. What is Wiglaf armed with?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

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This section contains 508 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample