Literary Terms, Devices And Plot Used In The Epic Poem Beowulf
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What point of view is the Beowulf epic told from?
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This test will show your understanding of the literary terms, devices and plot used in the epic poem Beowulf.
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- 2.
What is the central conflict of the story about in the epic? How is the conflict changed for the movie version, and how does this change add (or take away from) the story as you see it. Use a well developed paragraph citing evidence for your conclusions.
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Compare Beowulf with a modern hero (Iron Man, e.g.). How are the two personalities similar/different, and how do they suit their respective storylines?
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Where is Beowulf from?
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Geatland
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Herot
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Denmark
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Chicago
Correct Answer
A. GeatlandExplanation
Beowulf is from Geatland. This is evident in the epic poem "Beowulf" where the protagonist, Beowulf, is described as a Geat warrior who comes to the aid of the Danes in their battle against the monster Grendel. Geatland is also mentioned in the poem as Beowulf's homeland and is located in what is now modern-day Sweden.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is not true about Beowulf?
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He is the strongest warrior in the entire world
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He killed Grendel
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Beowulf is a perfect hero
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Beowulf was killed by Unferth
Correct Answer
A. Beowulf was killed by Unferth -
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Who questions Beowulf's stories?
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King Hrothgar
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Unferth
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Grendel
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. UnferthExplanation
Unferth questions Beowulf's stories.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why is the dragon in rage?
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It is hungry
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It is angry Grendel died
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A golden cup is stolen from it
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It wasn't in rage
Correct Answer
A. A golden cup is stolen from itExplanation
The dragon is in rage because a golden cup is stolen from it.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How did Hrothgar know of Beowulf?
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He had done a favor for his father
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The newspaper
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Beowulf was know as the strongest warrior
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Beowulf was his cousin
Correct Answer
A. He had done a favor for his fatherExplanation
Hrothgar knew of Beowulf because Beowulf had done a favor for his father.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What weapon does Beowulf use to kill Grendel?
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A dagger
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A shield
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Unferth's Sword
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. None of the aboveExplanation
In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf kills Grendel with his bare hands. He does not use any weapon such as a dagger, shield, or Unferth's sword. Beowulf's strength and bravery allow him to overpower and defeat Grendel without the need for any external weapons.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who created the story of Beowulf?
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Christians
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Anglo-Saxons
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Caesar
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Beowulf
Correct Answer
A. Anglo-SaxonsExplanation
The story of Beowulf was created by the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that dates back to the 8th or 9th century and is considered one of the oldest surviving works of English literature. The poem tells the story of a hero named Beowulf who battles various monsters and dragons. The Anglo-Saxons were a Germanic people who inhabited England from the 5th to the 11th centuries, and they were responsible for the creation of many important works of literature during this time.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Beowulf sinks to the bottom of a lake and is carried by a female demon to
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His death.
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A battle hall.
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An underwater kingdom
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The Mead Hall
Correct Answer
A. A battle hall.Explanation
In the epic poem Beowulf, after defeating the monstrous Grendel and his mother, Beowulf dives into a lake to confront another foe. He is then carried by a female demon to a battle hall. This battle hall is a mythical place where warriors gather and engage in combat. Therefore, the correct answer is that Beowulf is carried to a battle hall.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The dragon lives in a
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Swamp
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Huge stone tower
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Cave
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Huge stone towerExplanation
The correct answer is "huge stone tower" because the question is asking where the dragon lives, and out of the given options, a huge stone tower would be the most logical and suitable place for a dragon to live. A swamp or a cave might not provide enough space or protection for a dragon, whereas a huge stone tower would offer both size and security.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The jeweled cup brings peace to a slave but stirs up the anger of the
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Dragon
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King
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People
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. DragonExplanation
The jeweled cup brings peace to a slave because it symbolizes wealth and luxury, providing comfort and relief from their harsh circumstances. However, it stirs up the anger of the dragon king because the cup is adorned with precious jewels that he desires and considers his own. The dragon king sees the cup as a threat to his power and authority, leading to his anger.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Beowulf brings Hrothgar
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Armor
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Hilt of the giant's jeweled sword
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Money from the monster's lair
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Hilt of the giant's jeweled swordExplanation
In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf brings Hrothgar the hilt of the giant's jeweled sword as a token of his victory over the monster Grendel's mother. This gift symbolizes Beowulf's bravery and skill in battle, as well as his loyalty and gratitude towards Hrothgar for his hospitality. The hilt of the giant's jeweled sword is a valuable and precious item, representing the spoils of war and the honor that Beowulf has earned through his heroic deeds.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Grendel and the other giants are descendants of
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Cain
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Jezebel
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Adam
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. CainExplanation
Grendel and the other giants are descendants of Cain. In the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. After Cain murdered his brother Abel, he was marked by God and banished. According to some legends and interpretations, Cain went on to father a race of giants, which includes Grendel. This explanation aligns with the mythology and folklore surrounding the character of Grendel, who is often depicted as a monstrous descendant of Cain.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Grendel cannot touch Hrothgar's throne because it is
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Magic
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Too bright
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Is guarded heavily
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Protected by God
Correct Answer
A. Protected by GodExplanation
The correct answer is "protected by God". This suggests that the reason Grendel cannot touch Hrothgar's throne is because it is under the protection of a divine power. This implies that Grendel, being a creature of evil, is unable to defy or overcome the protection provided by God.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Hrothgar warns Beowulf to choose happiness and to push away
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Greed
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Envy
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Pride
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. PrideExplanation
Hrothgar warns Beowulf to choose happiness and to push away pride. This implies that pride can be detrimental and can lead to negative consequences. Hrothgar advises Beowulf to avoid being overly proud or arrogant, as it can cloud his judgment and potentially lead to his downfall. By choosing happiness over pride, Beowulf is encouraged to prioritize humility and selflessness, which are valued qualities in this context.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Beowulf becomes melancholy over
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His lack of loyal followers
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His lack of an heir
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The threat of the dragon
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Getting older
Correct Answer
A. His lack of an heirExplanation
Beowulf becomes melancholy over his lack of an heir because he realizes that without a successor, his legacy and accomplishments may be forgotten or lost. He understands the importance of having someone to carry on his name and continue his heroic deeds after he is gone. This lack of an heir also highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of aging and mortality.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Wiglaf sends a messenger to
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Proclaim himself king
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Tell of the deaths of Beowulf and the dragon
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Tell of Beowulf's triumph over Grendel
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Tell of Beowulf's defeat over Grendel's mother
Correct Answer
A. Tell of the deaths of Beowulf and the dragonExplanation
Wiglaf sends a messenger to tell of the deaths of Beowulf and the dragon. This means that Wiglaf wants to inform others about the outcome of the battle between Beowulf and the dragon, where both Beowulf and the dragon lost their lives. By sending a messenger, Wiglaf ensures that the news reaches the wider community and that they are aware of the sacrifices made by Beowulf in his final battle.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Beowulf is mortally wounded by the
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Dragon's flames
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Dragon's mother
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Dragon's poisonous fangs
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Dragon's poisonous fangsExplanation
Beowulf is mortally wounded by the dragon's poisonous fangs. The dragon, enraged by the theft of a golden cup, attacks Beowulf and injects him with venomous poison through its fangs. This poison causes Beowulf's body to weaken and eventually leads to his death.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Before Beowulf dies he asks Wiglaf to
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See that Beowulf's eldest son assumes the throne
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Take the throne himself
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See that Hrothgar's son be summoned.
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Take the throne himselfExplanation
Beowulf's request for Wiglaf to take the throne himself before his death suggests that he believes Wiglaf is the most capable and deserving successor. Beowulf may have recognized Wiglaf's loyalty, bravery, and leadership qualities, making him the ideal candidate to lead the kingdom after his passing. This decision also indicates Beowulf's desire for continuity and stability, as he wants someone he trusts to continue his legacy and protect the kingdom from potential threats.Rate this question:
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- 22.
In honor of Beowulf's memory
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A statue is made
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Mead hall is built
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Tower is raised
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Tower is raisedExplanation
The given statement suggests that in honor of Beowulf's memory, a tower is raised. This implies that the people or community wanted to commemorate Beowulf by constructing a tall structure, possibly as a symbol of his strength, bravery, or achievements. The act of raising a tower could also signify the lasting impact and legacy of Beowulf, as towers are often associated with strength, protection, and prominence.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The setting for the events of this story are in
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England
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Denmark and Germany
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Denmark and Sweden
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Denmark and SwedenExplanation
The correct answer is Denmark and Sweden. This can be inferred from the information provided in the question. The question states that the setting for the events of the story are in Denmark and Sweden. Therefore, Denmark and Sweden are the correct options.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain. This Biblical reference known as an
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Allusion
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A mystery
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A translator's mistake
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Alliteration
Correct Answer
A. AllusionExplanation
The correct answer is "allusion" because the statement mentions that Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain, which is a reference to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. This reference is an allusion, as it refers to a well-known biblical event to enhance the understanding or meaning of Grendel's character.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The people who originated the story of Beowulf were known as
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Celts
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Anglo-Saxons
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Romans
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German
Correct Answer
A. Anglo-SaxonsExplanation
The correct answer is Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf is an epic poem that is believed to have been composed by the Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. The poem reflects the culture, values, and traditions of the Anglo-Saxon people, making them the likely originators of the story. The Celts, Romans, and Germans were also present in the region during different periods, but there is no evidence to suggest that they were responsible for the creation of Beowulf.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which one of the following is NOT an example of a kenning
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Word hoard (vocabulary)
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Whale road (ocean)
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Gem of heaven (sun)
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Great sea garment (ship's sail)
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Ecgtheow's son (Beowulf)
Correct Answer
A. Ecgtheow's son (Beowulf)Explanation
The given options are examples of kennings, which are poetic figures of speech used in Old English and Old Norse poetry. A kenning is a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to replace a single noun. In this case, "Ecgtheow's son" is not a kenning because it directly refers to Beowulf by his father's name, rather than using a metaphorical phrase or compound word to describe him.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which one do you like?
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Option 1
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Option 2
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Option 3
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Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Option 1Explanation
The question asks for the preference of the individual. Since the answer provided is "Option 1," it indicates that the individual likes the first option the most out of all the given options.Rate this question:
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- 28.
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward 2 In dusk of the dawning, as the day was just breaking, 3 Was Grendel’s prowess revealed to the warriors: 4 Then, his meal-taking finished, a moan was uplifted, 5 Morning-cry mighty. The man-ruler famous 6 The long-worthy atheling, sat very woeful, 7 Suffered great sorrow, sighed for his liegemen, The literary device evident in line 1 is
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Simile
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Kenning
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Alliteration
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Understatement
Correct Answer
A. AlliterationExplanation
The correct answer is alliteration. Alliteration is a literary device where the same consonant sound is repeated in close proximity, usually at the beginning of words. In line 1, the repetition of the "s" sound in "surfeit of slaughter sallying" is an example of alliteration.Rate this question:
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- 29.
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward 2 In dusk of the dawning, as the day was just breaking, 3 Was Grendel’s prowess revealed to the warriors: 4 Then, his meal-taking finished, a moan was uplifted, 5 Morning-cry mighty. The man-ruler famous 6 The long-worthy atheling, sat very woeful, 7 Suffered great sorrow, sighed for his liegemen, In line 5, the man-ruler famous refers to
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Hrothgar
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Breca
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Higlac
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Wulfgar
Correct Answer
A. HrothgarExplanation
In line 5, the phrase "the man-ruler famous" is used to describe the subject of the sentence. Based on the context of the passage, where the speaker is talking about the aftermath of a battle and the sorrow of the ruler, it can be inferred that the man-ruler being referred to is Hrothgar. Hrothgar is known as a famous ruler and is the one experiencing great sorrow and sighing for his liegemen. Therefore, the correct answer is Hrothgar.Rate this question:
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- 30.
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward 2 In dusk of the dawning, as the day was just breaking, 3 Was Grendel’s prowess revealed to the warriors: 4 Then, his meal-taking finished, a moan was uplifted, 5 Morning-cry mighty. The man-ruler famous 6 The long-worthy atheling, sat very woeful, 7 Suffered great sorrow, sighed for his liegemen, In line 3 the word prowess most closely means
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Skulking
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Murder
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Strength
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Bravery
Correct Answer
A. StrengthExplanation
In line 3, the word "prowess" most closely means "strength". This can be inferred from the context of the passage, where it is mentioned that Grendel's prowess was revealed to the warriors. Prowess refers to exceptional skill or ability, particularly in a physical or combat-related context. In this case, it suggests that Grendel's strength or power was made known to the warriors, highlighting his formidable nature.Rate this question:
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- 31.
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward 2 In dusk of the dawning, as the day was just breaking, 3 Was Grendel’s prowess revealed to the warriors: 4 Then, his meal-taking finished, a moan was uplifted, 5 Morning-cry mighty. The man-ruler famous 6 The long-worthy atheling, sat very woeful, 7 Suffered great sorrow, sighed for his liegemen, The Danes in the above passage can best be described as
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Remorseful
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Mournful
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Defiant
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Revengeful
Correct Answer
A. MournfulExplanation
The correct answer is "mournful". This is because the passage describes the Danes as being "very woeful" and "suffering great sorrow" after witnessing Grendel's prowess and the loss of their warriors. This suggests that they are filled with grief and sadness, which aligns with the meaning of mournful.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Which is true about Beowulf's final battle?
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Beowulf’s men rush to aid him in his battle with the dragon because he is their leader
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Beowulf’s men offer to fight the dragon for Beowulf because he is old and weak.
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Beowulf doesn’t bring any of his men with him to the dragon’s lair, preferring to fight the dragon alone.
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Beowulf is deserted by all of his men when he desperately needs them.
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Beowulf’s one supporter remains by his side during his battle, comforting him at his death.
Correct Answer
A. Beowulf’s one supporter remains by his side during his battle, comforting him at his death.Explanation
In Beowulf's final battle, he is deserted by all of his men when he desperately needs them. However, his one supporter remains by his side during his battle, comforting him at his death.Rate this question:
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- 33.
The treasure that the dragon was guarding:
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Is given to Beowulf’s one warrior who remained by his side during the final battle.
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Is buried with Beowulf in the burial tower by the sea.
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Is dispensed to Beowulf’s grieving people, the Geats.
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Disappears when the dragon dies.
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None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Is buried with Beowulf in the burial tower by the sea.Explanation
The correct answer is that the treasure that the dragon was guarding is buried with Beowulf in the burial tower by the sea. This explanation is supported by the fact that in the epic poem Beowulf, after Beowulf defeats the dragon, he is mortally wounded and requests to see the treasure before he dies. The treasure is then buried with Beowulf in a tower by the sea as a way to honor his bravery and accomplishments.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Beowulf may be helping Hrothgar because: I. Hyglac ordered Beowulf to help him II. Hrothgar paid Ectheow's wergild many years ago III. Beowulf wants to achieve fame
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Both I and III
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Both II and III
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I, II, and III
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Only I
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Only III
Correct Answer
A. Both II and IIIExplanation
Beowulf may be helping Hrothgar because Hrothgar paid Ectheow's wergild many years ago, which establishes a sense of debt and obligation between the two. Additionally, Beowulf wants to achieve fame, and helping Hrothgar and defeating the monster Grendel would bring him great glory and renown. Therefore, both reasons II and III contribute to Beowulf's motivation to assist Hrothgar.Rate this question:
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- 35.
The Christian monks who wrote Beowulf down probably disagreed with the Anglo-Saxon belief that
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Wyrd
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God
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Druids
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Heroes
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The king controlled man's destiny.
Correct Answer
A. WyrdExplanation
The Christian monks who wrote down Beowulf probably disagreed with the Anglo-Saxon belief that Wyrd (fate or destiny) controlled man's destiny. As Christians, they would have believed that God, not Wyrd, was in control of human destiny.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Unferth I. Mocks Beowulf for losing to Brecca in a swimming competition. II. Gives Beowulf Hrunting to fight Grendel's mother III. Beowulf wants to achieve fame
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Only I
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Only II
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Only III
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Both I and III
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Both I and II
Correct Answer
A. Both I and IIExplanation
Unferth mocks Beowulf for losing to Brecca in a swimming competition, which suggests that he doubts Beowulf's abilities and bravery. On the other hand, Unferth gives Beowulf his sword Hrunting to fight Grendel's mother, which shows that he trusts Beowulf and is willing to support him in his quest. Both of these actions demonstrate Unferth's conflicting attitudes towards Beowulf, making the correct answer "Both I and II".Rate this question:
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- 37.
Hrothgar's wife ___________________________ shows the limited role of women in the Anglo-Saxon culture as servers to warriors.
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Hrunting
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Brecca
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Hygd
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Wealtheow
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Scylding
Correct Answer
A. WealtheowExplanation
Wealtheow is the correct answer because she is Hrothgar's wife and her role in the story shows the limited role of women in Anglo-Saxon culture. She is depicted as a hostess and a peace-weaver, serving the warriors and maintaining harmony in the community. This portrayal highlights the societal expectation for women to support and serve the men in their lives.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Grendel's mother accomplishes all of the following EXCEPT:
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She takes back Grendel's arm
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She melts the sword with her blood
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She tears Beowulf's armor
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She resists Hrunting's blade
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She kills Hrothgar's best friend
Correct Answer
A. She tears Beowulf's armorExplanation
The given correct answer is "She tears Beowulf's armor". This means that Grendel's mother does not tear Beowulf's armor.Rate this question:
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- 39.
What two things does Beowulf state about Unferth that cast a bad light on Unferth's character/bravery?
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Unferth has married his sister; Unferth has run from Grendel on many occasions.
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Unferth is unable to support a wife; Unferth once lied to Hrothgar about his victories
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Unferth has killed some of his family; Unferth has been unable to stop Grendel's attacks.
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Unferth is related to Grendel, had an affair with Grendel's mother.
Correct Answer
A. Unferth has killed some of his family; Unferth has been unable to stop Grendel's attacks.Explanation
The two things that Beowulf states about Unferth that cast a bad light on his character/bravery are that Unferth has killed some of his family and that he has been unable to stop Grendel's attacks. These actions suggest that Unferth is both violent and ineffective in protecting his people from harm.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which statement best describes Grendel’s battle with Beowulf?
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Grendel immediately grabs ahold of Beowulf and rips off Beowulf’s arm.
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Grendel eats one warrior, and then Beowulf and Grendel grasp each other’s arms until Beowulf rips off Grendel’s arm.
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Grendel eats many warriors, and then Beowulf and Grendel grasp each other’s arms until Beowulf rips off Grendel’s arm.
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Beowulf meets Grendel at the door of the mead-hall and rips Grendel’s head off, killing him instantly.
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Beowulf waits for Grendel to enter the hall and then rips off Grendel’s head; Grendel runs back to his home to die.
Correct Answer
A. Grendel eats many warriors, and then Beowulf and Grendel grasp each other’s arms until Beowulf rips off Grendel’s arm.Explanation
In the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, Grendel initially feasts on multiple warriors. However, when Beowulf confronts him, they engage in a fierce struggle, grabbing each other's arms. Eventually, Beowulf manages to overpower Grendel and tears off his arm, defeating him.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Which statement is correct regarding weapons in battles against Grendel and Grendel's mother?
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Weapons couldn't hurt either creature because their skin was so thick
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Weapons couldn't hurt either creature because they had cast spells on man-made weapons.
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The only weapons that could harm the creatures were knives.
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Beowulf was the only warrior able to use weapons effectively against both creatures
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Weapons couldn't hurt either creature because their skin was so thickExplanation
The correct answer states that weapons couldn't hurt either creature because their skin was so thick. This means that the creatures, Grendel and Grendel's mother, had a strong and impenetrable skin that made them immune to the effects of weapons. This explains why previous attempts to harm them with weapons were unsuccessful.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Which statement is best completes the following: "Beowulf ended the battle with Grendel's mother by..."
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Strangling her and bringing both her body and Grendel's body to Hrothgar
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Using a magical sword to cut off her head and Grendel's head
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Ripping off her arm and bringing it to Hrothgar
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Using a magical sword to stab her to death
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Invoking a magic spell that caused her to burn under the water.
Correct Answer
A. Using a magical sword to cut off her head and Grendel's headExplanation
Beowulf ended the battle with Grendel's mother by using a magical sword to cut off both her head and Grendel's head. This statement suggests that Beowulf used a powerful weapon to defeat Grendel's mother and ensure her complete demise. By cutting off both heads, Beowulf not only avenged the death of Hrothgar's men but also eliminated any chance of Grendel's mother causing further harm. This action demonstrates Beowulf's strength and determination in defeating his enemies.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Grendel is an evil monster who devours the Danes.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because Grendel is described as an evil monster who terrorizes and kills the Danes in the epic poem Beowulf. He is depicted as a bloodthirsty creature who attacks the warriors in the mead hall, Herot, and continues to ravage the kingdom for years. Grendel's actions are seen as a threat to the Danes' safety and well-being, making him an evil and destructive force in the story.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Hrothgar personally tries to fight Grendel.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Hrothgar does not personally try to fight Grendel in the epic poem Beowulf. Instead, he relies on Beowulf and his warriors to defend Heorot against Grendel's attacks. Hrothgar is portrayed as an elderly and wise king who understands the limitations of his age and seeks the help of Beowulf, a young and skilled warrior, to defeat Grendel.Rate this question:
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- 45.
The Danes endure Grendel’s torture for five years before they ask for help.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the Danes do not endure Grendel's torture for five years before asking for help. In the epic poem Beowulf, the Danes suffer from Grendel's attacks for twelve years before seeking assistance.Rate this question:
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