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

2. While the Norwegian crown does not abdicate authority of Iceland, what religion does the Icelandic people accept?

3. Who is the king of Ireland?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens in the aftermath of the murder of Kotkel and his clan?

2. Why does Hoskuld travel to Norway?

3. What happens after Thurid gives Bolli the sword?

4. When Geirmund attempts to leave, what does Thurid do?

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Unn the Deep-Minded.

10. What happens when Gest meets Gudrun?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Certain relationships create a good foundation for social structure in the Laxdaela Saga. When Snorri tells Gudrun who to marry, Gudrun follows his advice, spurning her other suitor. They both interact in a very convincing manner. Describe why this relationship is believable.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe some of the settings for the Laxdaela Saga. The characters travel through Norway, Iceland, Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Which areas do they settle in and why? Which do they leave? What is the overall setting for most of the story? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular cultural events. Why did the author choose to use these places?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 742 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample