3.3 how important was asser in alfred's renaissance? Flashcards
What were Asser’s 4 contributions?
-Provided Alfred with one to one tuition>influence on his education.
-Alfred achieved the skill to read and write in Latin
-Divided his time travelling around the South of England for Alfred.
-Reassured the Welsh that they submitted themselves to a wise, effective, Christian King.
Why was Asser’s wisdom questioned?
-He wrote in overlong sentences and used words that complicated his writing>WEAK style of writing.
-Many of his ideas were borrowed from Einhard and influenced by Grimbald>LACKED a degree of ORIGINALITY.
What was Asser’s role in Alfred’s court?
Minister for propaganda.
What was Smyth’s view on Asser?
Thought that life of king alfred was written much later.
What was VH Galbraith’s view on Asser?
Claimed that Asser’s text was anachronistic (old-fashioned).
What do Anglo-Saxon scholars believe overall about Asser’s importance?
Assers text was exaggerated, but believed that he did write it as it logically believable.
What does Davies state about Asser using propaganda?
Does this support the view that Alfred was using literature as propaganda?
-Anglo-Saxon chronicle glorifies Alfred’s achivements>strengthened loyalty.
-ASC was written by members of the court circle.
SUPPORT
What does Campbell state about Asser using propaganda?
Does this support the view that Alfred was using literature as propaganda?
-Asser aimed to show how perfect and great King Alfred was.
-Asser placed emphasis on how well Alfred dealt with matters within Wessex, compared with his brothers.
SUPPORT
Give further evidence that supports the view that Alfred was using literature as propaganda?
-Texts are very selective
-Learning that promotes Alfred is edited e.g. Boethius, Soliliquy
Give further evidence that CHALLENGES the view that Alfred was using literature as propaganda?
-Could be accurate translations, that have been done.
-Few records of Edward, Alfred may have just been very prophilic.
