A-S Test is Friday 9/26 Bring a pencil; 46 multiple choice questions.
Anglo-Saxon Review
Name _________________________________
1. Who is the Demon in "Beowulf" who terrorized the Danes? And what does Beowulf hope to gain by
killing him?
Grendel. Beowulf hopes to gain fame and reputation by defeating the monster, Grendel
2. Comitatus is the most important value for Anglo-Saxons. What does it mean?
The code of behavior followed by the Anglo-Saxon warriors
3. Why is the poet just as significant as the warrior in the A-S time period?
The poet or scop is as equally important to the Anglo-Saxon warrior and hero. Without the poet the
reputation and fame of the hero will not be told
4. Why was the Anglo-Saxon culture so aggressive? (Or, why did the Anglo-Saxon people have to be
so aggressive?)
War is everywhere and it is violent and bloody. The society was full of invaders. Clans were forced to
fight and protect themselves
5. What are the elements that an epic (and an epic hero) should have?
A hero on a journey and undergoes a series of tests
6. What did the communal hall provide for the Anglo-Saxon people?
A strong sense of community and close kinship with one another. Entertainment, meeting place,
protection
7. Who is Wiglaf, and how is he different from Beowulf’s other followers?
Wiglaf is the one and only loyal soldier to Beowulf in the final battle with the Dragon. He represents
and/or symbolizes loyalty. The final soldier to believe in Comitatus.
8. At the end of Beowulf, Wiglaf will take the throne in Beowulf’s place. Wiglaf calls Beowulf the last
of the great kings; what does this statement suggest to you about the Anglo-Saxon time period?
That there are no more Pagan ways. There is no more sign of the Anglo-Saxon hero.
9. Why does Unferth challenge Beowulf?
He is supposed to be the hero of the Danes but is JEALOUS of Beowulf’s success and heroic qualities
10. What did the Anglo-Saxons believe about fate?
This deals with the concept of wyrd. Wyrd means fate. Think!! Does Beowulf fear death? Why doesn’t
he? He believes that Fate will take him where it will. IF he is to die---he is to die. So let me fight my
battles with all my might. Fate will save your life if you are willing to be brave and face death.
A-S Test is Friday 9/26 Bring a pencil; 46 multiple choice questions.
11. Why doesn’t Beowulf use any weapons when he fights Grendel?
To prove his brute strength and abilities. He does not need anything to help him win the battle
12. What weapon helps him kill Grendel’s Mother?
A magical (Pagan) sword he found on the wall of the cave. Clearly a gift from God to defeat the demon.
13. What is Beowulf’s blood debt to Hrothgar?
Beowulf’s father needed help in a battle and Hrothgar came to help him and save his people. Now his
debt is paid with his defeating Grendel
14. What is the overall tone of the "Seafarer?"
Sad, lonely, and cold
15. Most of the initial images in "The Seafarer" are that of...?
Ice and frozen chains
16. What are the seafarer's thoughts about the ocean? He loves the journey, but what is in search of?
He finds comfort in the solitude. He rejects the cities (swelled proud with wine). He is in search of the
journey to heaven.
17. What does the seafarer believe is happening to the Anglo-Saxon time period and the
heroes/kings?
Gone are the givers of gold. There are no more true rulers. Find Christianity
18. What is an elegy? How is “The Seafarer” an example of one?
Elegy: reminisce about sad or difficulties in the past. The Seafarer does not accept the cities or the society
and is longing for and sad for his journey in search for his home. He will ultimately find it in Heaven upon
his death
19. What is alliteration? Give an example.
Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Tonsing’s tantalizing tidbits
20. What is a kenning? Give an example.
Compound expression/figurative language/ renaming something using 2 nouns or 2 nouns and a prep
phrase. Whale-road – the ocean king = giver of gold
21. What is a litotes? Give an example.
Opposites. The sword is not useless = the sword is useful -- He is no ordinary man = he is extraordinary
22. What is an allusion? Give an example.
A reference to something written in the past (a work of the past) -- A reference to the boy being
like Romeo. Reference to Romeo and Juliet
A-S Test is Friday 9/26 Bring a pencil; 46 multiple choice questions.
Sample Questions – Summative
23.Which key idea and claim statement or main idea does this textual reference support for the Anglo-Saxon
time period? In other words, what key idea is demonstrated in the following quote? And how does this quote
support this key idea? “But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: Let us toast your victories, and talk of
the future” (Probst 26; lines 223-224).
A. Aggressive Society: The Danes are celebrating on how vicious the attack will be on Grendel once Beowulf
gets to him.
B. Heroic qualities: The Danes are celebrating how heroic Beowulf has been and will be in the future.
C. Community: The Danes are having a celebration
D. Poet/Monk: The Danes are telling stories of Beowulf’s heroic acts.
Directions: Match each claim in questions 42-46 with the best piece of supportive textual evidence from “The
Seafarer” poem.
Directions: Read the following selection from Beowulf, and select the correct part of speech for each underlined
portion, numbered 26-36.
Choose from – A. Alliteration
B. Allusion
C. Kenning
D. Litotes