Anglo-Saxon Literature

English 12 Regular
Mrs. Smart
Due date:
Assignment: Background reading & note-taking

Your object is to equip yourselves with the background information necessary for
interpreting and analyzing Anglo-Saxon literature, including Beowulf and selected lyric poetry.
In addition, hone your note-taking skills (hint: the more organized, the more thorough, the
better!) so you are prepared to begin Beowulf next week. This material is also likely to appear on
your next quiz.

Read & take notes on the following sections in Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes. Copy and
complete the outline below to help you organize these notes.

I. A Brief History of Britain (p. 4-5)

a. “Conquest of Britain”
i. first conquerors & dates:
ii. second conquerors & dates:
iii. third conquerors & dates:
b. “The Coming of Christianity”
i. Under Roman Rule, 300 C.E.
ii. After Rome collapses, 476 C.E.
iii. Columba & Augustine, 500 C.E.
c. “The Danish Invasion”
i. Norse of Norway
ii. Danes of Denmark
iii. Actions of the invaders
iv. Alfred the Great, 871 C.E.
v. Edward the Confessor, 1042 C.E.

II. Old English p. 12

a. Names of the conquering groups
b. Description of Old English
c. Examples of Old English still present in Modern English

Key question: How would the English language be different if it were not for the
conquering groups?

III. Anglo-Saxon Life & Culture p. 14

a. scops
b. The Exeter Book
c. characteristics of Anglo-Saxon culture
Key question: Given what you know about Anglo-Saxon life & culture, what might you
expect about their literature?
Key question: Which people group are the Anglo-Saxons most similar to? Why?

IV. Anglo-Saxon Literature p. 8

a. “Anglo-Saxon Poetry”
i. heroic poetry
ii. elegiac poetry
b. “Anglo-Saxon Prose”
i. History of the English Church and People
ii. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles

V. The Epic p.36-37, excluding vocabulary

a. plot summary
b. importance of the epic to the Anglo-Saxons
c. history of the manuscript
d. characteristics of an epic

VI. Lyric Poetry p. 15, excluding vocabulary

a. rhythm
b. caesura
c. kenning
d. assonance
e. alliteration

Key question: Connect the Anglo-Saxon epic to contemporary Western culture. What in
our culture fills the same niche as Beowulf did then?