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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. What does Grendel say Hrothgar's sons would do with their father's gold?
(a) Weigh it in their minds.
(b) Give it all away.
(c) Spend it.
(d) Divide it evenly.

2. What does Grendel call Unferth in Chapter 6?
(a) A coward.
(b) A baby.
(c) A girl.
(d) A poor jangler.

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

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

5. What does Grendel call the words of the blind man in Chapter 3?
(a) Lies.
(b) Poetry.
(c) Truth.
(d) Beautiful songs.

Short Answer Questions

1. What Biblical stories does the harper sing of?

2. What adjective does Grendel use to describe his war?

3. Where does Grendel sit to watch the mens' activities?

4. Who is Unferth's father?

5. What changes in the spring between the clans of men?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the dragon say that changes Grendel's mind about approaching men? How does the dragon feel about Grendel's change of heart?

3. Describe the hairless man and his function in the group.

4. Describe life around the village as Grendel observes it.

5. Why is Grendel drawn to and repulsed by Hrothgar's great hall?

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

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

8. What do snakes symbolize in the novel?

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

10. How does Grendel's relationship with men change after his visit to the dragon?

(see the answer keys)

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