English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of government is Beowulf set in?

1. Anarchy

2. Democracy

3. Totalitarian

4. Hereditary Monarchy

The correct answer is: Hereditary Monarchy

Beowulf is an epic poem set in a time period during which the rule of law was often dictated by a specific family or royalty, making D, hereditary monarchy, the best answer. A, anarchy, is incorrect because Beowulf takes place during a time when rulers had a strong presence and centralized power. B, democracy, is incorrect because democracy was not a form of government during the time period in which Beowulf was set. It was not until several centuries later that democracy began to emerge in Europe. C, totalitarian, is incorrect because this type of government did not yet exist during the time period of Beowulf. Totalitarian governments were not established until centuries later.