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British Literature Terms For Final Exam (S1) Detailed Questions And Expert Answers
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British Literature Terms For Final Exam (S1) Detailed Questions And Expert Answers
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British Literature Terms For Final Exam (S1)Detailed Questions And Expert Answers
Date of Beowulf
Beowulf’s origin is obscure due to an unknown author and the absence of a date
on the manuscript. The lack of authorship details complicates dating the epic
poem. Historians estimate Beowulf’s origin to be in the early 700s.
Origin of the title (Beowulf)
The original Anglo-Saxon manuscripts of the story lacked a title or name. People
later named the story “Beowulf” because the main character is named Beowulf.
The title’s origin is a result of the need to identify the untitled manuscripts based
on the central character
Survival of the manuscript (Beowulf)
Beowulf originated as a folk tale in the early eighth to late tenth centuries. The
original manuscript was destroyed in a fire in the 1700s. The fire caused significant
damage, resulting in the loss of a substantial potion of the manuscript. Despite the
damage, much of the story survived, allowing for its continued understanding and
study.
,Anglo-Saxon Scop
Anglo-Saxon scopes, oral poets in pre-literate England, introduced an oral tradition
crucial for communication and entertainment. They played a significant role in
delivering Germanic heroic poetry, utilizing literary devices like synecdoche and
kenning, making translation challenging. Scopes shaped culture by developing
vocabulary and delivering formal, advanced oral poetry that influenced speech and
expressions.
Historical event mentioned in Beowulf
Beowulf, although written in English, focuses on the Germanic forebears of the
native Englishmen, particularly the Danes and the Geats in south Scandinavia. The
poem is set in a historical period a few centuries before its writing, referencing the
initial Germanic invasion of England in the mid-fifth century and the raid of the
Franks in 520, where the Great king Hygleac was killed. Beowulf’s incorporation of
historical and legendary material suggests an audience familiar with old stories,
preserved through heroic poetry.
Christian tradition in Beowulf
The main character, Beowulf, consistently acknowledges his reliance on God and
expresses faith in divine rewards for the faithful. The author portrays Beowulf as
an allegory for Jesus Christ, emphasizing Christian ideals through Beowulf’s
strength, heroism, and sacrificial nature, particularly in the fight with the dragon
and the overarching theme of the struggle between good and evil.
,Christian reference in Beowulf
Beowulf contains numerous scriptural references, including mentions of Biblical
characters like Cain and Abel, and direct references to God and His power. The
poem highlights a time of paganism. Beowulf is also portrayed as a comparison to
Jesus, with parallels such as Beowulf’s victory against Grendel and the willingness
to sacrifice himself in the fight against the demon, echoing Jesus’ role in fighting
for and freeing God’s people from sin.
Elements of Anglo-Saxon Society as described in Beowulf
The importance of tradition and relationships is evident, particularly the crucial
bond between a warrior and his lord (Beowulf and Wiglaf), empathizing
companionship over servitude. The significance of relationships among kinsmen
and the concept of justice, illustrated through the killing of Grendel in adherence
to the “death price” tradition, highlights the cultural values of Anglo-Saxon society
portrayed in Beowulf
Beowulf's motive in fighting Grendel
, Beowulf’s motives revolve around glory, honor, and acts of heroism. No one
questions Beowulf’s mights, and he is driven by the desire for glory and the
challenge posed by acing formidable foes like Grendel. Beowulf’s commitment to
helping those in need, demonstrated by his willingness to cross seas and rescue
the Danes, is rooted in his heroic nature, hubris, and an acceptance of fate and
God’s will
Poetic elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry in Beowulf
The author of Beowulf employed extensive use of alliteration and kennings,
common elements in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Alliteration, involving the repetition of
consonant sounds, added energy tot he poem and engaged the listener effectively.
Kennings, unique to Anglo-Saxon poetry, involved two hyphenated nouns serving
as metaphors, such as “ring-giver” for a king, providing descriptive depth to the
poem.
Genre of The Book of Margery Kempe
autobiography of Margery Kemp, an illiterate medieval women, dictated by
Margery Kempe to two scribes
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