Honors Brit Lit Midterm

When was Beowulf believed to be written?

8th-11th century

What is an epic hero?

The central character of an epic, typically of noble or semidivine birth.

What is a quest in the context of an epic?

A long, dangerous journey or mission undertaken by the epic hero.

What are valorous deeds?

Actions that demonstrate the hero's courage, strength, or virtue.

What is divine intervention in epics?

Help received from a god or supernatural force during the hero's quest.

What is alliteration?

The repetition of initial consonant sounds.

What are kennings?

Two-word poetic renamings of people, places, and things.

What are caesuras?

Rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines.

What is a simile?

Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'.

What does 'in medias res' mean?

A storytelling technique where the narrative starts in the middle of the action.

Who won the Battle of Hastings?

William the Conqueror.

What is the Doomsday Book?

A record of wealth used in French courts until the 16th century.

What does the feudal system describe?

The hierarchy from nobility down to peasants.

What is the significance of conflict in literature?

It is of universal importance.

Who are Grendel and Grendel's mother?

Main villains in Beowulf.

Who is Hrothgar?

The King of Danes.

What role does the porter play in Macbeth?

Provides comedic relief after Duncan's death.

What are the different conflicts in Macbeth?

Macbeth vs. Witches, Banquo vs. Witches, Macbeth vs. Himself, Macbeth vs. Lady Macbeth.

What is an internal conflict?

A conflict that takes place in one's mind.

What is an external conflict?

A conflict with an outside source.

Why does Malcolm trick Macduff?

To see if he can be trusted.

Who suggested the journey in Canterbury Tales?

The host.

Where do the characters meet before the journey?

At a tabard inn.

In the partner's tale, "sell me some poison, you will. I have a lot of rats to kill". This is an example of __________

Verbal irony.

What is the message of the Wife of Bath's tale?

Respect and equality.

Who is considered the father of history?

Chaucer.

Does irony or satire involve humor?

Satire

When does the Renaissance period take place?

In the 1400s.

What does pivotal mean?

The most crucial point of the story.

What does foreshadow mean?

Hinting at a major event later in the story.

What is an anthology?

A collection of manuscripts that consist of multiple narratives.

What is direct characterization?

Presents direct statements about a character.

What is indirect characterization?

Uses actions, thoughts, and dialogue to reveal a character's personality.

What is a soliloquy?

A long speech expressing private thoughts, delivered by a character alone on stage.

What is a monologue?

A long speech delivered by one character to another or a group.

What is an aside?

A private remark to one character or the audience that is not heard by others.

What is a chorus in literature?

A character or group whose words connect scenes or convey collective thoughts.

What is a tragic hero?

An outstanding person of high rank whose downfall is caused by flawed behavior.

What is a tragic flaw?

A part of the hero's character that leads to a fatal mistake.

What is comic relief?

Humorous scenes or characters that relieve tension.