EPIC
What are two important traits of an epic poem?
Long, narrative, extraordinary acts, hero protagonist, vast travels
What was the main purpose for the types literary devices used in Beowulf?
What two tribes are the central focus of Beowulf?
Geats and Danes
What language was Beowulf originally written in?
Old English
Why does Grendel attack the hall?
Their singing and partying angers him
TBD
What are two literary devices used in this quote?
"That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime,
Knew at once that nowhere on earth
Had he met a man whose hands were harder"
TBD
What was the purpose of the mead hall in society?
a community space, a show of power
Which two belief systems are incorporated in Beowulf?
Paganism and Christianity
Who does Grendel's Mother kill during her attack on Herot?
An important advisor to the king
Give two examples of Beowulf showing extraordinary confidence.
TBD
What is a kenning used to describe leaders?
ring-giver
What were two community values of the time?
confidence, bravery, kinship/lineage, loyalty, etc.
How did Beowulf become a written story?
It was transcribed and edited by monks.
Who succeeds Beowulf? Why?
Wiglaf, he showcases community values of bravery and loyalty by not abandoning Beowulf in his fight with the dragon
In Beowulf's Last Battle, what are two EPIC traits fail Beowulf??
- Community Values -> his men abandon him
- Supernatural Strength -> now an old man his strength fails him and he must try to rely on weapons
Which of the following line(s) contain a kenning?
A.Grendel was the name of this woe-walker,
B. With his own hands he had killed Heatholaf,
C. The dread of the land was desperate to escape,
D. Beowulf’s warriors worked to defend / their lord’s life,
A & C
Which of the following beliefs has some overlap for Christianity and Paganism?
A. Belief in one true god
B. Belief in fate/predestination
C. Belief in nature's divinity
D. Belief in Devil/Satan
B.
When was Beowulf created?
A. 7th-10th century
B. 13th-16th century
C. 3th-5th century
D. 20th century
A.
What is the downside of Beowulf's supernatural strength?
It causes swords to fail him.
What does the EPIC hero acronym stand for?
Embodies and protects community values
Possesses supernatural traits
Identifies a need to go on a quest
Carries themselves with confidence
What is the two purposes of caesura?
pacing, emphasis, reflective space
What community value is highlighted in the introduction of Shield Sheafson at the beginning of Beowulf?
lineage
Who wrote Beowulf?
Unknown Anglo-Saxon author
What are two of Beowulf's final requests?
- gather the dragon's treasure
- Wiglaf to lead the Geats
- honor him in burial
- build him a monument named for him