1. English 12A Unit 1 Test Review

2. Testing Format and Content
Multiple choice
Matching
Short answer/essay
Vocabulary
Beowulf
The Exeter Book of poetry
* Written response questions
are worth half the points!

3. Tips for Written Responses:
* You cannot pass the test unless you answer written response questions!
Use the RARE Strategy
Must use direct quotes/evidence to support answer
Use paragraphs and complete sentences
You CAN refer back to the texts for help!
Not expected to memorize literature

4. Vocabulary Reproach Scorning Jackal Exiles Flushed Haltingly Terns
Desolation
Sentinel
Rancor
Toil
Blanch
Chaste
Melancholy
Craven
Complacent
Covetous
Serpentine
Fickle
Blithe
tumult
Spawned
Lair
Reparation
Omens
Prow
Sinews
Pilgrimage
Avenge
Scabbard
Hilt

5. The Anglo-Saxon period (449-1066)

6. Historical Perspective
Anglo-Saxon period lasted from mid-fifth century to 1066
Germanic tribes (Anglos, Saxons) invaded England who spoke Old English
Valued honor and took oaths to obey their tribes
Women had more power than they would in later years
Warriors were celebrated as heroes.
People lived in tribes in small villages.
The most common religion was paganism, but Christianity was spreading quickly after the Roman invasion.
Few Anglo-Saxons could read or write, so their cultural history was passed down through storytelling.
Provided them with their purpose and identity
Tight-knit communitites
Villages were organized around family groups

7. Epic Characteristics Epic poem – long narrative poems. Two types:
Folk: about ancient heroes through centuries of storytelling
Use verse and song form
Ex. Beowulf, Gilgamesh
Literary: written by individual authors
Iliad, Odyssey,
Elements of:
Narrative genre
Action-packed stories of adventure
Elevated, lofty language
Serious tone
Story of a god-like, larger-than-life hero
Impossible deeds in battle or against monsters
Contain supernatural elements
Begin “in medias res”
Middle of the action

8. Beowulf
In the literary world, there is a long-standing debate whether Beowulf should be considered an epic poem or a heroic elegy. Like epic poems, heroic elegies recount the adventures of a legendary hero, although they mostly express sorrow and mourning for the hero’s death.
No known author because the story was originally spread throughout the land orally
Written in old-English and there are many parts
We only read three excerpts:
“Grendel”
“The Coming of Beowulf”
“The Battle with Grendel”
Beowulf reflects the warrior culture “Code of Honor” that honored strength, valor, and loyalty

9. Poetic Devices:
To convey the elevated and serious tone that the epic and elegiac genres require, the narrator of Beowulf employs a specific rhythm and poetic devices such as repetition and alliteration.
The rhythm in Beowulf is mostly determined by the caesura, or pause in the middle of the line, that is apparent even visually if you look at the original manuscript of the poem. In the translation from Burton Raffel that you are reading in British Literature, the original rhythmic pattern is rendered through the use of punctuation.
Repetition is a poetic device that uses the recurrence of specific words, phrases, or even sentences for emphasis. In Beowulf, notice how Grendel’s mother is frequently referred to as a “greedy she-wolf." As you read this lesson’s excerpt, note instances of repetition and try to interpret their meaning.
Alliteration is a poetic device that uses the repetition of a certain sound at the beginning of words. It mostly has a musical effect, but this can be harsh, solemn, or sweet-sounding according to the tone that the narrator wants to convey. Note the alliteration of the letter "s" in line 7 of “Grendel’s Mother,” “smashing their shining swords.” What effect does this alliteration convey?

10. Elegy or Elegiac Poetry
Began as an ancient Greek form
Created in response to a person’s or groups’ death
Elements of an Elegy
Mirror three stages of loss
1st – the lament (grief and sorrow are expressed)
2nd – praise and admiration of the dead
3rd – consolation and solace
Different than
An ode which exalts
An epitaph is very brief
A eulogy written in formal prose
A common mood in A.S. poetry is elegiac or sorrowful.
The theme of exile or inevitablity to escape fate are common.
Why might a person experience exile during this time period?
Banishment
Death
Marriage
War
How would you feel if you were exiled?

11. The Exeter Book Written in elegiac verse
Exile and solitude are examined using descriptive details and imagery to evoke a dejected mood.
Speakers are in exile, both voluntarily and by force
Questions the beliefs in the code of honor and focused on the hardships of Anglo-Saxon life
Exeter Book is a manuscript of poems created by Christian scribes around 957
Poems’ authors are unknown and most likely written by Christians and reflect Christian and pagan beliefs.

12. Reading Skill: How to Read Poetry
Poetry is NOT scary
You want to read a poem three times.
First time: get a feel for the language, mood and tone
Watch for punctuation (periods, commas, etc.)
Second time: start to look for figurative language
Third time: read for a deeper understanding; read “between-the-lines”

13. The Seafarer , The Wife’s Lament, and The Wanderer
How are these tales the same? How are they different?
Think about how each narrator is being exiled. How are the exiles the same? How are they different?
What words lend to an elegiac poem?
Find examples of figurative language.
What theme is evident in all 3 poems?
How is the Anglo-Saxon culture exemplified in these poems?
What emotions are in the poems and what mood do they represent?

14. In Review . . . How are elegies and epics different?
Epics are long narratives that center around a god-like hero
Elegies focus on a person’s or group’s death
How many times should you read a poem?
Three times
The speakers of « The Seafarer » and « The Wife’s Lament » have what in common . . .