Beowulf 1

Which of the following does not reflect the oral tradition of the epic Beowulf ?

• a. Before it was written down, the story of Beowulf was preserved for generations by word of mouth.
• b. Beowulf reflects the cultural tradition of telling stories in the mead-halls. 
• c. When the thanes feasted, the King gave the best portion of meat to the bravest warrior. 
• d. Scops memorized and recited the poetic verses of Beowulf as a form of entertainment.     

In Beowulf, why does Beowulf sail with his chosen companions to Hrothgar’s kingdom?  

• a. to bring home treasures from that rich kingdom
  
• b.  to gain fame for themselves
  
• c.   to win glory by slaying a fire-breathing dragon
• 
  d. to take over Higlac’s throne                                

What does this line mean in Beowulf? "The monster was quick with his thoughts as he was quick with his claws."

• He has sharp claws.
• He is not trustworthy.
• He has intelligence.
• He is hungry.

Which of the following lines from Beowulf contains an example of kenning?  

• a. “ ‘Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days / Of my youth have been filled with glory.’ ”
• b. “Their guide reined in his horse, pointing / To that hall, built by Hrothgar for the best / And bravest of his men . . .”
  
• c. “The high hall rang, its roof boards swayed, / And Danes shook with terror.”
• d. “ ‘. . . I have come so far, / Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend, / That this one favor you should not refuse me . . . ’ ”                                

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

• Beowulf refuses to use weapons because Grendel uses none.
• 
  Beowulf vows to ambush Grendel and destroy the monster.      
• Higlac is Beowulf’s cousin.
• Beowulf is the strongest of the Geats.

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Grendel’s mother kills Hrothgar’s best friend and 

• Favorite dog
• Carries off Grendel’s arm
• son
• Steals his treasure

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Beowulf says he won’t use weapons against Grendel because

• It wouldn’t be a fair fight
• They won’t work against him
• He left them behind in Geatland
• Higlac might think less of him

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Grendel couldn’t harm Hrothgar’s throne because

• It was guarded
• He couldn’t reach it
• It was built by Giants
• It was protected by God

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Grendel caused problems for the Danes for

• One winter
• A decade
• 20 years
• 12 years

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Which of the following allusions does the poet make in reference to Grendel?

• Biblical story of Cain
• Reference to History of the English Speaking People
• Reference to the Anglo-Saxons
• Biblical story of Job

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