1.
Why does the poet mention Scyld Scefing at the beginning of the poem?
Correct Answer
B. Scyld is the paragon of what it means to be an heroic king
Explanation
The poet mentions Scyld Scefing at the beginning of the poem because he is portrayed as the ideal example of a heroic king. By introducing Scyld first, the poet establishes the standard of kingship that the following characters, such as Hrothgar, strive to achieve. Scyld's qualities and actions serve as a benchmark for the heroic ideals that are celebrated throughout the poem.
2.
Why does Grendel attack Heorot?
Correct Answer
B. He hates the sound of joy and music
Explanation
Grendel attacks Heorot because he hates the sound of joy and music. This is evident from the fact that whenever the people in Heorot celebrate and make merry, Grendel feels a deep sense of anger and resentment towards their happiness. The noise and merriment in Heorot disturb him, causing him to attack and terrorize the people in an attempt to silence their joy.
3.
Why can’t the men kill Grendel?
Correct Answer
C. Weapons do not harm Grendel
Explanation
The reason the men cannot kill Grendel is because weapons do not harm him. This suggests that Grendel possesses some sort of supernatural or invulnerable quality that renders him immune to physical harm from conventional weapons.
4.
How long does Grendel attack Heorot?
Correct Answer
C. For twelve years
Explanation
Grendel attacks Heorot for twelve years. This is evident in the epic poem "Beowulf" where Grendel is depicted as a monstrous creature terrorizing the mead hall of Heorot every night for twelve years. The attacks cause great fear and devastation among the warriors until Beowulf arrives to defeat Grendel and put an end to the attacks.
5.
From whence does Beowulf come?
Correct Answer
C. Geatland
Explanation
Beowulf comes from Geatland. This is evident from the epic poem Beowulf, where the protagonist, Beowulf, is described as a Geatish warrior who travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar fight against the monster Grendel. Geatland is believed to be located in what is now modern-day Sweden.
6.
What does Beowulf boast he is going to do to Grendel?
Correct Answer
D. Destroy him with his bare hands
Explanation
Beowulf boasts that he is going to destroy Grendel with his bare hands. This shows Beowulf's immense strength and bravery, as he is willing to face the monstrous Grendel in close combat without any weapons. It also highlights Beowulf's confidence in his own abilities, as he believes he can defeat Grendel using only his physical strength. This demonstrates Beowulf's heroic and fearless nature, as he is willing to take on such a formidable opponent using only his own power.
7.
What great deed (of his own) does Beowulf tell to Unferth?
Correct Answer
A. How he survived the swimming match with Breca
Explanation
Beowulf tells Unferth about his great deed of surviving the swimming match with Breca. This demonstrates Beowulf's strength and endurance as he was able to swim for a long distance and survive the challenges of the match. It also showcases his bravery and determination to overcome difficult situations. This story establishes Beowulf's reputation as a formidable warrior and adds to his heroic status.
8.
What kind of hall is Heorot?
Correct Answer
A. A mead hall
Explanation
Heorot is a mead hall. A mead hall is a large hall or building where people gather to drink mead, a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey. Mead halls were an important social and cultural center in Anglo-Saxon and Viking societies, serving as a place for feasting, storytelling, and entertainment. Heorot, specifically, is the name of the mead hall in the Old English epic poem Beowulf.
9.
What is the name of Hrothgar's wife?
Correct Answer
D. Wealtheow
Explanation
Wealtheow is the correct answer because she is the wife of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, in the epic poem Beowulf. She is portrayed as a wise and noble queen who plays an important role in the story. Wealtheow is known for her hospitality and diplomatic skills, as she tries to maintain peace and harmony in her husband's kingdom. Her character symbolizes the ideal queen and demonstrates the values of loyalty and leadership.
10.
Where is Heorot located?
Correct Answer
A. Denmark
Explanation
Heorot is located in Denmark.
11.
Who built Heorot?
Correct Answer
A. Hrothgar
Explanation
Hrothgar is the correct answer because he is the one who built Heorot. Heorot is a great mead-hall described in the Old English epic poem Beowulf. Hrothgar, the Danish king, built Heorot as a symbol of his power and wealth. It was a grand hall where warriors gathered to feast and celebrate. Hrothgar's construction of Heorot plays a significant role in the story as it attracts the attention of the monster Grendel, leading to the events of the poem.
12.
To which Biblical character is Grendel compared?
Correct Answer
A. Cain
Explanation
In the epic poem Beowulf, Grendel is compared to Cain, a character from the Bible. This comparison is made because both Grendel and Cain are depicted as outcasts and murderers. In the Bible, Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy and is subsequently cursed by God. Similarly, Grendel is a monstrous creature who terrorizes the people of Heorot and is ultimately defeated by the hero Beowulf. The comparison highlights the themes of sin, exile, and the consequences of violence in both the biblical story of Cain and the epic poem of Beowulf.