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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hrothgar throw at Grendel in Chapter 3?

2. What does Grendel find in the woods while circling the hall in Chapter 4?

3. Who comes to finally help Grendel in Chapter 2?

4. The dragon encourages Grendel to do what with his life?

5. Grendel compares the ram to what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Unferth's reaction to Grendel's speaking.

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

3. Why do the firesnakes guard the sunken door?

4. Describe the location of Grendel’s home.

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

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

7. Discuss what the dragon tells Grendel about the thoughts of men. Who brings connectedness to these thoughts?

8. Does Grendel have delusions about his own intelligence?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the name "Shaper" as applied to the hall poet or bard. Why is the title significant? What does the singer shape whenever he sings?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Unferth's character. Is Unferth a protagonist or an antagonist in the novel? Why? What traits does Unferth exhibit?

Essay Topic 3

Why does the author suddenly begin using italics and telling the action from inside Grendel's head? What reasons do you think the author has for switching narrative techniques? Does the technique enhance or confuse your understanding of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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