Beowulf/Anglo Saxon Review

Question 1

Beowulf was important because it was the first piece of national __________ literature

Accepted Answer

Anglo-Saxon

Question 2

What does this line mean: “the monster’s thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws”

Accepted Answer

He's intelligent

Question 3

Which phrase best restates the underlined words in this quotation "had driven affliction / Off, purged Herot clean"?

Accepted Answer

had rid the land of pain and suffering

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

to help Hrothgar by destroying a monster and gaining fame

Question 5

Which of these words best fits the image here: "The dragon / Coiled and uncoiled, its heart urging it / Into battle."

Accepted Answer

Writhing

Question 6

What is a kenning?

Accepted Answer

A compound metaphor

Question 7

When used to describe Beowulf, the phrase “noble protector of all seamen” is an example of

Accepted Answer

Kenning

Question 8

Which of the following statements best supports the idea that Beowulf is an epic hero?

Accepted Answer

He embodies the ideals of Anglo-Saxon society

Question 9

Grendel couldn’t harm Hrothgar’s throne because...

Accepted Answer

It was protected by God

Question 10

In Beowulf, Beowulf slays Grendel to

Accepted Answer

save Hrothgar and the Danes from the Monster

Question 11

Beowulf says he won’t use weapons against Grendel because...

Accepted Answer

It wouldn't be a fair fight

Question 12

Grendel caused problems for the Danes for...

Accepted Answer

12 years

Question 13

Which of the following is not an element of the epic genre?

Accepted Answer

Lighthearted tone

Question 14

Which of the following statements best shows that Beowulf has the ethics of an epic hero?

Accepted Answer

Wins a swimming contest across the ocean, Berates Unferth for killing his own men

Question 15

“No one / waited for reparation from his plundering claws” (lines 72–73). In this context, what does reparation mean?

Accepted Answer

Mercy

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Beowulf refuses to use weapons because Grendel uses none.

Question 17

When Beowulf requests that he alone “May purge all evil from this hall,” what does he mean by purge?

Accepted Answer

Cleanse and purify

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Cain

Question 19

What last thoughts does Beowulf express as he is dying?

Accepted Answer

a desire for respect and pride in his ability to protect his people

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The bravest warrior got the best meat from the leader

Question 21

Which of the following quotations from Beowulf contains a kenning?

Accepted Answer

The king of Sweden's nephew

Questions 21