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

2. Where will the person be going that Melkorka gives the resources to travel?

3. Who goes to Norway?

4. Who does Jorunn marry?

5. Prior to Christianity, what was the 9th century period known as a time of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the period in Scandinavian history at the time the Laxdaela Saga was written.

2. Describe Gudrun and Kjartan's relationship and its effect on their families initially.

3. How does the Laxriverdale dynasty begin and who is important in this dynasty?

4. What surprising discovery is revealed about Melkorka?

5. What does Hoskuld do that initially upsets his wife?

6. Describe Geirmund.

7. What is different about Olaf the Peacock?

8. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

9. Who is Hrut Herjolfsson?

10. Describe Unn the Deep-Minded.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the motif of life-death-life. Identify at least two motifs about life-death-life in the Laxdaela Saga. Then cite an example to support each answer.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Politics are also referred to in the Laxdaela Saga. Discuss the use of politics in the saga. Do you think politics are an important part of the book? Explain. How else could the author incorporate politics into the book? Also examine the use of politics in relationships.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample