English 9

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1 quarter reviewer
Anglo American literature

Anglo – Saxon Period (Old English)

Anglen & Saxony = settlers from Germany who invaded Britain; the
outcome of insular interactions & changes

*England [came from the old English word] -> EnglaLand [meaning] -> Land of
the Anglen*

> People were known as “Britons”/”Celts”

> Latin speaking society under the Romans
> [West] Germanic Language (Old English)
> Anglo – Saxon Period ends with the Battle of Hastings (when the French,
led by William the Conqueror, invaded England)
> Language is closer to German than English
> Uses oral tradition. Stories were told by Bards; a poet
> The German Invasion influenced two urgings : War & Wandering

1. ALLITERATION – the repetition of beginning consonant sounds in lines.

2. KENNINGS – a metaphorical phrase used to replace a concrete noun.
(Ex: Spear play = battle)
3. ARCHAIC WORDS – Old English words

Anglo-Saxon poetry falls mainly into 2 categories:

1. Elegiac Poetry – laments the deaths of loved ones & the loss of the
past.
2. Heroic Poetry – recounts the achievements of warriors.
 Beowulf
> The national epic of the Anglo-Saxons
> The oldest Germanic poem that survived
> Marks the beginning of English literature
> Written up until 700 A.D
> Believed to be created by a Christian Monk

> Biblical & Christian Allusions

> Pagan Customs (non-believers of a certain religion)
> Social Customs
> Trials of the warrior
> Beowulf Boasts

> An Epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger
than life hero
> COMMON ELEMENTS IN AN EPIC:
- Epic Hero (Superhuman Strength & Valor, Legendary Hero, Must
undertake a quest to achieve something of tremendous value)
- Involvement of the Supernatural
- Omniscient Narration (Third Person)
- Epic Style of Writing (formal, lyrical, poetic, & sophisticated)
- Multiple Settings
> Beowulf is divided into 3 sections (based on Beowulf’s battles)
- Battle with Grendel
- Battle with Grendel’s mother
- Battle with The Dragon (symbolizes evil & greed)
> Setting of Beowulf: Geatland (Sweden) & Denmark
Grendel the murderer
> About Grendel’s attacks on the Danes
> Shows Grendel’s desire to kill & hurt
> Grendel attacks because of the singing about God
> Grendel is believed to be a descendant of Cain; embodiment of sin
> Also represents ENVY
> Showcases few pagan customs
All sleep save one
> Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark
> Beowulf’s wait for Grendel
> Beowulf’s boasts
> Gives the idea of what the Geats are feeling
Grendel & Beowulf
> Grendel vs. Beowulf
> Pictures Beowulf’s superhuman strength
> Weakness of Grendel was revealed

Characters
Beowulf – The protagonist. A Geatish Hero. The strongest and ablest warrior.
Personifies heroic values in his youth. Also a wise and effective ruler
(ruled for 50 years)
Grendel - a man-eating demon in Spear Danes & attacks Heorot every
evening. Triggered by songs about God.
Grendel’s Mother - an unnamed swamp-hag; possess fewer human
qualities. Avenges Grendel but kills only 1 man before
retreating to her lair due to the Geats strength.
King Hrothgar - King of Danes. Enjoys military success & prosperity. A wise &
aged ruler. A father figure & model to Beowulf (exhibits Code
of Comitatus [riches & shelter in return for protection])
Queen Wealhtheow - Queen of Spear-Danes. Carries the Goblet of Mead
(ceremonial). Helps establish brotherly affection
between Geats & Danes.
Wiglaf - Kinsman & retainer of Beowulf. Adheres to the heroic code better than
he others. Proved to be a suitable successor to Beowulf
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
EPIC
BEOWULF > Wanted to return a favor to
Hrothgar.
> A Noble Warrior
> Used Nature’s Weapons
against Grendel.
> Wise King of Geatland
GRENDEL > Stronger than his mom
> Believed to be a
descendant of Cain
HROTHGAR > Noble King
> Lineage is unknown
> Gave half of the Kingdom’s
treasure to Beowulf
HEOROT > Gem-bedecked palace
> Lofty Gathering hall
> Grand hall
EPIC
GRENDEL THE > Grendel is triggered by songs
MURDERER about God.
> Grendel attacks when people
are asleep
> Grendel is afraid to go near
the throne
ALL SLEEP > Beowulf’s battle against the
SAVE ONE sea monsters was not
mentioned
> All slept except Beowulf
> Hrothgar offers half of the
Kingdom’s treasure
GRENDEL VS. > Beowulf waited for Grendel to
BEOWULF notice him
> Beowulf used no weapons
and had no help
MOVIE
> Fought Grendel for Gold
> Gave in to Grendel’s
Mother.
> Used minimal weapons
against Grendel.
> Cursed King
> Son of Hrothgar
> Shrinks in his battle against
Beowulf
> Cursed King
> Gave Beowulf half of the
treasure, the Queen, & the
dragon horn.
> Made of wood & bricks
> Treasure stored in chest
> Looks ordinary
MOVIE
> Grendel is triggered by loud
merry-making
> Grendel cannot hurt Hrothgar
> Grendel kills people even
when they are awake
> Hrothgar promised 3 things to
Beowulf.
> The story of Beowulf vs. the
sea monsters were mentioned
> Every single person was
awake except for Beowulf
(who was resting)
> Beowulf’s mean also tried to
kill Grendel
> Beowulf used a chain & the
door as weapons
> Wiglaf helps