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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 a boy comes to report to the men at the estate, what does Helgi realize?

2. What does King Olaf prophesize about Thorkel's timber?

3. Who has Snorri chosen for Gudrun to marry?

4. What is Helgi?

5. How old is Gudrun's son when she is ready to enact her plans?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bolli do that surprises Kjartan?

2. What does Kjartan discover when he returns to Iceland and what does he do in response?

3. What does Helgi do to Gudrun?

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

5. When Kjartan and Bolli arrive in Norway, what does King Olaf do to Kjartan?

6. When Thorgils stays at Helgi's estate, what does Helgi do?

7. What is the prophecy about Thorkel and how does it come true?

8. When Kjartan refuses a gift from Bolli, what ensues?

9. What evil act does Snorri the Priest commit?

10. Describe Thorgils Holluson.

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

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 3

Royalty is mentioned throughout the Laxdaela Saga from the King of Norway to the King of Ireland. What is the importance of royalty in terms of status, power, wealth and privilege? Do the royal people mentioned in the Laxdaela Saga act in honorable ways? Who is the most noble of all characters and is he or she royal and if so, in what way? Describe.

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This section contains 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample