Beowulf
This is the term for a character who contrasts with another character (typically the protagonist) in order to better highlight or differentiate certain qualities of that character.
When the poet contrasts Beowulf with the evil king Heremod, he is using this literary technique.
What is a foil?
When the poet calls fog "cloud-murk" he is using this Anglo-Saxon literary element.
What is a Kenning?
What are Sweden and Denmark?
When the poet references the Biblical Flood, he is using this literary technique.
What is allusion?
When the poet tells us that Beowulf is a Geat, is a thane of Hygelac, and is brave he is using this type of characterization.
What is direct characterization?
This is the term for the technique that authors use to prepare readers for later events in the narrative by providing anticipatory references to or suggestions of those events early on.
What is foreshadowing?
"...brother with a sword. Branded an outlaw." is an example of this poetic form.
What is Alliterative Verse?
This is the term encompassing all of the literary techniques that an author uses to represent a character.
What is characterization?
Beowulf was likely recorded by its poet between these two years.
What are 680 and 835?
This term designates the overall feeling or atmosphere of the text.
What is mood?
"Above all else, guard your heart, / for everything you do flows from it" is an example of what literary term?
What is a maxim?
This is the term for the repetition of the initial consonant or vowel sound.
What is alliteration?
After Beowulf kills Grendel, the poet builds suspense by using this literary technique; while the Danish warriors go to bed, assuming themselves to be safe and secure, the reader is aware the Grendel's mother is preparing to attack.
What is dramatic irony?
When the poet describes Beowulf's well-made chainmail, implying that he is noble, he is using this type of characterization.
What is indirect characterization?
This is the term for a reference to a literary or historical person, place, work, or event with which the reader is assumed to be familiar.
What is allusion?
When the poet implies or hints that Heorot will one day burn, he is using this literary technique.
What is foreshadowing?
"Valiance is a virtue often vacant from these vermin" is an example of this literary technique.
What is alliteration?
A type of poetic form that follows particular metrical and alliterative rules, Anglo-Saxon poetry uses this as its dominant method of poetic expression.
What is alliterative verse?
This is the term for a short, concise statement, usually drawn from experience or inculcating some practical advice.
What is a maxim?
When the poet describes the Danes sacrificing to pagan gods, he has an aside in which he criticizes them and reveals his attitude of disdain for pagan religions, an example of this literary technique.
What is tone?
This is the term for a moment in a narrative when the readers know something that the character doesn’t.
What is dramatic irony?
This is the term for a compound of two nouns, with the qualities of each now united to create a new metaphor.
What is a kenning?
This term refers to the author/narrator’s attitude toward the subject matter.
What is tone?
When the poet describes the haunted moor, he uses imagery to create an atmosphere of foreboding, fear, and darkness, an example of this literary technique.
What is mood?