Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

British Lit > Midterm > Flashcards

Midterm Flashcards

1
Q

A stage device in which a character briefly discloses his thought in the presence of other characters who by convention do not hear him

A

Aside

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The emotion pervading a work

A

Atmosphere

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

A short, simple narrative song

A

Ballad

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Unrhymed iambic pentameter

A

Blank Verse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

A break between words within a metrical foot

A

Caesura

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

A strained and elaborate comparison

A

Conceit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

A pair of rhymed lines

A

Couplet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Concerned with teaching; instruction in literature

A

Didacticism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

A poem of solemn meditation or lamenting the death of a particular person/ meditating on the subject of death itself

A

Elegiac Poetry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

A long, stylized narrative poem celebrating the deeds of a national hero

A

Epic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Characteristically impersonal, compressed, dramatic, ritualistic in effect, and simple in stanza form

A

Folk Ballad

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

A story within a story

A

Frame Story

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

A type or category of literature

A

Genre

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Exaggeration - implies less than what is said

A

Hyperbole

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

A metaphoric compound of two words

(such as whalepath for sea)

A

Kenning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Is written by known poets for literary effect

A

Literary Ballad

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

A short, melodic, personally expressive poem

A

Lyric Poetry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Consists of ten syllables per line, paired by alternating stresses of five iambic feet

A

Meter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

An expression in which a related thing stands for the thing itself

A

Metonymy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

A work that treats a trivial subject in heroic terms

A

Mock Epic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

A highly artificial literary mode which centers on shepherds and idealizes rural settings

A

Pastoralism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

First eight lines, called the octave, rhymes abbaabba and forms a distinct unit of the thought; the last six lines, a sestet, rhymes variously with two or three new rhymes and forms another unit of thought

A

Petrarchan / Italian Sonnet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form

A

Personification

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

The expression of an idea in a roundabout, more elegant way

A

Periphrastic Epithet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

A connected series of incidents

A

Plot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Four line stanza

A

Quatrain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

A typical long narrative poem

A

Romance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Identical sound in corresponding words or phrases

A

Rhyme

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

An old English poet or bard

A

Scop

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

The unit of thought is usually distributed over three quatrains with a concluding couplet, the whole rhyme scheme is ababcdcdefefgg

A

Shakespearean / English Sonnet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

A speech addressed to an audience by an actor alone on stage

A

Soliloquy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

A fourteen-line poem written in iambic pentameter

A

Sonnet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

The use of symbols

A

Symbolism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

A recurring or emerging idea in a work of literature

A

Theme

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

The attitude of a work towards its subject

A

Tone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Implies more than what is said

A

Understatement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

The repetition of an idea in different words with the same grammatical form

A

Variation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words

A

Alliteration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Fate, the Anglo-Saxon belief that all men must die

A

Wyrd

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

A group of stories unified by a central theme or situation

A

Frame tale

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are the years for the Middle Ages?

A

450-1485

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the years for the Old English period?

A

450-1100

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What are the years for the Middle English period?

A

1100-1485

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What are the years for the Tudor Period?

A

1485 - 1603

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

The most accurate assessment of the Middle Ages is that the period was a time of ________________ change.

A

Dynamic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Humor in Old English poetry evidenced itself in the forms of what?

A

Irony and Riddles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Who as a Benedictine monk and spent most of his life in the monasteries of Jarrow and Wearmouth writing?

A

Bede

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What was the purpose of Bede’s “Ecclesiastical History”?

A

To chart the spread of Christianity throughout England from Roman times

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Which work is a major source of information about the Anglo-Saxons before the time of Alfred the Great about the conversion of Edwin?

A

Ecclesiastical History

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What do the three basic philosophical questions alluded to by Edwin’s counsellors deal with?

A

The subjects of origin, meaning and destiny

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What is the earliest surviving English Poem?

A

Caedmon’s Hymn

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Epics are usually what?

A

Didactic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What are the two types of Epics?

A

Folk and Literary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What are the heroic attributes that Beowulf exemplifies?

A

Fortitude, prudence, loyalty and generosity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Why are the Danes being assaulted by Grendel?

A

Because of the Sin of Pride

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What is the main theme of Beowulf?

A

That the continuance of civilization requires virtuous heroes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Who is Grendel the offspring of?

A

Cain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Who is most responsible for the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles?

A

Alfred the Great

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What word describes William the Conquerer’s rule?

A

Severe

60
Q

Old English literature reacted primarily against the _______ threat to society while Middle English literature sought to remedy the __________ threat to society.

A

External; Internal

61
Q

What did the writers of the Middle English period declare to be the primary remedy for the ills of society?

A

Ideals of the past

62
Q

The event associated with the end of the English Middle Ages was

A

The ascension of Henry VII to the throne

63
Q

Blended philosophy and theology and attempted to use reason to support faith

A

Scholasticism

64
Q

Who influenced English medieval poets who wrote for sophisticated audiences?

A

French writers

65
Q

Elements emphasized in the medieval romance

A

An adventurous knights quest, Romantic love, Acts of chivalry, Supernatural elements, The ideals of civilized society

66
Q

John Wycliffe was associated with what?

A

Nationalism, scholasticism, and Lollardism

67
Q

Who taught that the primary requirement for clergy is a godly lifestyle?

A

Wycliffe

68
Q

Chaucer’s aims were what?

A

Literary and moral

69
Q

In the Canterbury Tales, the people were _____ because they were eager to go on their ______

A

Restless, pilgrimage

70
Q

Where do the Canterbury Tales begin?

A

At the Tabard Inn in Southward, a suburb in London

71
Q

Who is the host in the Canterbury Tales?

A

Harry Bailey

72
Q

As the legend of King Arthur spread in the 13th and 14th centuries, it gained what embellishments?

A

The French turned Arthur from chieftain into king, The Welsh added supernatural elements to the tale, When legend returned to England, it became fiercely patriotic, The Tudor dynasty claimed descent from Arthur

73
Q

List examples of foreshadowing in Morte d’Arthur.

A

Narrator mentions Beaumains interest in observing jousts, the kinship of Beaumains and Sir Gawain, and Lancelot states his opinion that Beaumains is a man of great worship

74
Q

Typical characteristics of a ballad

A

Impersonal, Concentrated, Dramatic, Ironic repetition, Detachment, Conciseness

75
Q

The characteristics of the ballads generates _____ and ____

A

Atmosphere and tone

76
Q

Repetition with variation

A

Incremental repetition

77
Q

This ballad cycle communicates the common mans viewpoint

A

Robin Hood cycle

78
Q

What ballad is NOT concerned with death?

A

“Get Up and Bar the Door”

79
Q

During the Tudor period how did the middle class gain power, growth, organization?

A

1) the rise in powers in local governments
2) the growth of trade companies
3) increase membership in the House of Commons

80
Q

Which decree officially divorced England from the Roman Catholic Empire?

A

Act of Supremacy

81
Q

Describe Elizabeth’s religious policy.

A

Moderate

82
Q

Who was the leading English humanist during the Tudor period and why?

A

Thomas More, because northern humanists were not worldly intellectuals. Their enthusiasm for classical studies was matched by their religion zeal.

83
Q

Who produced the first complete Bible in English?

A

Miles Coverdale

84
Q

The greatest English literature was written for what purpose?

A

The moral improvement of mankind

85
Q

Why was the Reformation not as successful in Italy as it was in England?

A

The middle classes were equally strong, but they didn’t have the foundation of Lollardism England had.

86
Q

During the Renaissance, ____ was a type of human love that was considered the highest and most spiritual.

A

Friendship

87
Q

Shakespeare wrote ___ plays that have been preserved.

A

35 or 37

88
Q

What were two long narrative poems that Shakespeare wrote?

A
  1. “Venus and Adonis”

2. “The Rape of Lucrece”

89
Q

During Shakespeare’s lifetime, he had a great ___ and was well off being materially _____.

A

Reputation, successful

90
Q

How did Shakespeare support himself?

A

By writing plays with a general appeal and evident meaning. He could not afford to let meanings be shadowy and only resurface in classrooms centuries later.

91
Q

Because of Macbeth’s treason, he forfeits what two things?

A

Sleep and Honor

92
Q

At the beginning of Macbeth, the witches foreshadow the struggle between what?

A

Good and evil in the human soul

93
Q

Why did Lady Macbeth say she couldn’t murder Duncan?

A

He looked like her father in his sleep

94
Q

The primary function of the porter is what?

A

To provide comic relief

95
Q

The appearance of Banquo’s ghost is an example of what?

A

Situational irony

96
Q

Macbeth’s actions in Act IV disrupt what three things?

A

Nature, Society, and Family

97
Q

Name the three apparitions Macbeth sees at the witches’ cave.

A

An armed head, A bloody child, A crowned child

98
Q

Name the three prophecies Macbeth receives.

A

1) Beware of Macduff
2) None born of a woman shall harm him
3) He shall never be vanquished until birnan wood comes to Dunsinane

99
Q

The witches’ statement _______ introduces what theme?

A

“Fair is foul and foul is fair”, deceiving appearances or reversal of values

100
Q

Why is Macduff prevented from getting complete revenge on Macbeth?

A

Macbeth has no children

101
Q

Macbeth does not consider ____ during his losing battle.

A

Suicide

102
Q

What is the Beatitudes Scripture reference?

A

Matthew 5:1-12

103
Q

In “The Faerie Queene”, the six books that Spenser completed treat respectively what subjects?

A

Holiness, Temperance, Chastity, Friendship, Justice, Courtesy

104
Q

The flimsiness of the House of Pride is indicated by what?

A

Its thin, insubstantial walls, The crumbling back sections, It’s foundation of sand

105
Q

Spenser’s Sonnet 68, “Most Glorious Lord”, is about what?

A

Christ’s resurrection

106
Q

Who introduced Renaissance themes and verse forms into England?

A

Wyatt

107
Q

All sonnets contain what?

A

14 lines and 5 poetic feet

108
Q

What is the more official title of “The Book of Martyrs”?

A

“Acts and Monuments”

109
Q

Who decided to publish an English version because he wanted to influence the ________?

A

John Foxe, common people

110
Q

John Foxe’s writings can best be described as what?

A

Honest, Forward, Structured

111
Q

The King James version is also known as what?

A

Authorized version

112
Q

What year was the King James Version translated?

A

1611

113
Q

Who was the most responsible for the organization and style of The Book of Common Prayer?

A

Thomas Cranmer

114
Q

Who wrote The Parable of the Wicked Mammon and what was the main subject?

A

William Tyndale, salvation by faith

115
Q

Who said “the righteous man is the one who hears and believes the word of God”?

A

William Tyndale

116
Q

In Tyndale’s answer to Sir Thomas More, he declares that the true interpreter of scripture is who?

A

The Holy Spirit

117
Q

Tyndales style is _____ as a result of his evangelizing. He uses plain, ____ to reach the common man and his influence determined that the style of the English bible would be popular rather than what?

A

Informal, energetic language, erudite and liturgical

118
Q

What are the years for the Stuart period?

A

1603 - 1688

119
Q

List the pilgrim groupings

A

Knight, squire, and yeoman, Merchant and student, Skipper and physician, Lawyer and Franklin, Parson and plowman, Summoner and pardoner

120
Q

Know the 12 pilgrims and basic characteristics

A

We have a worksheet 👌🏼

121
Q

Three common features of Old English poetry

A

Irony, alliteration, and variation

122
Q

The chancellor at Oxford University and ecclesiastical council considered Wycliffe’s works to be what?

A

Heretical; he was brought to trial before an ecclesiastical synod

123
Q

Where was Chaucer born?

A

London

124
Q

Who is known as the father of English literature?

A

Chaucer

125
Q

Chaucer used satire for what two purposes?

A

To entertain and show moral indignation

126
Q

The original plan for the Canterbury Tales was for how many stories?

A

120

127
Q

Why was Chaucer’s use of pilgrimage appropriate?

A

He structurally united a variety of tales in a single composition, provided a vehicle for social commentary by bringing people together from all walks of society, and brought together a variety of people with universal character traits

128
Q

Where does the author of the Canterbury Tales give his plan for the work?

A

The General Prologue

129
Q

What two roles did Chaucer play?

A

He was a civil official and diplomat

130
Q

Chaucer’s work offers what two things?

A

High literary artistry and a satiric commentary on his time

131
Q

Why did the pilgrims tell stories?

A

To entertain

132
Q

Why does King Arthur agree to let Beaumains try to rescue the damsel?

A

He had promised to grant him three wishes and this was one of them

133
Q

Why did Tudor period writers offer more to God’s people than those of any other British literature?

A

They thought on moral and religious issues

134
Q

What is evident in Thomas More’s “Utopia”?

A

Humanism

135
Q

What did More write as a reply to Tyndale’s “Parable of the Wicked Mammon”?

A

“A Dialogue Concerning Heresies”

136
Q

What did the influence of John Foxe’s book do?

A

Helped make England firmly Protestant

137
Q

What are the two most similar versions?

A

Geneva and King James

138
Q

Who invented blank verse?

A

Surrey

139
Q

What was Sidney described as?

A

Idealistic

140
Q

How did Sidney defend poetry?

A

He said it was more effective than philosophy and history

141
Q

In “An Apology for Poetry”, what did Sidney say?

A

Fictional stories can actually be true in that they may convey universal, spiritual truths rather than particular historical truths

142
Q

What is the dual purpose of poetry?

A

To teach and delight

143
Q

What do “gowns of clay” represent?

A

Their earthly bodies

144
Q

What is Spenser’s sonnet sequence?

A

Amoretti

145
Q

What two genres is “The Faerie Queene”?

A

Both romance and an allegory

British Lit (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions