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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 does Hrothulf meet in the woods at times?

2. What does the Stranger tell Grendel to write his poetry in, in Chapter 12

3. Where are the Strangers from that arrive in Chapter 11?

4. Grendel says the priests taste like what?

5. What does Grendel discover about the second man he snatches in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In Chapter 12, who are Grendel's final words directed toward? What foreshadowing do his words provide?

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

7. Discuss Ork's behavior as he talks about the King of Gods.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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