GENERAL HISTORY
What language was spoken in court during the reign of William the Conqueror?
Norman French
What is the Danelaw?
The area of Britain that the Vikings conquered and controlled during the 9th century AD.
What type of woman was the Wife of Bath?
She was a bold, articulate, intelligent woman who defied the gender roles at the time.
When did Marlowe write Dr Faustus?
He wrote Dr Faustus in ca. 1592-93.
When was the height of English Renaissance?
The English Renaissance was at its peak during the reign of Elizabeth I (secong half of 16th century)
When was the Norman Conquest?
In 1066
What´s a heroic narrative? Give an example
Epic poetic form where a hero strives to do better than anyone else, e.g. Beowulf
What new genre appeared in the 12th and 13th century?
The Romance which depicted knights who fight, play and love.
A man who is multitalented in literature, science, art, ...
Name 3 characteristics of the Elizabethan period
1. Nationalism
2. England turned into an economic power in Europe.
3. Values of the Reformation
4. Emergence of the Arts, especially literature
What was the Black Death?
The Bubonic plague in 1348, an illness that halved the population in Britain and Europe
Who is Beowulf? What heroic thing does he do?
Beowulf is a Geat warrior. He kills Grendel, a monster which was attacking the King of the Danes.
Explain how The Canterbury Tales is a link-and-frame story
The frame is the general prologue about the pilgrimage and the links are the pieces of narrative between the tales
How is Humanism reflected in Dr Faustus?
1. Classical references
2. The individual pursues knowledge
3. Values of honour and eloquence.
How did literature become important in the Renaissance?
1. Literary patronage
2. Street theatre, booksellers, universities
3. Tastes of the Middle class had a big influence
4. Contact with literature from other countries
Why was the invention of the printing press in 1440AD important?
The mass production of books increased literacy among the population, the use of vernacular languages and the spread of philosophical and religious currents.
NAME 3 FEATURES OLD ENGLISH POETRY.
1. EACH LINE IS MADE UP OF 2 HALF LINES
2. RHYTHM: EACH HALF - LINE HAS 2 STRESSED SYLLABLES
3. ALLITERATION, NO RHYMING!
Name 3 feature Middle English literature
1. Popular in origin and addressed to a popular audience
2. Variety of voices, genres, topics
3. Narratives of adventure
4. Women are present
Why does Dr Faustus go to hell?
He sells his soul to the Devil in order to achieve his biggest ambition: knowledge.
Name 3 types of tragedies and what type is Macbeth.
1. Historic plays (the beginning of Macbeth)
2. Heroic tragedies
3. Villain tragedies (Macbeth)
4. Revenge tragedies
What's the origin of Old English?
It's a West Germanic language, a mix of Late West Saxon and Germanic languages spoken by Vikings from the 5th until 12th century.
What is one of the central themes in Beowulf?
Beowulf embodies the heroic ideal and the values of the warrior society: loyalty, trust, respect, ...
Is this true? "The Canterbury Tales only represent the values of the aristocracy"
No, it's false. In The Canterbury Tales, the three states of the feudal society are represented: labourers, clergy and nobility + the new middle class of merchants.
What are morality plays?
Morality plays were a popular genre throughout the 15th and 16th century. They were allegorical plays where the audience were taught a moral lesson and good conduct. They were usually comical, unlike Dr Faustus
Name 3 figures of speech used in Macbeth
1. Similes
2. personification
3. Metaphors
4. Alliterations