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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. Who ambushes Bolli?

2. When Bolli and Thorleik reach Norway, what do they find out King Olaf has accused Thorkel of?

3. Despite his emotional pain, what does Kjartan do?

4. What does Thorgil pretend to be in order to gain sanctuary?

5. Whose second prophesy has come half-true by the end of Chapter 50?

Short Essay Questions

1. What evil act does Snorri the Priest commit?

2. Describe Thorgils Holluson.

3. What does Bolli do that surprises Kjartan?

4. Describe Snorri the Priest.

5. What is the final prophecy regarding Gudrun?

6. What does Thorgend do to avenge Kjartan's death?

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

8. What does Helgi do to Gudrun?

9. What does Olaf the Peacock do after Kjartan's death?

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

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

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

The author uses many metaphors in his writing, some of which are quite subtle. Consider the metaphor of the shipwreck in relationship to Christianity. What do you think prompts the author to utilize metaphors? Which are the most obvious to you? Are some metaphors and references too obscure for the general public? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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