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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 consider the ultimate act of nihilism?
(a) Killing the king.
(b) Killing the queen.
(c) Killing the Shaper.
(d) Killing the princes.

2. What course of action does Red Horse suggest to Hrothulf in Chapter 8?
(a) Revolution.
(b) Running Away.
(c) Marrying Hrothgar's daughter.
(d) Murder.

3. What do the women place on the Shaper's eyes in Chapter 10?
(a) Harp picks.
(b) Stones.
(c) Herbs.
(d) Gold coins.

4. What do the three priests think Ork is, based on his story in Chapter 9?
(a) Senile.
(b) Telling the truth.
(c) Frozen.
(d) Crazy.

5. In Chapter 7, How does Grendel resolve to kill Wealtheow?
(a) Roast her over the fire.
(b) Bite off her head.
(c) Tear her limbs off.
(d) Throw her to the firesnakes.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens when Grendel touches the door in Chapter 12?

2. Grendel says that he hopes the number twelve is what in Chapter 7?

3. Who is Halga's orphaned son?

4. In Chapter 11, what does Hrothgar call the lead Stranger that upsets several people in the hall?

5. What statues stand near Hrothgar's hall?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the behavior of Grendel's mother. How are her actions altered by Grendel's increase in power?

2. What does Grendel mean by saying that it is just as pointless to kill Wealtheow as to let her live?

3. Compare the bowsman hunting the hart to the priest coming to Grendel in the ring of gods.

4. The goat invading the mere can be seen as a symbol and foreshadowing. What does the goat stand for?

5. Discuss the people's view of religion after years of Grendel's oppression.

6. What is the relationship between Hrothgar and Wealtheow? Are they a happy couple?

7. Discuss the priests' reaction to Ork's tale of speaking with the Great Destroyer.

8. Discuss the statement, "By deeds worth praise a man can, in any kingdom, prosper!" (112). How do these words from the Shaper contradict what the dragon told Grendel?

9. In Chapter 12, discuss Grendel's interpretation of why his mother does not answer him as he calls for her while fighting the Stranger.

10. Does the Finn tale function only to foreshadow what will befall Hrothgar? Who else could suffer a similar fate?

(see the answer keys)

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