1.
When the Beowulf-poet says, Grendel refuses to "pay the death price," what is he referring to? (one answer)
Correct Answer
A. Wergild
Explanation
The correct answer is wergild. Wergild refers to the payment or compensation that is given to the family or kin of a person who has been killed, as a way to prevent further bloodshed and maintain peace. In the context of Beowulf, Grendel refuses to pay this death price, indicating his defiance and disregard for the social and cultural norms of the time.
2.
Grendel is the descendent of this biblical character (one word, a name).
Correct Answer
Cain
Explanation
Grendel is the descendent of Cain, a biblical character. In the Bible, Cain is the eldest son of Adam and Eve, and he is known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel out of jealousy. As a result, he is cursed and becomes a wanderer. In the epic poem "Beowulf," Grendel is depicted as a monstrous creature who is descended from Cain and wreaks havoc on the Danes. This connection between Grendel and Cain emphasizes the theme of the consequences of sin and the perpetual cycle of violence in the poem.
3.
Who is the first of the Danes to recognize Beowulf for what he is?
Correct Answer
A. "The watchman on the wall, the Shieldings' lookout"
Explanation
The correct answer is "The watchman on the wall, the Shieldings' lookout". In the epic poem Beowulf, the watchman on the wall is the first Dane to recognize Beowulf for what he is. This watchman is stationed on the wall of Heorot, the meadhall of the Shieldings, and he spots Beowulf and his men approaching. He immediately recognizes their noble and heroic qualities and informs Hrothgar, the king, about their arrival. This recognition sets the stage for Beowulf's eventual meeting with Hrothgar and the subsequent events of the poem.
4.
Hrothgar once helped Beowulf's father, and that, in part, is why Beowulf helps him.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that Hrothgar had previously helped Beowulf's father, and as a result, Beowulf feels obligated to help Hrothgar in return. This indicates a sense of loyalty and gratitude between the two characters, which is why the answer is true.
5.
Grendel's abode, his mere, is very much a vision of hell on earth.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that Grendel's abode, referred to as his mere, is a representation or embodiment of hell on earth. This implies that the place is extremely unpleasant, chaotic, and filled with suffering, similar to the concept of hell. Therefore, the correct answer is true, indicating that Grendel's abode is indeed a vision of hell on earth.
6.
This king "brought little joy to the Danish people, only death and destruction." (one word, his name)
Correct Answer
Heremod
Explanation
Heremod is the correct answer because he is described as a king who brought death and destruction instead of joy to the Danish people. This implies that his reign was marked by violence and suffering, causing harm to his subjects rather than providing them with happiness and prosperity.
7.
This section of Beowulf tells the origin of the dragon's treasure.
Correct Answer
B. Lament of the Last Survivor
Explanation
This section of Beowulf is titled "Lament of the Last Survivor" because it describes the origin of the dragon's treasure. The word "lament" suggests a sense of sorrow or mourning, which is fitting as the last survivor is reflecting on the events that led to the dragon's treasure being acquired. The term "survivor" implies that the individual has endured some sort of hardship or tragedy, further emphasizing the somber tone of the section.
8.
What is the name of the sword that fails Beowulf in the dragon-fight?
Correct Answer
B. Naeling
9.
Wiglaf is a member of this group.
Correct Answer
A. Geoguth
Explanation
Wiglaf is a member of the geoguth group.
10.
Beowulf's people live to enjoy the dragon's treasure.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is false. Beowulf's people do not live to enjoy the dragon's treasure. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf defeats the dragon but is fatally wounded in the process. After his death, the dragon's treasure is buried with Beowulf in his funeral mound. Therefore, Beowulf's people do not get to enjoy the dragon's treasure.