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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How old is Hrothgar when Grendel decides to destroy him?
(a) An old, old man.
(b) A young king.
(c) A baby.
(d) A teenager.

2. Grendel compares talking to what in Chapter 2?
(a) Power.
(b) A coffin.
(c) Boredom.
(d) Freedom.

3. What is the name of Hrothgar's hall?
(a) Hart.
(b) Hrothgar's Throne.
(c) The Great Hall.
(d) Golden Hall.

4. Where does the sunken door lead to?
(a) A treasure cave.
(b) Into Hrothgar's hall.
(c) The outside.
(d) The dragon's lair.

5. What can no longer harm Grendel after his visit with the dragon?
(a) The firesnakes.
(b) Other animals.
(c) Fire.
(d) Weapons.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are criminals sent to live?

2. What sickens Grendel about the battles?

3. What Biblical stories does the harper sing of?

4. What color does the narrator say Hrothgar's beard is?

5. What does Grendel do with the corpse in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how the men look the very first time Grendel sees them.

2. How is the dragon’s appearance described?

3. Describe how the men act/talk in the mead halls. What is the function of this behavior?

4. Describe the firesnakes. What sort of creature do you think they are?

5. Who proves to be more heroic during the encounter between Unferth and Grendel in Grendel's cave?

6. How does Grendel's meeting with the dragon help him define his role in the world of men?

7. Why do the firesnakes guard the sunken door?

8. Describe Unferth's reaction to Grendel's speaking.

9. Discuss what the dragon tells Grendel about the thoughts of men. Who brings connectedness to these thoughts?

10. Discuss the futility of Unferth coming to Grendel's cave and what the action says about Unferth's character.

(see the answer keys)

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