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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. After Thorleik fights with his uncle Hrut, where does he move from?

2. How does Olaf receive a share of Hoskuld's estate?

3. What does Hoskuld also purchase in Norway that his wife Jorunn objects to at first, but then accepts?

4. Who grows restless to increase his power and fame?

5. Who is Olaf the Peacock the father of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the horrific dream Olaf the Peacock has of his son?

2. Describe Hoskuld.

3. What happens after Thurid gives Bolli the sword?

4. What surprising discovery is revealed about Melkorka?

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

6. Describe Geirmund's marriage.

7. What is different about Olaf the Peacock?

8. Why does Hoskuld travel to Norway?

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

10. What happens when Gest meets Gudrun?

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

Explain the role of women in medieval Scandinavia in the twelfth century when the women in the Laxdaela Saga are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms, if any, did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Property plays a significant role in the Laxdaela Saga, handed down from one generation to the next, annexed by conquerors, legislated by the law, divided among offspring and fought over in violent duels. Discuss the changing circumstances of Icelandic settlement in the Commonwealth period, where the individual and collective had to adapt to new circumstances such as a new religious order and laws governing marriage, divorce and inheritances. Do you find that the Laexdala Saga offers you enough background to fully grasp the socioeconomic, political, and cultural changes sweeping Iceland at the time?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 751 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample