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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Beowulf blows his horn, what rises up out of the Grendel lake?

2. What saves Beowulf's life from Grendel's mother's near-fatal attack?

3. When Beowulf enters Heorot, what two things does he present to Hrothgar?

4. How many men does it take to carry Grendel's head?

5. What promise does Hrothgar make to Beowulf after Grendel's mother is defeated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

There is a point during the battle with Grendel's mother at which only God can save Beowulf. Why do you think the author makes it a point to state that God set Beowulf free? What does this saving of Beowulf symbolize?

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 224 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample