Unit 1: Anglo- Saxons and Beowulf Terms and Vocab

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are in close proximity to each other; used to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize words

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, place, event, literary work, that the author assumes the reader will recognize.

Archetype

A character type, story pattern, or symbol that is recurrent throughout different stories across various cultures.

Caesura

A pause that occurs within a line of poetry; used to create emphasis, alter the pacing, or introduce a dramatic effect in the poem.

Elegy

A poem written to express sorrow for someone who has died

Epithet

A descriptive phrase or word that is used to characterize a person, place, or thing, often highlighting a particular quality or attribute.

Epic

A long narrative poem that features heroic deeds and grand themes

Epic Hero

A "larger than life" character who embodies the values of a particular society; often possesses extraordinary qualities or undertake grand quests

Foreshadowing

An author's hint of something that will happen later in the story

Kenning

A stylistic device commonly use in Old English; two-word metaphorical phrase to replace a one-word noun

Litotes

A figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point bu expressing a negative to affirm a positive.

Monomyth

The hero's journey; a common template of a hero's quest

Symbolism

The use of objects to represent something else, something deeper

Comitatus

The bond between a lord and his warriors, where warriors pledged their loyalty and service to their lord in exchange for protection and rewards.

Danes

King Hrothgar's people

Geats

Beowulf's poeple

Mead Hall

A central gathering place that served as the main social, political, and administrative hub for a lord and his retainers.

Paganism

Pre-Christian religious beliefs that encompass a wide range of spiritual practices centered on the polytheism, nature, and local traditions

Scop

An Anglo-Saxon poet who chanted poems by heart to music

Syncretism

The blending of different religious or cultural beliefs, seen in Beowulf as it incorporates both pagan and Christian elements, reflecting the transitional period in which it was written

Thane

A high-ranking noble or loyal warrior; loyal to a king to the death

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story. (Person, group, abstract)

Antihero

A central character who lacks conventional heroic qualities, such as morality, courage, or idealism. Often exhibits traits that are considered flawed or unconventional but can still drive the plot and engage readers

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the story, such as a change in personality, attitude, or perspective. This transformation is often crucial to the development of the plot.

Flat Character

A character who is one-dimensional and lacks depth. Usually defined by a single trait or characteristic

Foil Character

A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities or attributes of the main character. The differences between the foil and the protagonist help illuminate key aspects of the protagonists personality.

Protagonist

The main character around whom the story revolves. The protagonist typically faces the central conflict of the narrative and undergoes significant development of change.

Round Character

A complex and multi-dimensional character who exhibits a range of traits and emotions

Static Character

A character who remains largely unchanged throughout the story. They do not experience significant internal growth or transformation.

Stock Character

A stereotypical character who is easily recognizable by their traits or role, such as the "wise old man" or the "damsel in distress". They often fulfill specific, predictable roles within a narrative.

Tragic Hero

A protagonist who possesses a fatal flaw pr makes a critical error in judgement that leads to their downfall pr destruction. The tragic hero's story often evokes pity or fear in the audience, illustrating the consequences of their flaws or mistakes

Old English

(450-1150) Earliest form of the English language. Beowulf is what this is.

Middle English

(1150-1500) Developed after the Norman Conquest

Early Modern English

(1500-1700) Shakespeare writing

Modern English

(1700-Present) Today's language and grammar