Anglo-Saxons
What kind of English did Anglo-Saxons speak?
Old English
An unnamed swamp hag, who is driven by vengeance over her son
Grendel's mother
What was Beowulf's downfall?
His vanity/hubris (insistence on fighting alone, desire for personal fame and glory)
The person who recited Anglo-Saxon poems was called a what?
"Up from his swampland, sliding silently" is an example of what literary device?
Alliteration
What Historical time period did the Anglo-Saxons live?
Dark Ages "Early Medieval Period" (410-1066)
Who was the king of the Danes that was tormented by Grendel?
King Hrothgar
Name two themes and/or archetypes present in Beowulf
Good vs. Evil
Hero's Journey
Defining Heroism
Fate vs. Freewill
Revenge/Justice (eye for an eye)
Intersection of Paganism and Christianity
Stock characters: "the monster" (Grendel), the "mother bear" (Grendel's mother), the "loyal retainer" (Wiglaf)
What is the name of the honey-wine drunk by the Anglo-Saxons?
Mead
“At times the war-band broke into a gallop.” What literary device is used in this quotation?
Kenning
What religion did Anglo-Saxons practice?
Initially pagan (polytheistic, shares norse roots) but over time they became christianized.
Who says, “No weapons, therefore, for either this
night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares.
And may the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the
glory of victory to whichever side He sees fit”?
Beowulf
What purpose did boasting serve in the epic poem, Beowulf?
It was a means for a hero to communicate commitment to a mission while establishing credibility and social status. The frequent inclusion of boasts reveals traits Anglosaxons valued in a hero such as confidence/pride, bravery, pedigree and the desire for glory. The opportunity and social acceptability of boasting incentivized men to risk their lives for the sake of the community.
What is an Anglo-Saxon warrior called?
Thane
"Fiend out of Hell" and "King of the Danes" are examples of what literary device
What kind of tribe were the Anglo-Saxons? From what country?
Germanic
Who is the character being described in the
following: “When he saw his lord tormented by the
heat of his scalding helmet, he remembered the
bountiful gifts bestowed upon him […] and now the
youth was to enter the line of battle with his lord”?
Wiglaf
List three conventions of an epic poem
Fatal flaw (such as hubris)
Traditionally recited by scops/bards and accompanied by music
Intended to preserve history
Begins in the middle of the action (in medias res)
It does not rhyme, but creates rhythm through repetition and literary devices (such as alliteration)
Contains figurative language and prolonged metaphors/similes
Vast setting including descent into some kind of underworld
Clearly states the theme
Invocation of a muse
Presence of Divine Intervention
Features an epic hero and some kind of battle
Traditional Good Vs. Evil
Includes long formal speeches (such as boasting)
Inclusion of epithet
Lair
A hidden resting place or home used by a wild animal, or a secret hideout where a person goes to hide, relax, or work.
Describing Beowulf's physical prowess as being "greater and stronger than anyone, anywhere in this world" is an example of what literary device?
Hyperbole
Name three values held by the Anglosaxons as portrayed in Beowulf
Values:
generous
loyal
brave
ambitious
warrior
superhuman skill/abilities
confident/boasting
favored by God
of noble/famous lineage
successful in battle
Vices:
Who were the men who followed Higlac?
Geats
Is there propaganda/rhetoric present in Beowulf (i.e. was the epic poem intending to influence or persuade its intended audience)? Why or why not?
The Anglosaxons existed in a "proto-feudal" society where loyalty to one's lord and willingness to defend one's people were vital to the survival of their way of life. By lionizing characters such as Beowulf and Wiglaf, particularly their loyalty to their families/rulers and willingness to risk their lives in battle, the epic poem is encouraging those same values in its audience.
Textual Evidence:
Wiglaf: “I’d rather burn myself than see Flames swirling around my Lord.
Narrator's commentary: "So should all men raise up swords for their lords”
Wyrd
Personal fate or destiny, often seen as an unyielding and grim force.
Name three reasons literary devices are used?
Possible answers:
Create a sense of rhythm
Gives depth to a story
Helps readers conjure mental images
Gives characters dimension, reveals the emotional intensity of the character
Draw attention to and reinforce themes
Help readers emotionally invest in a text (creates tension, empathy)
Helps with pacing and structure (such as foreshadowing and flashbacks)
Sets a mood/tone (for example, depressing or creepy)