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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 do the women place on the Shaper's eyes in Chapter 10?

2. Grendel refers to what between Wealtheow and Hrothgar in Chapter 8?

3. What does Grendel slip on that gives the Stranger the upper hand in Chapter 12?

4. Who is the young king?

5. In Chapter 8, who does Hrothgar intend to give to Ingeld to support a truce?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

7. Describe the effect Wealtheow has on Hrothgar's hall.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the Stranger's arrival at Hrothgar's hall. How does this scene embody the idea of the "hero on the beach" as discussed in class?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss what Grendel comes to realize while hanging in the tree. Why is this realization important? How does this realization shape Grendel’s actions?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Grendel's relationship with his mother when he is young. How does she treat him? How does this affect his adulthood? How does their relationship shift as he grows older?

(see the answer keys)

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