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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 Bolli visits her, what does he want to learn about?

2. Who is furious that Gudrun is getting married?

3. Who grows jealous when Kjartan gets married?

4. Who are the men who try to help Helgi in his fight?

5. With whom does Kjartan have a damaged relationship because he left Iceland?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the family feud end?

3. What does Helgi do to Gudrun?

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

5. Describe Snorri the Priest.

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

7. Describe Gudrun and Thorkel's relationship?

8. After Kjartan dies, what happens to Hrefna?

9. How does Gudrun extricate herself from marrying Thorgils?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Melkorka. What is her role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by creating Melkorka's character in the Laxdaela Saga?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Politics are also referred to in the Laxdaela Saga. Discuss the use of politics in the saga. Do you think politics are an important part of the book? Explain. How else could the author incorporate politics into the book? Also examine the use of politics in relationships.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 767 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample