Beowulf Test Review

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

kingdom?

• to bring home treasures from that rich kingdom

• to win glory by slaying a fire-breathing dragon

• to help Hrothgar by destroying a monster

• to take over the throne of Higlac

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

• Beowulf refuses to use weapons because Grendel uses none.

• Beowulf vows to ambush Grendel and destroy the monster.

• Beowulf is the strongest of the Geats.

• Higlac is Beowulf’s cousin.

In Beowulf, how does Grendel die?

• Beowulf grips Grendel and chokes him to death.

• Hrothgar and Beowulf attack Grendel with iron spears.

• In one-to-one combat, Beowulf tears off Grendel’s arm.

• The companions of Beowulf attack Grendel with their swords.

In Beowulf, what is the main reason Wiglaf thinks that he and his companions should help Beowulf fight the dragon?

• Beowulf is too old and sick to fight.

• Doing so will increase Beowulf’s chances of victory.

• By fighting, Beowulf’s companions can claim shares in the monster’s treasure.

• In the past, they had promised to repay Beowulf’s kindness with their loyalty.

If a certain place can correctly be described as a lair, which of the following must be true?

• It serves as a rest stop.

• It serves as a storage area.

• It serves as a living or hiding place.

• It serves as a place for storing weapons.

Which of the following things would most likely be described as gruesome?

• an unusual rock formation

• an oddly shaped vegetable

• a horrible automobile accident

• a demanding physical challenge

If an animal can correctly be described as writhing, which of the following must be true?

• It is chewing.

• It is enormous.

• It is squirming.

• It is multicolored.

What does this statement tell you about Grendel, the first monster described in the selection from Beowulf?

The monster’s / Thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws. . . .

• He is hungry.

• He has sharp claws.

• He is not trustworthy.

• He has intelligence and cleverness.

Which of the following best summarizes the theme, or main lesson, of

Beowulf?

• Might makes right.

• Valor will triumph.

• Brains are superior to brawn.

• Wickedness cannot be defeated.

Which choice best paraphrases the underlined words in this excerpt from Beowulf?

. . . they could hack at Grendel From every side, trying to open A path for his evil soul, but their points Could not hurt him. . . . (lines 370–373)

• to kill him

• to help him escape

• to turn his soul to God

• to drive him out of the hall