Beowulf Historical Background Notes Quiz

Why did the Roman colonial government build Hadrian's Wall?

• To protect against the Pict

• To mark the boundary of the Roman Empire

• To serve as a trade route

• To commemorate a victory

What job did Patricius end up doing in Ireland?

• Carpenter

• Blacksmith

• Herding sheep

• Fisherman

Who did the Saxons begin to attack?

• The West Briton

• The North Briton

• The East Briton

• The South Briton

Who was the leader that invaded England in 1066?

• King John

• William the Conqueror

• Henry VIII

• Richard the Lionheart

What is the principle of "comitatus" in Old English literature?

• A thane's loyalty to his lord

• A king's duty to his people

• A farmer's relationship with the land

• A merchant's trade agreements

What is a "kenning" in Old English literature?

• A type of poem

• A two-word metaphor

• A historical document

• A religious text

Who were scops?

• Traveling performers

• Poets who used alliteration

• Writers of caesuras

• Creators of metonymy

What type of poem is an elegy?

• Narrative poem

• Lyric poem

• Epic poem

• Dramatic poem