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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many warriors die in the second round of fighting?

2. How does Hagen justify killing all of Dietrich's men?

3. What does Hagen do immediately after he proposes a toast to the dead using Etzel's wine?

4. The Margrave Iring is from what country?

5. Why does the ferryman refuse to take Hagen across the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Kriemhild and Gunther are readying to leave Burgundy, she is invited to take one thousand warriors with her. She asks Hagen and Ortwin to be her liegemen, but Hagen refuses. Gunther does not involve himself in this issue and, in the end, she does not take them. Write an essay that explains the significance of Hagen's refusal and Gunther's lack of commitment with Hagen's response to his sister? How does this foreshadow events that occur in later in the poem?

Essay Topic 2

After the Burgundians kill the Hunnish knights at the hall, the Burgundians prepare for the next battle by throwing the dead into a heap at the bottom of the stairs, thereby showing disrespect for the dead and for rules and custom. Write an essay that explains three reasons why the Burgundians would intentionally treat the dead and wounded in this manner. What do they accomplish? Provide examples from the poem to support your assertions.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explains the reasons why does Rudiger stays away from the fray between the Gunther's men and Etzel's men until the very end.

Part 1: What oaths and customs prohibit his involvement, or is there another reason he stays away?

Part 2: Does Rudiger try to stay true to his oaths? If so how? If not, why not? What involvement do Etzel and Kriemhild have in changing his mind?

Use specific examples from the poem to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 388 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample