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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 is the unsettled area of land that the matriarch and daughter of Ketil Flat-Nose stakes out and divides among her family?

2. Whose brother did the outlaw kill?

3. What is different about the item that Bolli receives?

4. Where is the estate of Olaf built upon?

5. Since Hoskuld is growing old, to whom do the people turn their attention to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Geirmund.

3. What surprising discovery is revealed about Melkorka?

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

5. Describe Ketil Flat-Nose.

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

7. How does Olaf's reputation grow?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the onset of the saga, the medium Gest has four prophecies, all of which come true. It would appear that Gudrun has little choice in her life if it is completely guided by destiny or fate.

1. Do you think Gudrun's life is controlled by destiny? Do you think everyone's life is controlled by destiny? Why or why not?

2. Discuss whether destiny and free will can both exist in a world. Use examples to illustrate your arguments.

3. If fate or destiny was stronger than individual choice, discuss why would anyone work towards a goal. Use examples to illustrate your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

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