Senior Literature Final Exam Study Guide
Terminology:
 Heptarchy
 Frame Story
 Kenning
 Heroic Code
 Courtly Love
 Wergild
 Alliteration
 Epic
 Mystery, miracle, morality plays
 Germanic Code of Loyalty
2 essay ?’s @ 10 pts. Each for Beowulf:
 How is sympathy for Beowulf encouraged in this epic? Support your ideas with
reference to the poem.
 What are Beowulf’s virtues? How might these virtues be especially important to a
warrior society? Support your answers with details from the selection.
CHOOSE 2 of the following for Macbeth @ 15 pts. Each.
1. In constructing Macbeth, Shakespeare dramatically altered historical characters to
enhance certain themes. Examine Shakespeare's sources and discuss why he made
these radical changes.
2. Is Lady Macbeth more responsible than Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan?
Is Lady Macbeth a more evil character than her husband and, if so, why?
3. The sleepwalking scene in Act V is one of the most memorable in all of drama.
Relate this scene to the overall play and examine what makes Lady Macbeth's
revelation so provoking.
4. Choose two of the minor characters in Macbeth and examine how they contribute
to the play's action.
5. The witches tell Banquo that he will be the father of future kings. How does
Banquo's reaction reveal his true character?
6. Examine Macbeth's mental deterioration throughout the play.
7. Discuss the speech Macbeth gives upon hearing that his wife is dead in Act V,
Scene V. How do his words capture one of the major themes in the drama?
8. The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it
motivate Macbeth's actions?
Part II. Reading Comprehension
You will have a short story to read and answer questions for.
You MAY bring outlines/notes on a 4X6 note card for each of the essay
questions. You MAY NOT bring in the completed essays.
You must KNOW the terminology