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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. Who are the two speakers of poetry in Chapter 8?

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

3. Grendel says that what is the worst pain in Chapter 10?

4. Who is the leader of the Heathobards who poses a threat to Hrothgar?

5. What event excites Grendel in the beginning of Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Grendel's reaction to the Strangers. How does he feel about the lead Stranger?

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

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

5. Discuss Wealtheow's life at Hart and her unspoken feelings about her position as queen.

6. 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?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Now that Grendel has been terminated as a threat to Hrothgar, what other threats does Hrothgar now face? Are these threats easier to handle than Grendel? Do you think that Hrothgar should have been more concerned about his political position rather than Grendel's raids?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss Grendel’s observation that animals see life without observing it. According to Grendel, animals make no distinctions in their lives. What implications does this hold for men? For Grendel himself?

(see the answer keys)

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