Beowulf Pre-Reading Quiz (use your notes!)

The Middle Ages are often referred to as

• the Dark Ages
• the Belle Epoch
• the Golden Period

Around what year is it believed that the epic was first written down?

• 44 BCE
• 1000 CE
• 1599
• 1770s

In what language was the epic first written?

• Danish
• Swedish
• (old) English
• German

What is this?

• Beowulf's house
• A mead hall
• Grendel's lair
• An vote polling location

What is this?

• recycling heap
• funeral pyre
• compost pile
• ritualistic offering to Wyrd

Which Biblical figure is Grendel's mom?

• Cain
• Abel
• Eve
• Noah

What is the name of the Irish poet whose translation we will read?

• Kenneth Branagh
• James Joyce
• Bram Stoker
• Seamus Heaney

Read the Historical Background page in your packet. See the Appeal and Value section. Which is NOT a reason Beowulf interests contemporary (modern) readers?

• It's an exciting adventure story
• It has a noble hero
• It deals with relatable human behaviors like jealousy, cowardice, and maturity
• It involves a female protagonist

Read the Historical Background page in your packet. See the Germanic Hero section to complete this line: “The pagan warriors of the northern lands believed… ____________ could be achieved only through __________ that lasted beyond one’s _________. "

• immortality; fame; death
• immortality; faith; death
• eternal life; heroic actions; death

Read the Historical Background page in your packet. See the Germanic Hero section to complete this line: In a time of extreme difficulties, "it made sense to take pleasure in whatever good things life offered. So eating, drinking, receiving gifts, and _________ and ________ were highly valued.”

• family; friends
• achieving fame; honor
• earning degrees; money