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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 becomes a third wheel as Gudrun develops her third romance?

2. What are the names of Bjorn the Easterner's two children?

3. Who is Olaf the son of?

4. How many predictions does Gest make?

5. Who does Olaf raise on the new land that he has purchased?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the importance of Olaf Feilan in the unfolding of the plot of the Laxdaela Saga?

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

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

5. How does Olaf's reputation grow?

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

7. What surprising discovery is revealed about Melkorka?

8. What crime does Thord Gorddi commit and how does he act when he is pursued?

9. What happens when Gest meets Gudrun?

10. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bolli and Kjartan are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Bolli had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Kjartan had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to family members and how? Which one is stronger and in what way?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 855 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample