View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the factors by which the land along the west coast is divided among the family in Chapters 1-10?

2. Who grows up together like brothers?

3. Who represent the lowest rungs of Icelandic society?

4. Why is Thorleik angry with Olaf?

5. What does Gest prophesize about Gudrun?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Melkorka want and do for her son?

2. What is the problem King Harald faces with chieftains?

3. What happens when Gest meets Gudrun?

4. Describe Unn the Deep-Minded.

5. What does Unn the Deep-Minded do to the Breidafjord?

6. What is Kjartan and Bolli's relationship at Hjardaholt?

7. When Kjartan leaves for Norway, what is the political climate there?

8. Why is there tension between Olaf and Thorleik and what does Olaf do to ease it?

9. What does Gest prophesize about Kjartan, Bolli and Olaf?

10. When Olaf returns to Iceland, what does he do to establish a foundation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the family in the Laxdaela Saga. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family of most Scandinavian families living today in Iceland? Do some research to assist in your writing.

Essay Topic 2

Fear is an important theme throughout the book, particularly when unusual and unexplained things happen. Discuss fear as it is used in the Laxdaela Saga. Explain how fear relates to various characters. Does fear motivate characters to take certain actions? Does it lead to conflict? Some examples include Hoskuld's initial fear of shame for having an illegitimate son to Goddi's cowardice that invokes the wrath of his wife Vigdis.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast two female characters in Laxdaela Saga. What are the main differences between Gudrun and Hrefna? Which made the better wife? Who loved Kjartan more and in what way? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 898 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample