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anglo-saxon period

History. Britons

Patman
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anglo-saxon period

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    1. Anglo-Saxon Period 449-1066

    2. History Britons– Celtic people (King Arthur?!) Conquered by Romans- 1st century AD to 410 Influence of language: “caster,” “chester”) Invaded by: Jutes from Denmark (Germanic) Angles and Saxons Common Language (Old English)

    3. The country was NOT unified, divided into kingdoms. Had to reorganize to resist invasion by Vikings (Danes) (Alfred the Great) 1066- Invasion of Normans Norman- French Forces William, Duke of Normandy Ended period known as “Dark Ages”

    4. Attributes/Beliefs, Anglo-Saxon Period Language- days of the week are Anglo-Saxon gods Heroic ideal- outstanding courage, loyalty (to leader), courtesy (manners), personal valor, generosity (of leader to follower) Fate determined life but heroic human will and courage allowed the individual to control response to fate, win fame, become models for others.

    5. Society Family- clan-tribe-kingdom Open expression combined with loyalty to leader Artistic, poetic, learned (provided teachers to Europe)

    6. Christianity Early- pre 5th century St. Augustine (597) established monastery; Archbishop of Canterbury (highest ecclesiastical authority) Caedmon- first English religious poet Church united island Kingdoms, encouraged ties with Europe

    7. Anglo Literature Oral- poems sung Scop- recited well known poems from memory; historian of the tribe Strong beat (rhythms), alliteration Two traditions: Heroic: Beowulf Elegiac: mourns passing of earlier, better times

    8. Christian beliefs added to replace paganism Riddles Churchmen- wrote Latin, introduced Rhyme, wrote verse, prose, chronicles

    9. Important People Venerable Bede- father of English history, wrote A History of English Church and People Alfred the Great Patron of scholars, educators Promoted use of written english Initiated Anglo-Saxon chronicle, first historical record kept in English Diplomatic relations to Briton Embassies to Rome, Jerusalem, India Formulated code of law Founded English “public schools.” Defeated Danes.

    10. Anglo Saxon Literature: Beowulf

    11. 449-1066 Types of Literature: Lyric Poetry: “The Seafarer;” Elegiac; expresses a speaker’s personal thoughts. Melodic quality; expresses a range of emotions, reflections Epic: Beowulf; heroic tradition. Incantations/charms Riddles Christian writings: added to or replaced pagan writing.

    12. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Responsiveness to nature Devotion to glory Melancholy/somber Lines do not rhyme Four beats each line (chart-like effect) strong beat. Each line has a pause: CAESURA

    13. Alliteration important (repetition of initial consonant sounds of words) Kenning used- elaborate and indirect way of naming something (wave skinner = boat) Grendel= man-devourer Importance of fate: WRYD: what will be; governed when a man was born, what happened during life, when a man would die. Epithets: descriptive word/phrase Hyperbole: extreme exaggeration.

    14. Beowulf: translation, BEAR! Folk Epic: chief work of Old English Period (3200 lines) Oral tradition: kept history of illiterate people alive. (SCOP) Pagan and Christian ideas presented 7th-8th century composed (setting: 3rd or 4th c.) Myth AND Heroic legend combined Scandinavian in origin

    15. Three major sections: Beowulf’s confrontation with Grendel Beowulf’s battle against Grendel’s mother Beowulf’s final struggle against the dragon. 2 major Parts: Beowulf as a youth; Beowulf as an old man

    16. Character BEOWULF: Reflects Anglo-Saxon ideals Combines historical figure and mythical hero Expresses extreme confidence. Noble, courageous, and bold. Stronger than a mortal. Mighty warrior from land of the Geats in Sweden

    17. Villains: Grendel (allusion: reference to biblical Cain) Grendel’s mother Fire breathing Dragon

    18. Concepts of FATE are important: Wryd: what will be Wyrd: governed when a man was born, what happened to him during his life, and when a man would die

    19. Themes Struggle between good and evil. Good conquers evil. (Beowulf v. Grendel/Grendel’s mother/the Dragon) Actions speak louder than words (Beowulf v. Unferth) Judge the greatness of a human being by the greatness of his deeds and noble ancestry. Help they neighbor Forces of Darkness-irrational, menacing- are always at work in society. Life is a continuing struggle.

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