Introduction Flashcards
A popular literary device in Old English poetry - a metaphoric compound word or phrase that takes the place of a noun, such as “whale-road” for sea and “swan-boat” for ship.
kenning
An adjective or brief phrase used to characterize a person, place, or thing, summarizing its most essential quality. They are prevalent in Beowulf, for example, in the opening line: “Hrothgar, King of the Danes, glorious in battle” (p2); “And the joyous sun, bright candle of the world.”
epithet
The first epic poem in the English language; one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature
Beowulf
A long narrative poem in an elevated style that celebrates the deeds of a hero and treats themes of historical, national, religious, or legendary significance
epic
The poetic device in Old English poetry which divides each line in the center into two half lines (more noticeable in the original Old English than in many English translations): Night after night || over the misty moor.”
caesura
A dispute or exchange of abuse or ridicule in verse between two characters.
flyting
The principle poetic device in Beowulf and much Old English poetry - the repetition of stressed sounds at the beginning of words as the main structuring device of the lines: “The hall of Heorot rang loud and long.”
alliterative verse
An implied or indirect reference to a person, event, thing, written work, or work of art.
allusion
The repetition of similar vowel sounds within successive words: “At break of day.”
assonance
He gave a lecture entitled: “Beowulf: The Monsters and Critics” in 1936. He argued that the fantastical elements in the poem, such as Grendel, his mother, and the dragon, are essential to the narrative and should be the focus. His lecture highlighted the previously neglected literary qualities of the poem.
J.R.R. Tolkien
When was Beowulf most likely composed?
eighth century
Though it is an Anglo-Saxon poem, the subject matter of Beowulf is:
Scandinavian and Germanic
Why is the story and setting drawn from these regions if Beowulf is an Old English poem?
It is the region from whence the Saxons come to England
What poetic form did Serraillier choose to use in his retelling of Beowulf?
blank verse
How does the Christian poet of Beowulf treat the heathen Scandinavian subject matter?
He ennobles the character of Beowulf and envisions his battles in a wider moral context. He synthesizes the pagan Scandinavian story with Christian elements and themes.
