English Final

The Germanic Heroic Code

A set of values emphasizing weregild (revenge for killing a family member), reciprocal loyalty, physical strength, and honor.

Weregild

A Germanic practice where a family could seek reparation for the murder of a relative, often resulting in a cycle of revenge.

The Code of Chivalry

A moral system that combines loyalty, honor, generosity, piety, and courtesy in knights and noblemen.

The Green Girdle

A symbol of truth and honor that reveals the complexities of human nature in 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'.

Civil Disobedience

Nonviolent rebellion against unjust laws or governmental demands.

Macbeth's Daggers

Symbolic objects that represent Macbeth's descent into chaos and guilt after murdering Duncan.

King James I and VI

The king of England during the time Beowulf was written, known for commissioning the King James Bible.

Harlan Ellison

A temperamental science fiction writer known for his confrontational behavior and experiences of bullying.

Beowulf Poet

An anonymous monk credited with writing 'Beowulf,' whose identity remains a mystery.

The Gawain Poet

An anonymous writer believed to be from the royal court with a personal loss, who composed 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'.

The Harlequin

A character who opposes the Ticktockman and his rigid scheduling.

The Ticktockman

The timekeeper who controls society’s schedule in 'Repent, Harlequin!'.

Pretty Alice

The Harlequin's wife who betrays him.

Beowulf

The protagonist of 'Beowulf,' notable for his immense strength and heroic feats, including defeating Grendel.

Grendel

A creature descended from Cain, killed by Beowulf for his gruesome attacks on humans.

Grendel’s Mother

A symbol of patriarchal fear, she embodies the defiance against male-dominated codes.

The Dragon

The creature that ultimately kills Beowulf, representing ultimate demise and loss.

Hrothgar

The aging king of the Danes who Beowulf comes to save, representing the old order.

Wealhtheow

Hrothgar's wife, a peaceweaver who plays key diplomatic roles.

Gawain

Nephew of King Arthur, the protagonist of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,' known for his honor and naiveté.

Lord Bertilak

The Green Knight, who challenges Gawain and engages him in the beheading game.

Lady Bertilak

The temptress in 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' who gives Gawain the girdle.

Morgan le Fay

King Arthur's sister who orchestrates trials for Arthur's knights.

Macbeth

The Thane of Cawdor and a tragic figure in Shakespeare's play, manipulated into murder.

Lady Macbeth

Macbeth's ambitious wife who drives his descent into madness through her manipulation.

Banquo

Macbeth's friend whose descendants are prophesied to become kings.

Duncan

The king of Scotland murdered by Macbeth, whose death triggers a series of tragic events.

Macduff

A nobleman who becomes Macbeth's nemesis and ultimately avenges his family.

The Witches

Mystical figures who provide prophecies and symbolize chaos in 'Macbeth'.