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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. When does Hrothgar say he previously knew Beowulf?

2. After Beowulf tells the story of himself and Breca, what does he call Unferth?

3. According to Beowulf, what did he and Breca giddily plunge into the water to do?

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

5. Who does Unferth claim Beowulf lost a swimming match to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Grendel attack Heorot at night?

3. What does Wiglaf do to punish the cowardly men who did not help Beowulf to fight the dragon?

4. Where is Grendel's mother's lair located?

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

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

7. How does Beowulf describe Hrothgar when he greets the King?

8. What does Grendel look like?

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

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

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

The foes Beowulf faces represent three emotions that sometimes result in violence. What are those emotions? Which foe represents each of these emotions? How do they represent the emotion? What actions do they take and why?

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 494 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample