Beowulf

Question 0

Epic hero

Answer 0

Central figure in a long narrative- reflect values and heroic ideals in a society

Question 1

5 characteristics of an epic

Answer 1

1. Broad setting
2. Hero figure of national/ cosmic importance
3. Gods or supernatural beings take interest/part
4. Ceremonial performance, narrated in ceremonial style HEIGHTENED SPEECH
5. Superhuman deeds, challenges, actions

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

Repetition of sounds in the beginning of words

Question 3

Kenning

Answer 3

Specified metaphor, similar to an epithet- COMPOUND WORDS

Question 4

Caesura

Answer 4

Rhythmic pause found in poetry, unifies poem with extra breaks

Question 5

Allusion

Answer 5

Reference to biblical passages

Question 6

Origin of beowulf, tradition

Answer 6

Written in old english, end of anglo- saxon period, one transcript exists

Oral tradition, told through song to entertain

Question 7

Noun, evil spirit, demon

Answer 7

Fiend

Question 8

Adj - godless, uncivilized

Answer 8

Heathen

Question 9

Verb- rid of an unwanted feeling

Answer 9

Purge

Question 10

Noun- track of overgrown wasteland

Answer 10

Moors

Question 11

Adj- irritated or annoyed

Answer 11

Vexed

Question 12

Noun- punishment in return for an injury

Answer 12

Repisal

Question 13

Verb- to eat a large amount, greedy

Answer 13

Gorge

Question 14

Adj- having a poor reputation, well known reputation

Answer 14

Infamous

Question 15

Noun- the destroyer

Answer 15

Afflictor

Question 16

Adj- cloudy, dark, or obcene

Answer 16

Murky

Question 17

Anglo saxon life

Answer 17

• ritualistic (cremated) burrials
• strong sense of community
• taught to fight, not educated
• loyalty valued
• sliver of democracy

Question 18

Women in anglo saxon culture

Answer 18

• rights inherited
• weding gift of money or land
• in charge of christian monistaries

Question 19

The bards: singing of gods and heros

Answer 19

Sung in communion halls
Harps, songs of gods and heros
Respected role
Poetry important
Pagans had no hope for the afterlife

Question 20

Anglo- saxons sweep ashore

Answer 20

Germans invaded, pushed out local britians
Celts (real britians) retreated to wales
King alfred the great> first central english king
> defeated by William the conquernfeom normancy 1066

Question 21

Romans

Answer 21

Invaded by ceasar 55bc
> military strength > central government
Built roads, wall 73, miles
Christianity, unify people
Left in 404 > england open to attack