MPCS12thEnglish/Test
Terms
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- What is onomatopoeia?
- the use of a word whos sound imitates or suggests its meaning - boom, bang, clap, sizzle
- What is Beowulf?
- an epic poem - the first great work of English national literature - a short poem of approximately 3,200 lines composed in Old English
- What was the plot in Beowulf?
- the story begins with King Hrothgar's kingdom being attacked by Grendel (a man-eating monster who lives at the bottome of a mountain lake). When Beowulf learns of Hrothgar's troubles, he travels to Denmark planning to do battle with Grendel. Hrothgar has boasted of his past achievements saying he was equal to challenge Grendel. First, Beowulf announces that he will fight the monster (Grendel) without any weapons. Beowulf fights Grendel unarmed and tears his arm off mortally wounding the monster. Grendel goes back to his swamp to die. Hrothgar gives gifts to Beowulf and throws a feast in his honor. Grendel's mother, Aeschere, comes to avenge the death of her son - she comes to get even with Beowulf. Beowulf fights her and kills her - now the Denmark is free of monsters. Beowulf returns to Geatland and gives his treasures to Hygelac who then honors Beowulf. Beowulf takes over the throne of the Geats. He rules for 50 years - and brings prosperity to Geatland. When Beowulf is finally an old man, he must fight a great dragon who has been disturbed. The dragon bites Beowulf on the neck killing him. His people burn his body and bury it with a treasure according to his wishes.
- What was the name of the code that showed how Anglo-Saxon life was dominated by close allegiances between leaders and their followers during warring times?
- a common ethical code
- What is imagery?
- language that appeals to the senses - appeals to sight, sound, touch, taste, smell - the crunching of the dry leaves beneath my feet; the smell of the thick smoke in the air
- What is an archetype?
- it is an example of an epic hero; a pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages. It can be a character, a plot, or a setting
- What was the significance of Christian monasteries during this time?
- the monks copied ancient manuscripts - helping to preserve classical texts and popular Anglo-Saxon literature; they served as centers of learning providing cultural and spiritual influence - preserved Latin and Greek classics as well as great works or popular literature such as Beowulf
- What does Beowulf mean?
- may mean "bear"
- What were the four characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon hero?
- 1)undertakes a quest to achieve something of tremendous value to self or society 2) superior physical strength 3) supremely ethical standards 4) embodies highest ideals of given culture
- What is an Epithet?
- a group of words that take the place of a name; an adjective or other descriptive phrase that is regularly used to characterize a person, place, or thing
- What were the Anglo-Saxon poets called?
- scops
- What is a Kenning?
- a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly
- In what specific language wsa Beowulf first composed?
- first compose in Old English probably in Northumbria - sometime between 700 and 750
- What was the Anglo-Saxon word for fate (hint: its a weird term)?
- wyrd = fate
- When was Beowulf likely recorded (written down) and by whom?
- first written down between 700 and 750 probably by a monk (because of the Christian elements in this epic)
- What is an example of an Epithet?
- Prince of Peace (Jesus) Almighty one (God) America the Beautiful
- What is an epic hero?
- the central figure in a long narrative story who reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society
- Who or what brought an end to this era?
- the Normans defeated the Saxons - William the Conqueror became the English king - ending the dominance of Anglo-Saxon culture
- What four people groups invade England after the Romans?
- The Angles, the Saxons, the Jutes, and the Danes (Vikings or Normans)
- What did Anglo-Saxon religion suggest regarding immortality/eternity?
- they had an emphasis on earthly heroism rather than hope for an afterlife
- What is an example of an archetype?
- Beowulf as he is an epic hero
- Who is an example of an epic hero?
- Beowulf
- What is an epic?
- a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger than life hero who embodies the values of a particular society; it is a quest story on a grand scale
- What two groups were responsible for the spread of Christianity in Britain?
- the Romans (missionaries from Rome) and the Irish (Ireland's Christian monks)
- What is an example of an epic?
- Beowulf or the Odyssey and the Illiad
- What did the Romans contribute to (or leave behind in) Britain?
- a network of roads, a great defensive wall, Christianity
- What is assonance?
- the repitition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds in words that are close together - example - face and fade or blade and came
- What were the dates of the Anglo-Saxon era?
- 449 to 1066
- What is an example of a Kenning?
- Whale-road (for sea)