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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Beowulf when Grendel's mother arrives at Heorot?

2. When Grendel's blood turns the lake red, what do Hrothgar and his men assume?

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

4. What happens to the blade of the tremendous sword found in the lair?

5. Who does Grendel's mother kill during the night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Hrothgar serves to magnify Beowulf's heroism. In what ways does he do this? What are the aspects of his personality or the actions he takes that show the reader how truly heroic Beowulf is?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 211 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample