2. What literary device is demonstrated in the word “sizzle” in Chapter 1?
(a) Assonance.
(b) Metaphor.
(c) Onomatopoeia.
(d) Simile.

3. What has Hrothgar constructed out of pride?
(a) Roads.
(b) A statue of himself.
(c) A great mead hall.
(d) A gold throne.

4. What does Hrothgar throw at Grendel in Chapter 3?
(a) A battle-ax.
(b) A knife.
(c) A spear.
(d) A shield.

5. What does Grendel discover after leaving the dragon?
(a) He accidentally stole the dragon's gold.
(b) The dragon gave him a jewel.
(c) The dragon charmed him.
(d) The dragon cursed him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Grendel say Hrothgar's sons would do with their father's gold?

2. What is the dragon sitting on?

3. What is the dragon's final advice to Grendel in Chapter 5?

4. How many days after their first meeting does Unferth seek out Grendel's cave?

5. Which craftsmen have a special place in the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Describe the arrangement between Hrothgar and his closest neighbors.

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

4. Why do the firesnakes guard the sunken door?

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

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

7. How does Grendel's existence hinge on Hrothgar's survival?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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