Beowulf Test

In the first battle, how many men does Grendel kill at one time?

30

Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight Grendel without a sword?

He would rather have the recognition of fighting without one

What saves Beowulf from being killed by Grendel's mother's claws?

His mail shirt

Where does the first battle take place?

Herot

How can the reader tell Beowulf is a legendary story?

The hero is described as someone than all other men

Beowulf was originally told in what language

Old English

Which of the following best summarizes the theme of Beowulf?

Valor will triumph

Who is the king of Herot?

Hrothgar

Why doesn't Grendel kill Hrothgar and take over as king?

Grendel believes Hrothgar protected by God

In which year did Norman Invasion occur?

1066

How many men help Beowulf during the 3rd battle?

1

At the end of the battle, the poet attributes Grendel's defeat to

God's power

A dragon us symbolic of

Greed

When the dying Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold necklace, the gesture means that

Beowulf is passing on the ruler-ship of Geatland to Wiglaf

Why is it ironic that after his death the Geats build a tower to memorialize Beowulf?

Most of the Geats had deserted him in battle

Grendel's arm hanging in the banquet hall of the Danes might be described as

Reparation

Which of these words best fits the image of the dragon presented in this quote? "… The dragon, Coiled and uncoiled, its heart urging it, into battle…"

Writhing

What does this line mean?

".. the monster's thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws"

He is intelligent

From which fact can the reader infer that Beowulf is honorable?

Beowulf refuses to use weapons because Grendel uses none.

What is the universal conflict that lies behind Grendel's war with the Danes?

Good vs Evil

Paganism was practiced by which group of people?

Commoners

Beowulf takes place in which country/region?

Scandinavia

When used to describe Beowulf, the phrase "noble protector of all seamen" is an example of

kenning