Literary Terms 2

Question 0

Kenning

Answer 0

-Anglo Saxon poetry, fanciful metaphor consisting of strung together adjectives and nouns that stand for a single noun without directly naming it

Question 1

Alliteration

Answer 1

• Repetition of identical consonant sounds, usually at beginning of words
• Marker of Anglo-Saxon poetry

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

An indirect reference to historical or literary characters, events, or styles

Question 3

Wyrd (Weird)

Answer 3

Anglo Saxon pagan concept of fate as a ruling force. Includes belief in certainty of death and fatal doom.

Question 4

In media res

Answer 4

• In the middle of things

- Common technique for epic poetry, plunged reader into middle of narrative at the work’s flashbacks

Question 5

Caesura

Answer 5

• Principal break or pause in rhythm of a verse line, usually occurring at or near middle of line
• Anglo Saxon verse relief for its effects on sound of each line-on pronounced caesura in the line with an equal number of stresses on either side

Question 6

Epic poem

Answer 6

• Long narrative poem with serious theme that tells exploits of legendary hero who embraces national value
• Immense scale, fate of all people

Question 7

Epic Hero

Answer 7

Hero of an epic who displays the ideals and values of a nation and possesses superhuman qualities that allow him to overcome great trials

Question 8

Epic Simile

Answer 8

Extended simile in which one or both of the objects are elaborately described through a progression of compared images

Question 9

Rites of passage

Answer 9

Tests or rituals that represent the vital moments marking important stages of life