Historical Criticism:Anglo-Saxons and the Epic Form

Unit 1 Notes

• What qualities or values did the Anglo-Saxons admire?

• What was the basis for all of the Anglo-Saxons’ beliefs and values?

• How did religion impact the Anglo-Saxons?• What were the Anglo-Saxons’ views towards

death and why?

• What is an epic?• What purpose did epics serve?• What are the standard features of an epic?• What is a kenning and why was it used?• What are some characteristics of an epic?• Why is the epic hero important?

Historical Criticism Assignment:

• Read “from Gilgamesh” on pages 60-61• Find as many examples out of the story as you

can that relate to the qualities, values, and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons. You need to find at least 6 different examples.

• Explain which quality, value, or belief is shown and either write down the line numbers of each example or write down the quotes for each example.