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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 is Grendel a descendant of?

2. How many men, in a trial by ordeal, are required to test the heat of the water?

3. How many people witnessed the opening of Cuthbert's coffin at Durham Cathedral?

4. In "The Wanderer," from whom does the wanderer plead for pity and mercy?

5. What is the name of Hrothgar's queen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was defined as the "most unfortunate man" in Anglo-Saxon society?

2. Why were some laws of the Anglo-Saxon period never put into writing?

3. What does Beowulf say about his upcoming battle with Grendel?

4. What were the many reasons that Bede was renowned?

5. What is the main theme of the poem "The Wanderer"?

6. Explain the procedure of lawsuits for Anglo-Saxons.

7. In what way were the histories and legends passed down during the Anglo-Saxon period?

8. What were some of the earliest codes found to survive from the kingdom of Kent (690-725)?

9. What is the Germanic Code?

10. Why does Unferth challenge Beowulf's fame?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

For many years Latin was the only written language to exist for Anglo-Saxons. Why was it important for the common man to learn Latin? In what ways did the emergence of the English language benefit the Anglos? Which language did the text deem more important? Support your answer textually.

Essay Topic 2

Kennings and alliteration were used throughout Beowulf and the Elegies. Why was the use of both poetic devices important to the oral tradition of Anglo-Saxon literature? In what ways did the use of kennings and alliteration help to insure the passage of the tales throughout time?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Beowulf and Grendel. How do each epitomize good and evil?

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