beowulf. epic a long narrative poem telling about the deeds of a great hero and reflecting the...
Post on 05-Jan-2016
212 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Beowulf
Epic
• A long narrative poem telling about the deeds of a great hero and reflecting the values of the society from which it originated
• Many epics were drawn from oral tradition and were translated into song before being written down
Feature of an Epic
• Central heroic figure whose actions are vital to the welfare of a nation or people
• The narrative combines myth, legend, folk tale and history
• The action involves great battles, perilous journeys, and super human deeds
• Supernatural agents are involved
• The style is formal and the language stately (epic similes, epithets, and lengthy speeches)
Present day words developed from Anglo Saxon
Moder motherHond handLif lifeMan manHus houseEald oldSwearde swordWorulde world
Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry
RhythmCaesura
AlliterationKenning
Rhythm
• Four beats per line
• “Then Wulfgar went to the door and addressed”
• “And Danes shook with terror. Down”
Caesura
• Pause after the second beat (sometime there is punctuation, sometimes not)
“Unferth spoke; Ecglaf’s son,”“Distance was safety; the only survivors”
Alliteration
Repetition of sounds, usually consonant sounds
“Dripping with my enemies’ blood I doveFive great giants into chains, chased”
Kenning
Metaphorical phrase used instead of a name
“Shadow of death” – describes Grendal“Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend” – describes Beowulf
top related