Unit 2: The Anglo-Saxon Era in English Literature

Unit 2: The Anglo-Saxon Era

Multiple Choice

Beowulf is considered the beginning of English literature

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Beowulf's author is known only as the Beowulf poet.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Beowulf features pagan influences with no Christian perspective shown.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Beowulf adheres to a somber tone rather than a lighthearted or frivolous one.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Beowulf was written sometime between 200-300 BC.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT a tribe addressed in Beowulf?

• the Geats

• the Danes

• the Normans

Multiple Choice

The mead house is..

• a tavern of unity and community

• is a court representative of justice

• is a cathedral representative of religion

• The lines of poetry in Beowulf are not strongly rhythmic.

• The lines of poetry in Beowulf are not consistent in length.

Facts about Beowulf:

Facts about Beowulf (epic poem):

• Began English literature in the Anglo-Saxon era

• dated sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries

• oral tradition

• Contains both pagan and Christian influences

• Extols themes of pride, violence, unity, wisdom, and generosity

• Is somber, formal, dark, and bloody

• beings in medias res - "in the middle of things"

Multiple Choice

Who is the protagonist in Beowulf?

• Grendel

• Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Higlac

Beowulf as a hero..

• Is community minded; understands unity

• Preserves the social integrity (the mead house)

• Is heroic; self - sacrificing, brave, and respectful to Hrothgar

• Idealizes the warrior and exemplifies leadership.

Multiple Choice

Who is the antagonist in Beowulf?

• Grendel

• Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Higlac

Grendel as an antagonist:

• Is monstrous

• Is alientated - rejects and actively destroys social integrity

• Is representative of the unknown encroaching on us; source of fear and danger.

Multiple Choice

Recitation of poetry is culturally important ___

• caesura

• scops

• alliteration

• kenning

Multiple Choice

Word that indicates a strong pause that separates each line is a __

• caesura

• scops

• alliteration

• kenning

Multiple Choice

binds together the two halves of the line __

• caesure

• scops

• aliteration

• kenning

Multiple Choice

names; metaphorical phrase or compound word

e.g. "shepherd of evil" (used for Grendel)

• scops

• caesure

• aliteration

• kenning

• Grendels ancestors are the descendants of the Bible who had committed sins, such as Cain and Abel. Following along with other evil spirits, fiends, goblins, monsters, and giants.

• Grendel is unable to touch King Hrothgar because he is protected by God.

• They built him a tower with his ashes that symbolize his bravery and monument for him.

• Grendel's power was only through the shields and weapons, and that Beowulf's power was spiritual. Revealing that the true power can only be found through God.