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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. When Thorgils goes to Helgi's house, what does Helgi do?

2. When Kjartan returns to Iceland, what does he discover about Bolli?

3. Who is furious that Gudrun is getting married?

4. With whom does Gudrun trade houses with?

5. Who is Kalf Asgeirsson?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Thorgils Holluson.

2. After Kjartan dies, what happens to Hrefna?

3. What mysterious statement does Gudrun say about her love for her husbands and what does it mean?

4. How does Thorgils get the help of other soldiers involved in Bolli's death?

5. What is the final prophecy regarding Gudrun?

6. Describe the conflict leading to Helgi's death.

7. What happens to Gellir in the final chapters of the book?

8. What does Gudrun do out of a desire for revenge and jealousy?

9. What ugly fact about Gudrun's personality is revealed through the death of Kjartan?

10. What does Bolli want to know about Gudrun's relationships?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Gudrun. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample