Literary Terms, Devices And Plot Used In The Epic Poem Beowulf

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1. Grendel is an evil monster who devours the Danes.

Explanation

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.

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Literary Terms, Devices And Plot Used In The Epic Poem Beowulf - Quiz

This test will show your understanding of the literary terms, devices and plot used in the epic poem Beowulf.

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2. Who created the story of Beowulf?

Explanation

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.

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3. Grendel and the other giants are descendants of

Explanation

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.

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4. Which of the following is not true about Beowulf?

Explanation

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5. The jeweled cup brings peace to a slave but stirs up the anger of the

Explanation

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.

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6. Why is the dragon in rage? 

Explanation

The dragon is in rage because a golden cup is stolen from it.

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7. Grendel cannot touch Hrothgar's throne because it is

Explanation

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.

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8. Before Beowulf dies he asks Wiglaf to

Explanation

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.

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9. Who questions Beowulf's stories?

Explanation

Unferth questions Beowulf's stories.

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10. What weapon does Beowulf use to kill Grendel?

Explanation

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.

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11. 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  

Explanation

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.

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12. Where is Beowulf from?

Explanation

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.

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13. The Danes endure Grendel's torture for five years before they ask for help.

Explanation

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.

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14. 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  

Explanation

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.

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15. The people who originated the story of Beowulf were known as

Explanation

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.

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16. Hrothgar personally tries to fight Grendel.

Explanation

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.

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17. How did Hrothgar know of Beowulf?

Explanation

Hrothgar knew of Beowulf because Beowulf had done a favor for his father.

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18. The setting for the events of this story are in

Explanation

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.

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19. Beowulf is mortally wounded by the

Explanation

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.

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20. Hrothgar's wife ___________________________  shows the limited role of women in the Anglo-Saxon culture as servers to warriors. 

Explanation

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.

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21. Which is true about Beowulf's final battle? 

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.

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22. Which statement is best completes the following:  "Beowulf ended the battle with Grendel's mother by..."

Explanation

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.

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23. Which one do you like?

Explanation

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.

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24. Beowulf brings Hrothgar

Explanation

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.

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25. 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  

Explanation

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.

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26. In honor of Beowulf's memory

Explanation

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.

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27. The treasure that the dragon was guarding:

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.

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28. What two things does Beowulf state about Unferth that cast a bad light on Unferth's character/bravery? 

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.

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29. 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

Explanation

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.

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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  

Explanation

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.

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31. Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain.  This Biblical reference known as an

Explanation

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.

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32. Which one of the following is NOT an example of a kenning

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.

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33. Wiglaf sends a messenger to

Explanation

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.

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34. Beowulf sinks to the bottom of a lake and is carried by a female demon to

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.

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35. Hrothgar warns Beowulf to choose happiness and to push away

Explanation

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.

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36. Which statement best describes Grendel's battle with Beowulf?

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.

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37. The dragon lives in a

Explanation

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.

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38. Which statement is correct regarding weapons in battles against Grendel and Grendel's mother?

Explanation

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.

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39. 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

Explanation

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".

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40. Grendel's mother accomplishes all of the following EXCEPT: 

Explanation

The given correct answer is "She tears Beowulf's armor". This means that Grendel's mother does not tear Beowulf's armor.

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41. Beowulf becomes melancholy over

Explanation

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.

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42. The Christian monks who wrote Beowulf down probably disagreed with the Anglo-Saxon belief that

Explanation

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.

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43. Match the term with the definition that best describes it. 
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Grendel is an evil monster who devours the Danes.
Who created the story of Beowulf?
Grendel and the other giants are descendants of
Which of the following is not true about Beowulf?
The jeweled cup brings peace to a slave but stirs up the anger of the
Why is the dragon in rage? 
Grendel cannot touch Hrothgar's throne because it is
Before Beowulf dies he asks Wiglaf to
Who questions Beowulf's stories?
What weapon does Beowulf use to kill Grendel?
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward ...
Where is Beowulf from?
The Danes endure Grendel's torture for five years before they ask for...
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward ...
The people who originated the story of Beowulf were known as
Hrothgar personally tries to fight Grendel.
How did Hrothgar know of Beowulf?
The setting for the events of this story are in
Beowulf is mortally wounded by the
Hrothgar's wife ___________________________  shows the...
Which is true about Beowulf's final battle? 
Which statement is best completes the following:  "Beowulf...
Which one do you like?
Beowulf brings Hrothgar
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward ...
In honor of Beowulf's memory
The treasure that the dragon was guarding:
What two things does Beowulf state about Unferth that cast a bad light...
Beowulf may be helping Hrothgar because: ...
1 With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward ...
Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain.  This Biblical...
Which one of the following is NOT an example of a kenning
Wiglaf sends a messenger to
Beowulf sinks to the bottom of a lake and is carried by a female demon...
Hrothgar warns Beowulf to choose happiness and to push away
Which statement best describes Grendel's battle with Beowulf?
The dragon lives in a
Which statement is correct regarding weapons in battles against...
Unferth ...
Grendel's mother accomplishes all of the following EXCEPT: 
Beowulf becomes melancholy over
The Christian monks who wrote Beowulf down probably disagreed with the...
Match the term with the definition that best describes it. 
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