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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. What are the two men growing up in Olaf's household known for?

3. Who becomes a third wheel as Gudrun develops her third romance?

4. Who does Jorunn marry?

5. Who does Melkorka eventually marry?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe the effect of Kotkel on Gudrun's life.

6. What happens after Thurid gives Bolli the sword?

7. Describe Thord Gorddi.

8. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

9. Describe Gudrun's first and second marriages.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of taking a spiritual journey versus just a physical one? Which characters embark upon a spiritual journey, which go on a physical journey, and which experience both? How does this affect Olaf, King of Norway in particular? Describe.

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This section contains 802 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample