Anglo-Saxon & Medieval Basics
The purpose of oral tradition in the Middle Ages was to preserve what?
What are Stories, values, and history
Which monster does Beowulf defeat?
Grendel
What is hagiography?
→ The study of the lives of saints
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?
→ Geoffrey Chaucer
The Renaissance is best described as a time of what?
→ Cultural rebirth and growth in learning
Beowulf is written in what poetic style?
→ Alliterative verse
Sir Gawain is tested on what quality by the Green Knight?
→ Honor and chivalry
What is a devotional text designed to do?
→ Inspire religious devotion
Where are the pilgrims traveling?
→ Canterbury
Why was the printing press important?
→ It spread knowledge and literacy
What does wyrd mean in Anglo-Saxon culture?
→ Fate
King Arthur is considered a Christ figure because he…
sacrifices himself for his people
Ballads were popular because they were ________.
→ Easy to memorize and pass through oral tradition
In which month does the pilgrimage begin?
→ April
Who wrote Macbeth?
William Shakespeare
Why was the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle written?
→ To record and inform
Sir Bedivere resembles the Apostle Peter because he…
disobeys Arthur three times
A ballad is best described as what type of poem/song?
→ A sad song about a person’s life
Why is the General Prologue significant?
→ It introduces characters and provides social commentary
A tragedy is a play that ends how?
→ In death or great suffering
What two cultural elements does Beowulf blend?
→ Anglo-Saxon customs and Christian morality
Who recorded Caedmon’s Hymn?
→ Bede
What type of play is Everyman?
→ A morality play
Who is the main character in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”?
→ Chanticleer
The witches in Macbeth mainly serve to do what?
→ Foreshadow dark events and create suspense