1. Old English Literature |
A Historical Survey of English Language
and Literature
Exercises
Group A
Multiple
Choice Questions.
Tick
(√) the best answer.
1)
Old English Literature is also known as.................
a)
Middle English Literature
c)
Christian Literature
b)
Anglo-Saxon Literature
d)
Caxton Literature
2)
Anglo-Saxon language was initially spoken by.................
a)
Angels, Saxons and Jutes
b)
Asian people
c)
Traders, Farmers and Workers
d)
Norman people
3)
Songs, Sermons, Bible translation and ........were major literary genres of the
Old English Literature.
a)
poetry
b)
essays
c)
hymns
d)
chronicles
4)
The oldest English epic ever found is.................
a)
Cynewulf
b)
Beowulf
c)
Cycliff
d)
Herodotus
5.
It can be said that Old English was spoken from about....
a)
350 to 1066
b)
455 to 1066
c)
450 to 1066
d)
550 to 1066
6.
.................are the features of Old English Literature.
a) pagan origin, diverse subject matter,
rhyme in poetry, printed text
b) pagan origin, religious influence,
diverse subject matter, printed text
c) pagan origin, religious influence,
anonymous origin, printed text
d) pagan origin, religious influence,
anonymous origin, heroic theme
7.
............ were regarded as major poets of the
period.
a) Caedmon and Cynewulf
b) Geoffrey Chaucer
c) William Langland
d) Sir Thomas More
8.
"The Husband's Message" lyric poem was written in..........
a) Middle English Literature
b) Renaissance Period
c) Old English Literature
d) Restoration Period
9.
Danish invaders brought the Old Norse language in England in the second half of
the...........
a)
10th century
b) 9th century
c) 11th century
d) 12th century
10.
The majority of the poems and prose works of Old English Literature were
translated or adapted from...........
a)
German
b)
Latin
c)
Roman
d)
French
11.
Literature of the earlier Anglo-Saxon period was mostly...........
a)
written
b)
printed
c)
visual
d)
oral
12.
........was the popular genre of literature in the Old English period.
a) Poetry
b) Prose
c) Drama
d) Novel
13.
Beowulf is the first and the greatest Old English epic poem was written
anonymously in the...........
a) 6th century
b) 7th century
c) 8th century
d) 9th century
14. "The Wanderer" is a/an................
a) ode
b) song
c) lyric poems
d) sonnet
15.
Many poems of Old English Literature were religious in theme, often influenced
by the............
a) Quran
b) Nordic
c) Gita
d) Bible
16.
"Exodus" describes how the Israelites left.................
a) England
b) Purgatory
c) Egypt
d) Paradise
17. The important prose writers of this
period were.........
a) Caedmon and Cynewulf
b) King Alfred and Aelfric
c) Christ and Satan
d) Adam and Eve
18.
Old English was used for both speaking and....................purposes.
a) listening
b) reading
c) speaking
d) writing
19.
................became the main religion occupying great space in literature.
a) Hinduism
b) Christianity
c) Muslim
d) Buddhist
20.
Grendel lives in a...........and comes to torture, kill and eat Hrothgar's men.
a) house
b) stable
c)
lake
d) cave
21. The Old English Period begins in 450
and extends to around............
a) 1064
b) 1065
c) 1066
d) 1067
Group
B
Answer
the following questions.
1.
Discuss Beowulf as an epic poem of Old English literature.
Beowulf is the
first and the greatest Old English epic poem was written anonymously in the 7th
century. The poem presents a story of fierce fight and brave
deeds of the hero Beowulf.
In the poem,
Beowulf is a brave young man of southern Sweden who goes to Denmark to help
King Hrothgar and his people. During the time, Hrothgar is in trouble because a
terrible creature, Grendel secretly visits his great hall, Heorot, at night. Grendel
lives in a auntlake and comes to torture, kill and eat Hrothgar's men. Beowulf
listens to it and goes there to help the king. One night Beowulf waits
secretly, and when Grendel starts attacking the people, Beowulf pulls its arm
off. Badly wounded Grendel escapes to the lake and dies there.
Grendel's mother
knows the event and comes to the hall for revenge. Though other people are
afraid terrible fight begins between Grendel's mother and Beowulf. The creature
is wounded. She runs to the bottom of the lake. Beowulf follows her and kills
her there; King Hrothgar becomes happy and rewards Beowulf with lots of
treasures.
Fifty years
later, Beowulf is a king of his native land. A fire-breathing dragon secretly
comes to his land, kills many people, and makes everyone terrified. To save his
own people, Beowulf fights with the creature and kills it. Beowulf himself is
also badly wounded in the fight and later, dies of the wound. There is the
sorrowful description of his funeral fire as the ending note of the epic.
Though Beowulf is an old English poem, it has its own
value. It gives us an interesting picture of life and attitude of people in
those old days. It tells us of fierce fights and heroic deeds, of the speech of
the leader and sufferings of his men. It describes their life in the hall, the
terrible creatures that they had to fight, and their ships and travels. It has
alliterative and stressed poetic lines without rhyme. Each half line has two
main beats. Things are described indirectly and in combination of words.
2.
What is the contribution of the Anglo-Saxon period in English Literature?
The Old English language, also called Anglo-Saxon, was
the earliest form of English. It is difficult to give exact dates for the rise
and development of a language, because it does not change suddenly. The
language used in England about 1400 years ago is called Old English or Anglo-
Saxon. It is very different from the English used today. Old English is very
different from modern English. The most important work in Old English is Beowulf. It is a long poem about a
hero called Beowulf, who fights monsters and dragons.
Old
English Literature, also known as Anglo-Saxon Literature, began with the use of
the English language in England in the mid-fifth century. It was brought to
England by a Germanic tribe named Anglo-Saxon and hence their language was
called Anglo Saxon language. Initially, this language was spoken by three
tribal groups: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes and the new term Anglo-Saxon came into
circulation. As the Nepali language descended from Sanskrit, the source of
modern English language was the Anglo-Saxon or the old English language. Old
English was used for both speaking and writing purposes. In the written form,
some creative works of different writers were also published. Old English
cannot be read now except for those who have made a special study of it.
The exact date
of the period is still unclear but, it can be said that Old English was spoken
from about 450 to 1066 AD until the Norman Conquest. The literature during this
period is known as Anglo-Saxon Literature. It consists of epic poetry, songs,
sermons, translations of the Bible, different chronicles, and riddles as the
major literary genres of the period.
3.
Write features of the Anglo-Saxon period in brief.
Old English
literature has its origin in the Pagan past. Mostly the literature of the period
was orally transmitted from generation to generation. The major characteristic
features of the period are as follows:
i) Pagan Origin: Most of the
Anglo-Saxon poems had the influence and relation with the Pagan past and themes
originated in the continental home of English people. 'Beowulf' is an example
of it that carries the story of a great hero who saves the people from the
attack of a monster.
ii) Religious
Influence:
Literature of the period had religious influence and tone. The subjects were taken
from religion, the themes were religious or the characters were from religious
texts. Christianity became the main religion occupying great space in
literature. Genesis A, Genesis B, Christ, etc. are some examples of religious
poems.
iii) Anonymous
Origin:
Mostly, the literary creations of the period were anonymously written, The
writers of 'Beowulf, Genesis A, Genesis B. Christ, and Satan, etc. are some
examples of these types of poems. But, in the latter days of the Anglo-Saxon
period, the poems, prose, and chronicles came in the names of the writers too.
Some writers like Cynewulf, Aelfric, King Alfred, and others had great
contributions to the literature of the period.
iv) Imitative
Quality:
The majority of the poems and prose works of this period were translated or
adapted from Latin. As the influence of Roman literature, the subject matters,
characters, and style were to some extent identical to Romans, Bible
translation, Genesis A, Genesis B, and Chronicles are some of the examples of
high imitative qualities in literature.
v) Heroic Theme: The theme of
most of the poems likes 'Beowulf was heroic. There were battles, conflicts, and
tortures from the anti-hero groups, but always the hero became victorious in
the literature of the period.
vi) Diverse
Subject Matter:
At the beginning of Anglo-Saxon literature, most of the poems and prose
consisted of the religious and heroic subject matter. But after the Chronicles
of King Alfred appeared in the seventh century, variety appeared in the subject
matter. Rustic life of the people, the battle between heaven and hell, personal
narratives, etc. became the common subjects of literature during the period.
4.
"Old English Literature is the foundation for the development of English
literature." Explain with reason.
Of course, Old English Literature is the foundation
for the development of English literature. The Old English language, also called Anglo-Saxon, was the earliest form
of English. It is difficult to give exact dates for the rise and development of
a language, because it does not change suddenly. The language used in England
about 1400 years ago is called Old English or Anglo- Saxon. It is very
different from the English used today. Old English is very different from
modern English.
