Beowulf Test

When we meet Beowulf, how is he described?

• He acts recklessly
• He is evil and sinful
• He is strong and brave
• He is full of himself and selfish

13. The author substitutes the name Grendel with the kenning "God-cursed brute" in order to-- (8D)

• emphasize how evil Grendel is
• describe the chaos Grendel creates
• show the reader that Grendel is no real challenge
• to avoid using his true name

Which two quotes contain kennings? (8D)

• Grendel was the name of this grim demon
• With his own hands he had killed Heatholaf
• Beowulf's warriors worked to defend their lord's life
• The dread of the land was desperate to escape
• A canny pilot along the coast and currents

The poem says that the people went to pagan shrines and made offerings to idols in hopes that it would get rid of Grendel. What does this say about the people?

• They are weak and decide to join Grendel in his evilness
• They are looking for a quick fix
• They are desperate and will try anything that might help
• They are pagans and don't know God

Why does Beowulf choose to take part in the quest to defeat Grendel?

• Because Grendel has caused a lot of damage
• Because he had a lot of soldiers help him
• Because he is a mighty hero

Which choice best explains why the author put the battle with Grendel’s mother at the bottom of the lake? (8A)

• The lake is difficult territory for the Danes, thus causing doubt for Grendel’s mother and the reader.
• The lake is a deeply symbolic place for Grendel’s mother to hide, thus reinforcing what a complex enemy she is.
• The dark underwater hall is the domain of Grendel’s mother, thus raising the story’s tension and conflict.
• The dark lake represents the evil of Grendel’s mother, thus contrasting with the goodness of the Danes.

In line 67, what does relished mean? Mark all that apply.

• Moistened
• Enjoyed
• Shiny
• Despised

15. Which element of epic poetry does the battle between Beowulf and Grendel best reflect?

• The battle between good and evil
• The journey that describes the culture of the time
• The style of fighting of the era
• The values of Pagans and the culture

In his speech before he battles the dragon, Beowulf says: I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought In endless battles. I am old, now, But I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares To face me. What do these lines convey about Beowulf’s state of mind? (4F, 6B)

• He’s feeling brave and utterly without fear as he goes into battle.
• He’s certain of his strength and wants to inspire his frightened men to feel the same.
• He knows he is old now and this weighs on his mind.
• He has no plans to actually fight the dragon, despite his pretense of courage.

The poet describes death as — a journey Into darkness that all men must make, as death Ends their few brief hours on earth. Which choice best describes what this sentiment seems to tell us about people 1,200 years ago, when Beowulf was written? (6D)

• The people of that era viewed life as a gift from the gods.
• The people of that era viewed life as a tragedy that would quickly end.
• The people of that era viewed life more simply and with more gratitude.
• The people of that era viewed life as fragile and were more fatalistic