The Epic Tradition
What do epic poems celebrate?
A hero's deeds.
How did Caedmon spend his life prior to his dream?
He lived a secular life life tending stables, and he avoided performing at gatherings (believing he wasn't talented)
By describing the Knight's apparel, how was Chaucer characterizing the Knight?
Through a description of his appearance.
What are inferences?
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. If something is ubiquitous,
__________. a. it is fuzzy and will bite you
b. it is everywhere
c. it costs too much money
d. it causes rashes What is imagery?
B- It is everywhere
What's the difference between stock epithets and kennings?
Stock epithets are compound adjectives that point out special traits of particular people/things; Kennings are poetic synonyms.
What can we infer about monasteries from the story?
Monasteries were a center for learning.
How would you paraphrase the following sentence: The thoughtless lass her mother did distress
The inconsiderate girl worried her mother
What are the four characteristics of a romance?
1- Idealized or larger-than-life characters.
2- A hero who faces a challenge or test.
3- exotic settings and supernatural or magical elements
4- hidden or mistaken identity
Our baseball team's pitcher has a few eccentric habits, such as throwing exactly thirteen warm-up pitches and never wearing socks.
What does eccentric most likely mean?
Strange.
What is alliteration?
The repetition of consonant sounds.
What effect did Caedmon have on people?
How were Chaucer's opinions of certain characters included in the text?
Through his direct, or explicit, comments about them.
How do you explain the lady's behavior at the castle?
She was purposely trying to lure him into breaking his oath so that he'd fail the test.
In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.
A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.
a. tickle
b. amuse
c. lose or misplace
d. frighten or intimidate
D
What are the conventions of epic heroes?
1- Being of noble birth
2- Exhibiting characteristics that reflect the ideals of society
3- Having superhuman strength
4- Performing actions that determine the fate of a nation
What's the author's primary purpose?
To inform people about how a life can be changed through God.
Why is Chaucer an important literary figure?
He was the first to show English as a respectable literary language.
What's the author's likely purpose of writing the story?
To show the value of honor and loyalty.
Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!
In the above context, what does “rash” mean?
a. an itchy skin condition
b. funny
c. trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese
d. with little thought or consideration
D.
What conventions do epics share?
1- Settings are vast in scope (often spanning more than one nation)
2- Plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events/May involve long dangerous journeys
3- Dialogue includes long formal speeches
4- Theme reflects timeless values
5- Style includes formal diction and a serious tone
What conclusion did the abbess make about Caedmon's newfound ability?
That it was a gift from God.
Characterization is a way to..?
Develop characters.
Why didn't the GG strike Gawain on his first two tries?
As a reward for Gawain's honesty his first two knights at the castle.
The coach takes every opportunity to censure his players, yet he ignores every opportunity to praise them.
What does censure most likely mean?
Criticize.