Literary Terms
Beowulf: The Poem
History
Beowulf, the Poem (2)
Farrago
100
This is the repetition of consonant sounds in accented syllables.
What is alliteration?
100
When and where the action of Beowulf takes place.
What is c.500-600, Scandinavia?
100
The year of the Battle of Hastings.
What is 1066 AD?
100
This is why the death of Grendel’s mother is ironic.
What is that she was killed by her own sword (magic killed magic)?
100
The moment that Grendel realizes Beowulf's strength, his instinct is to do this.
What is flee? Rank cowardice.
200
This literary term is displayed in this line: “the monster’s thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws . . .”
What is simile?
200
The year Beowulf was most likely composed.
What is 750 AD?
200
The dates of the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) and Medieval Periods.
What is 449 - 1485? (The division is 1066)
200
The reason that a dying Beowulf passes his gold necklace to Wiglaf.
What is to pass the kingship of Geatland to him?
200
This is a possible theme of Beowulf.
What is that valor will triumph?
300
The literary term displayed in This line: “. . . Journeyed, forever joyless . . .”
What is alliteration?
300
This is the weapon that Beowulf uses to kill Grendel’s mother.
What is a giant's (magical) sword?
300
The Old English word for a storyteller.
What is scop?
300
Why Beowulf’s men cannot help him with their weapons during his fight with Grendel.
What is they are useless against Grendel because they have been cursed by magic?
300
These are the weapons that Beowulf will use to fight Grendel, and why he will use those weapons.
What is that he will use NO weapons, because Grendel uses none? (fair fight)
400
The literary term displayed twice in the line, “That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime . . .”
What is kenning?
400
These are three characteristics of epic poetry.
What is: 1. Great proven warrior as the protagonist – The Epic Hero; 2. Great Events – historical importance; 3. Hero struggles against (usually supernatural) evil to restore order; 4. VAST Journeys – Quests; 5. Reflect the values and ideals (dreams, aspirations, fears) of the people of the times; 6. Belief in God//fate
400
These are three cultures that influenced the evolution of Old English.
What is Roman (Latin); Vikings (Old Norse); Normans (Old French? also, Celtic and Gaelic tongues
400
Beowulf’s last request.
What is build a monument on the shore to remember him?
400
This is to whom the poet gives credit for Beowulf's victory over Grendel's mother.
What is God's judgment?
500
The literary term displayed in this line, and in most lines in Beowulf: “ . . . Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom . . .”
What is caesura?
500
This is the definition of epic poem.
What is a long narrative poem, usually developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure?
500
The year the Great Plague destroyed a third of the population of England.
What is 1348?
500
The reason Wiglaf gives that he and the men should help Beowulf fight the dragon.
What is that they have betrayed Beowulf by running, so they should repay Beowulf’s kindness in the past with their lives?
500
These are four Anglo-Saxon values that we have discussed (based on Beowulf's virtues).
What is bravery (courage); fairness (honor); duty; piety (belief in gods/fate); ambition (for fame); loyalty; kinship; armor/weapons
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