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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 many tribes does Hrothgar make treaties with?
(a) Four.
(b) Five.
(c) Six.
(d) One.

2. The dragon's great ambition is to do what?
(a) Count all his treasure.
(b) Kill Hrothgar.
(c) Kill Grendel.
(d) Burn down Hart.

3. Where does Grendel sit to watch the mens' activities?
(a) The dragon's cave.
(b) The eaves of the forest.
(c) The top of Hrothgar's hall.
(d) The circle of gods.

4. In Chapter 6, what does Unferth say he will do since Grendel refuse to kill him?
(a) Unferth will run away.
(b) Unferth will kill himself.
(c) Unferth will kill both Grendel and his mother.
(d) Unferth will kill Grendel's mother.

5. Why does the bull attack Grendel?
(a) Grendel tried to kill it.
(b) It is hungry.
(c) Its calf is close by.
(d) All animals hate Grendel.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the word used to denote the king's followers?

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

3. What does Grendel want to know that the dragon won't answer?

4. What does Grendel compare the fire to in Chapter 1?

5. What do the villagers at the disposal of the bodies do in the end of Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What do snakes symbolize in the novel?

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

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

10. Describe how the bull fights in Chapter 2.

(see the answer keys)

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