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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. Grendel claims he is the disfigured son of what in Chapter 1?

2. What does Grendel do with Unferth when he comes to the cave?

3. What does the Shaper sing of that upsets Grendel?

4. What do the men think Grendel is in Chapter 2?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What entices Grendel to Hrothgar's hall? Why is a part of him swept up in the merriment?

2. What does the dragon say that changes Grendel's mind about approaching men? How does the dragon feel about Grendel's change of heart?

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

4. Discuss the significance of Grendel's speech about heroes existing only in poetry.

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

6. How does Grendel feel about the brainless ram?

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

8. Describe the hairless man and his function in the group.

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The three priests represent one way of believing while Ork represents another. Discuss the differences in their beliefs and what has caused the discrepancies.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of the word "theories" in the book. Grendel refers to theories and the dragon refers theories also. What theories do they propose? How are the dragon and Grendel theories themselves?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Grendel's state of mind in the twelfth year of his war. Is he going crazy? Has his power over Hrothgar overwhelmed him? What does Grendel make of the war at this point?

(see the answer keys)

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