TEST 2

_____ 1. This poem relates the adventures of the

A. Anglos and the Saxons
B. Celts and the Norsemen
C. Danes and the Geats

_____ 2. Herot is the home built by

A. Grendel
B. Hrothgar
C. Beowulf

_____ 3. Hrothgar is to young Beowulf as old Beowulf is to

A. Unferth
B. Wiglaf
C. Brecca

_____ 4. Comitatus is

A. the bond between king and warrior
B. Christian charity
C. courage in battle

_____ 5. When we first meet Beowulf, he appears

A. calm and self-confident
B. shy and uncertain
C. boastful and rude

_____ 6. When Beowulf grabs Grendel's hand, the monster

A. immediately wants to escape
B. breathes fire on the roof
C. calls for his mother

_____ 7. The Beowulf poet repeats scenes for the following reasons

I. for variety
II. for emphasis
III. as part of a courtly tradition

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only

_____ 8. Grendel's mother kills

A. Hrothgar's friend Esher
B. Beowulf's son
C. Unferth

_____ 9. Hrothgar warns Beowulf against

A. greed
B. pride
C. too much trust in God

_____ 10. Beowulf becomes king of the Geats

A. when Higlac dies
B. after Herdred, Higlac's son
C. because he has killed the dragon

11. What do you learn about Anglo-Saxon society from reading the poem?

12. Define an epic. Discuss the reasons why you would describe Beowulf as an epic poem.

13. In what way was the poet influenced by Christian tradition? Explain.

14. Some critics feel that the major theme of the poem is the struggle between good and evil. Tell why you agree or disagree.

15. How does the society of the Danes and the Geats change in the course of the poem?

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