Unit 1: Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf Terms, AP Lit

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, or literary work that the author assumes the reader will recognize

archetype

a character type, story patter, 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 undertakes grand quests

foreshadowing

an author’s hint of something that will happen later in the story

kenning

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

litotes

a figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point by 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 people

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 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. The antagonist can be a person, a group, or even an abstract concept like fate or society

antihero

a central character who lacks conventional heroic qualities, such as morality, courage, or idealism. Antiheroes often exhibit 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. Flat characters are usually defined by a single trait or characteristic

foil character

a character who contracts with another character. The differences between the foil and the protagonist help to illuminate key aspects and strengths of the protagonist’s personality

protagonist

the main character around whom the story revolves. The protagonist typically faces the central conflict of the narrative and undergoes significant development or 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. Static characters 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 “damsel in distress“. Stock characters often fulfill specific, predictable roles within a narrative

tragic hero

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

Old English (c. 450-1150)

the earliest form of the English language, influenced by Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes). It has a very different structure, look, grammar, and vocabulary from modern English. Beowulf was originally written in this lanuage.

Middle English (c. 1150-`500)

developed after the Norman conquest, with heavy French influence. The grammar began to simplify, and the vocabulary expanded. Examples include Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales“

Early Modern English (c. 1500-1700)

The period in which Shakespeare wrote. It features a mix of older forms of English with the beginnings of modern syntax and vocabulary

Modern English (c. 1700-Present)

The English language as it is spoken and written today. It has standardized spelling, grammar, and an extensive vocabulary that continues to evolve.