View a FREE sample

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 name of Kjartan's estate?

2. Whose dream unfortunately has come to pass in Chapters 41-50?

3. Where does Gellir die?

4. What is offered as compensation for the death of Helgi?

5. What is the name of Gudrun's son by her new husband chosen by Snorri?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. After Kjartan dies, what happens to Hrefna?

7. Describe Thorgils Holluson.

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

9. How does Gudrun's plans relate to her son?

10. How does the family feud end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explain the role of women in medieval Scandinavia in the twelfth century when the women in the Laxdaela Saga are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms, if any, did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 791 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample