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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 Grendel discover about the second man he snatches in Chapter 12?

2. In Chapter 8, what does Hrothgar dream of?

3. The Stranger tells Grendel to do what in Chapter 12?

4. What is Grendel's law?

5. In Chapter 7, what happens to the bear?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What similarities do you see between the brief account of Finn and Hnaef and Hrothgar and Wealtheow's brother?

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

5. In Chapter 12, discuss Grendel's interpretation of why his mother does not answer him as he calls for her while fighting the Stranger.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

What has caused the people's faith to falter? Why do they continue to believe in their gods/statues? Is this a natural cycle for religion to take?

(see the answer keys)

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