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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 instrument does the assistant play at the Shaper’s funeral?
(a) The old Shaper's harp.
(b) A drum.
(c) His sister's violin.
(d) His uncle's guitar.

2. What is the name of Hrothulf's old companion?
(a) Beowulf.
(b) The Shaper.
(c) Ork.
(d) Red Horse.

3. The giant is described as having the strength of how many men, according to the narrative in Chapter 10?
(a) Five.
(b) Thirty.
(c) Twenty.
(d) Ten.

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

5. What is Grendel's law?
(a) There is no limit to desire but desire's needs.
(b) Leave only the queen.
(c) Blood equals power.
(d) Kill them all.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Grendel begins to fight the Stranger he considers him what?

2. Red Horse says all what are monstrously evil?

3. Who is Hygmod's sister?

4. Who does Hrothulf meet in the woods at times?

5. Who does the Shaper's assistant sing of at the funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Wealtheow's words to the sleeping Hrothulf mean?

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

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

4. Describe the lead Stranger. How does he act? What does he look like?

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

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

7. What similarities do you see between the brief account of Finn and Hnaef and Hrothgar and Wealtheow's brother?

8. How do the Danes respond to the arrival of the Geats?

9. Discuss the sentiment that bread-thieves die while murderers go free. What is meant by this statement?

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

(see the answer keys)

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