Test 1: Beowulf & Medieval Literature, Vocab

Beowulf’s Character

• Proud, powerful, and brave

• Christian and pagan influences

• Reflection of Anglo-Saxon values

Grendel’s Character

• Evil monster

• “Spawn of Cain” - Christian values

• Ostracized (banished) from society by God

Hrothgar

The kind King of the Danes.

Unferth

The guy who says Beowulf might fail (because he lost to Breca in a swimming competition). After Beowulf proves him wrong, he gives Beowulf a special sword.

Hygelac

The King of the Geats before Beowulf.

Grendel’s Mother

• Eviler monster

• Representation of revenge

• Challenges Beowulf more

Wiglaf

The only Geatish warrior who helps Beowulf slay the Dragon. After Beowulf’s death, he gives a long and poignant speech in Beowulf’s memory.

The Dragon

• Evilest monster

• Represents greed

• Challenges the Geats’ loyalty

• Kills Beowulf (but also dies)

Apposition

Placing two expressions close together, with one supplementing the other.

Alliteration

Placing words that start with the same sound close together.

Kennings

Combining two words to create a new expression. (Old-English descent)

Caesura

A break or pause in the middle of a line of verse.

Epic

A long narrative tale recounting the deeds of gods and heroes.

Epic characteristics

• Heroes

• Vast land

• Supernatural forces

• Great deeds of bravery

• Formal monologues

Epithet

A special nickname that replaces the name of a person.

Parallelisms

Writing phrases with similar grammatical structure next to each other.

Character Development

Creating fictional characters with depth and complexity, which is explored more as the story unfolds.

Biblical Allusion

Referencing characters and stories from the Bible.

Wergild

The “man price” that a person’s killer must pay to settle that dispute.

What is the relationship between a king and his thane?

The Anglo-Saxon version of a king and his knight.

History of the Anglo-Saxon Period

[410-1066]

• The Roman Empire falls

• Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons) invade

The history behind Beowulf

• Written in Old English ~ 500 AD

• Transcribed by monks ~ 1000 AD

  • Added Christian values!

What are some themes of Beowulf, and thus Anglo-Saxon values?

Revenge, kinship, and generosity.

What is the main criticism of Beowulf’s character?

Pride.

What is the most prevalent Christian value in Beowulf (other than God’s glory and grace)?

Fatalism (predetermination).

The Green Knight

• Supernatural being

• Test of courage

• Hostile challenger

Arthur

Green Knight

• Bold, chivalrous leader

• Impatient, impulsive

Morte de Arthur

• Haunted by fate

• Proud, bold

• Regretful

Gawain

• Faithful knight

• Imperfections

• Aggressive, unforgiving

Morgan le Faye

• Trickery

• Supernatural being

Lancelot

• Loyal, powerful knight

• Affair with Arthur’s wife

• Prophesied to fight with Arthur under specific circumstances

Mordred

• Arthur’s son - hates Arthur

• “Coup” of sorts - stealing territory from under Arthur’s rule

• Kills Arthur in his final moments

• Arthur’s failures

Bedivere

• Asked to throw Excalibur in the lake

• Loyal, or maybe has ulterior motives

Lucan

• Bedivere’s brother

• Loyalty

• Dies for Arthur’s sake

The Hermit

• Faith and spiritual authority

• Former Bishop of Canterbury

The Three Ladies

• Queen Morgan le Fay

• Queen of North Gails

• Queen of the Waste Lands

• Transition, death

The Romance

A medieval genre of literature that focuses on knights going on quests for chivalry and love.

Elements of Romance

• Age of legends

• Stock characters

• Improbable, supernatural

• Battle

• Chivalry, Courtesy, “Courtly Love”

The Quest

• Attempting to complete a task

• Journey is an end in itself: enlightenment

• Social Pattern: Integration → Disintegration → Reintegration

Satire

Using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize something.

The Feudal System

• Rigid Social Classes: Aristocracy > Clergy > Peasantry

• Loyalty, unwritten moral code

• Legal system: Judges, Contracts

History of the Medieval Period

[1066-1520]

• William the Conqueror and the Normans invade England

• The Normans win the Battle of Hastings (ends the Anglo-Saxon period)

Thomas Malory

• Knight during the War of the Roses

• Imprisoned

• Wrote Morte De Arthur as a true example of knighthood

Wars of the Roses

Wars fought between Lancaster and York for the throne of England.

What are some of the themes of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

• Chivalry, Courtesy

• Mortality

• Contract

What are some of the themes of Morte De Arthur?

• Nostalgia

• Fate

• Personal Pride

• Regret

Fiend

A person or thing that causes mischief; an evil spirit.

Solace

Comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.

Purge

Rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.

Infamous

Deserving of or causing an evil reputation; shamefully malign; detestable.

Craven

Cowardly; contemptibly timid.

Doleful

Sorrowful; mournful; melancholy.

Swoon

Enter a state of hysterical rapture or ecstasy.

Cower

Crouch, as in fear or shame.

Parley

An informal conference between enemies under a truce.

Feign

Represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of.