2. The dragon encourages Grendel to do what with his life?
(a) Change the future.
(b) Kill Hrothgar.
(c) Burn down Hart.
(d) Ignore Men.

3. How long has Grendel been at war with humans in Chapter 1?
(a) Twelve years.
(b) Twenty years.
(c) Fifteen years.
(d) Ten years.

4. Where is Grendel going when he leaves his home in Chapter 1?
(a) The mountains.
(b) The forest.
(c) Hrothgar's Hall.
(d) The moors.

5. What do the people do with the remains of those killed by Grendel in Chapter 1?
(a) Throw them in the sea.
(b) Burn them.
(c) Hang them in trees.
(d) Bury them.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How old is Hrothgar when Grendel decides to destroy him?

4. What literary device is demonstrated in the word “sizzle” in Chapter 1?

5. What does Hrothgar throw at Grendel in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Grendel's emotions play into his role as narrator?

2. What is the significance of Hrothgar's name for his mead hall?

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

4. The dragon talks about fate, free will, and the consistency of time but encourages Grendel to change something. How does the dragon not heed his own advice?

5. Discuss the quote on page 7 where Grendel gives himself alternate names (shadow-shooter, earth-rim-roamer, walker of the world's weird wall). What does this signify?

6. Why do you think Grendel is so offended by the Shaper's words?

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

8. What do snakes symbolize in the novel?

9. Why do you think Grendel chooses to spare Unferth in his cave and on subsequent raids?

10. Does Grendel have delusions about his own intelligence?

(see the answer keys)

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