After the
invasion of the three Germanic tribes (Saxons, Angles and Jutes) from various
parts of northwest Germany as well as Denmark, German dialects were used in day
to day language of the people. The language is now known as Old English
Language. Before it, Latin and some other varieties of languages were spoken in
England. During the time of King Alfred, many of the Latin books were
translated into English so that the people could read them well. These
translations borrowed many Latin lexicons and structures in English too.
School, title, paper, verse, etc. are some examples of Latin words in Old
English. Danish invaders brought the Old Norse language in England in the
second half of the 10th century. Norse language replaced the use of the Old
English language during the time.
Old English
language had strong verbs and use of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in their
oral and written practice. Old English poems like Beowulf were rich in
alliterative qualities. They possessed single line rhyming patterns. Basic use
of present and past tense could be found in the writings of the period. Tense
formation and word order in Old English is similar to Modern English. There
were varieties in style, use, and structure of language in different places.
The writers started the use of metaphors in writing. Old English language
cannot be understood without special training of the old scripts. There was a
gradual transformation in the English language over the centuries to come to
the modern form.
5. Describe
development of Different Genres in the Old English Literature Period.
Though
literature of the earlier Anglo-Saxon period was mostly oral, many literary
figures contributed a lot to the development of literature. Poetry had
domination upon other literary forms and many poets gave good poetic creations
to the period. Along with it, the development of prose in different forms had a
simultaneous contribution to the field.
Poetry was the
popular genre of literature in the Old English period. There was a tradition of
recitation and transmission of poems in public. At the beginning and of this
period, poems used to be recited orally. Mostly, the shepherds used to create
and recite pastoral poems. Many heroic epics were also written in this period.
These poems glorified a real or imaginary hero and tried to teach the values of
bravery and generosity. The greatest heroic epic is Beowulf. Many of the poems
of the period had either heroic or religious tone.
Caedmon and
Cynewulf were regarded as major poets of the period. There is less information
about Caedmon because his works are not popular. But Cynewulf's four poems are
recorded as popular poems. They are "Juliana”, "The Fates of the
Apostles", "Christ", and "Elene." His poems were probably
written in the second half of the 8th century which had religious themes and
alliterative qualities.
Many lyric poems
were also written in this period. Some of them are: "The Husband's
Message", "The Wanderer", "The Wife's Complaint", and
"Deor's Complaint."
Many poems of
this period were religious in theme, often influenced by the Bible. These poems
include: "Genesis A", "Genesis B", "Exodus",
"Daniel", "Christ and Satan" and "The Dream of the
Rood". "Genesis B" is about the beginning of the world, the fall
of the angels, and God's punishment to Satan. "Exodus" describes how
the Israelites left Egypt. Similarly, another poem "Christ and Satan"
deals with the events in Christ's life and His struggle with Satan. "The
Dream of the Road" is one of the best poems of the period. It is about Christ's
cross. "The Battle of Maldon" is a poem about the battle against the
Danes during the last decade of the 10th century.
6.
Write short notes on:
a)
Beowulf
Beowulf is the
first and the greatest Old English epic poem was written anonymously in the 7th
century. In the poem, Beowulf is a brave young man of southern Sweden who goes
to Denmark to help King Hrothgar and his people. During the time, Hrothgar is
in trouble because a terrible creature, Grendel secretly visits his great hall,
Heorot, at night. Grendel lives in a auntlake and comes to torture, kill and
eat Hrothgar's men. Beowulf listens to it and goes there to help the king. One
night Beowulf waits secretly, and when Grendel starts attacking the people,
Beowulf pulls its arm off. Badly wounded Grendel escapes to the lake and dies
there.
Grendel's mother
knows the event and comes to the hall for revenge. Though other people are
afraid terrible fight begins between Grendel's mother and Beowulf. The creature
is wounded. She runs to the bottom of the lake. Beowulf follows her and kills
her there; King Hrothgar becomes happy and rewards Beowulf with lots of
treasures.
Fifty years
later, Beowulf is a king of his native land. A fire-breathing dragon secretly
comes to his land, kills many people, and makes everyone terrified. To save his
own people, Beowulf fights with the creature and kills it. Beowulf himself is
also badly wounded in the fight and later, dies of the wound. There is the
sorrowful description of his funeral fire as the ending note of the epic.
