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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. Where does the author state that the emotional center of "Deor" lies (which lines)?

2. What "paths" must the wanderer follow given "fate is inflexible"?

3. Besides "The Wife's Lament," what is the only other Anglo-Saxon poem written by a woman?

4. What does the Introduction to the Law section say was gagged upon when fed to Ecclesiastics if they were found guilty?

5. Who was "Letter to the English" meant to act as moral support for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two things is "The Battle of Maldon" concerned with in regard to theme?

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

3. What does Beowulf do right after killing Grendel's mother?

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

5. What is the basis of all elegies?

6. What is the topic of the six "so-called Elegies"?

7. To whom is Grendel related and why is this important?

8. Why did Caedmon state that he left the feast and went to the stables?

9. What was the purpose of the "Easter Tables"?

10. What were some of the common problems that lawmakers had to address during the Anglo-Saxon period?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Exile was a main theme throughout Anglo-Saxon literature. What selection from the text best represents the theme of exile? Why? Be sure to use textual evidence.

Essay Topic 2

What were the characteristics of typical Anglo-Saxon literature? What did the Anglos look for in their heroes? What did Anglos parts of a man's character were praised by the Anglo-Saxons?

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think that riddles where important during the Anglo-Saxon period? What purpose did they serve? Why did they focus on the themes they did?

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