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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. The dragon says Grendel looks just like what when he is scared?
(a) A woman.
(b) A rabbit.
(c) A small child.
(d) A man.

2. At what time of day does Grendel wander outside?
(a) Mid-day.
(b) Night.
(c) He never goes outside.
(d) Morning.

3. What does Grendel throw at Unferth in Chapter 6?
(a) Apples.
(b) Shields.
(c) Spears.
(d) Benches.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Grendel live?

2. What are the workers replacing after Grendel’s attack in Hrothgar’s Hall in Chapter 1?

3. What does Hrothgar think Grendel is hanging from the tree?

4. What scent pervades the hall as Unferth and Grendel talk in Chapter 6?

5. What does Grendel take from Hrothgar's Hall in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Grendel hope his mother will tell him someday? Why doesn't she?

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

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

5. Does Grendel have delusions about his own intelligence?

6. What is the dragon’s dictum? How does he play out this dictum?

7. 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?

8. What do snakes symbolize in the novel?

9. What entices Grendel to Hrothgar's hall? Why is a part of him swept up in the merriment?

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

(see the answer keys)

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