The verse of
this epic follows the alliterative tradition. Metaphors are abundantly used in
it. For example, 'whale's road' is used for the ocean; and 'sea soldier' is
used for a sailor.
b)
Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
Though there
were some legal documents in practice, the development of prose is less than
poems in the Old English Period. In the seventh century, there were some Laws
including the punishment system, but these laws were written in verse with the
style of prose. The important prose writers of this period were King Alfred and
Aelfric. King Alfred translated several Latin books into Old English to make
his people easy to read.
The Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle is the first important prose works in English literature which
contains the early history of the country. King Alfred ordered the collection
of this early history and several early writings were collected for
publication.
The
most interesting piece of prose is The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It is an early
history of the country, which was probably, began in King Alfred's time. King
Alfred gave a great contribution to the development of old English prose. He
himself translated a number of Latin books into English. Being a learned man,
he improved the education of his people.
c)
Development of Old English Language during Anglo-Saxon Period
After the
invasion of the three Germanic tribes (Saxons, Angles and Jutes) from various
parts of northwest Germany as well as Denmark, German dialects were used in day
to day language of the people. The language is now known as Old English
Language. Before it, Latin and some other varieties of languages were spoken in
England. During the time of King Alfred, many of the Latin books were
translated into English so that the people could read them well. These
translations borrowed many Latin lexicons and structures in English too.
School, title, paper, verse, etc. are some examples of Latin words in Old
English.
Danish invaders
brought the Old Norse language in England in the second half of the 10th
century. Norse language replaced the use of the Old English language during the
time.
Old English
language had strong verbs and use of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in their
oral and written practice. Old English poems like Beowulf were rich in
alliterative qualities. They possessed single line rhyming patterns. Basic use
of present and past tense could be found in the writings of the period. Tense
formation and word order in Old English is similar to Modern English. There
were varieties in style, use, and structure of language in different places.
The writers
started the use of metaphors in writing. Old English language cannot be
understood without special training of the old scripts. There was a gradual
transformation in the English language over the centuries to come to the modern
form.
d)
Prose in Old English Literature
It is not surprising that prose developed later than
poetry. The development of prose took place wholly in England as a result of
Christianization. The most interesting piece of prose is The Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle. It is an early history of the country, which was probably, began in
King Alfred's time. King Alfred gave a great contribution to the development of
old English prose.
He himself translated a number of Latin books into
English. Being a learned man, he improved the education of his people. Another important
writer of prose was Aelfric. His works such as Homilies and Lives of Saints
were mostly religious. His prose style is the best in old English and he uses
alliteration to join his sentences together.
Though there
were some legal documents in practice, the development of prose is less than
poems in the Old English Period. In the seventh century, there were some Laws
including the punishment system, but these laws were written in verse with the
style of prose. The important prose writers of this period were King Alfred and
Aelfric. King Alfred translated several Latin books into Old English to make
his people easy to read.
The Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle is the first important prose works in English literature which
contains the early history of the country. King Alfred ordered the collection
of this early history and several early writings were collected for
publication. Similarly, Aelfric wrote mainly religious prose such as Homilies
and Lives of Saints. He also wrote the meaning of the first seven books of the
Bible in Old English. Many chronicles belonged to different cities as the
record of the events and were known as the prose works of the period.
e)
Poetry in Old English Literature
Old English literature was the earliest form of
English, which was spoken from about 600 to 1100 A.D. It is very different from
modern English so it cannot be read now without special study. The earlier
literature of Anglo-Saxon people was oral. Later in the seventh century, they
began to develop written literature. In old English Poetry descriptions of sad
events and cruel situation are commoner than those of happiness.
Beowulf is the greatest old English poem. It has a
special position in Old English literature. It is the first English epic
written around seventh century. The name of its author is unknown. The poem
presents a story of fierce fight and brave deeds of the hero Beowulf.
Some Old English Poems
Genesis A :
a poem taken from Bible
Genesis B :
a poem about the origin of the world and the fall of angels.
Exodus : poem
taken straight from Bible
Daniel : poem
taken straight from Bible
Christ and Satan :
a publication poem that deals with events in Christ's life
The Dream of the Rood :
one of the best English poems
Two Old English Poets
Caedmon :
a poet inspired by the God.
Cynewulf :
wrote four poems namely Juliana, The Fates of the Apostles, Christ and Elene.
Old English Lyrics
Deor's Complaint,
Husband's Message,
The Wanderer, and The Wife's Complaint.
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