MID-TERM EXAM REVIEW SHEET
ENGLISH 11 2011-12
Know the primary characters, plots and themes for each story. Be familiar with the author and historical
backgrounds of each period. Be able to recognize characteristics of the writing from each period. Be able to
recognize specific genres (elegy, heroic epic, folktale, myth, legend, riddles, narrative poetry, Victorian
literature, etc.) as well as the literary devices discussed with each (alliteration, caesura, kennings, personification, onomatopoeia, satire, etc.). Be able to match descriptions to characters and/or authors. Be able to
match a historical period to the type of literature, literary themes, and social issues emphasized during that
period.
Folktales. Mvths. Legends
Characteristics, functions, and universal questions found in these genres (NOTES - Chart)
Three connections folktales, myths, legends give us (NOTES)
Folklore, motifs – Definitions (NOTES)
Lessons and themes of traditional literature "Prometheus," "Dr. Faust," "Kerta's Sacrifice," "Tiger's Whisker,"
and “What Men Live By”(Notes & Summaries Sheet; Textbook)
Anglo-Saxon Literature (449-1066)
Oral tradition, scops (HANDOUT & NOTES)
Historical background to Anglo-Saxon period (HANDOUTS, NOTES, Textbook)
Beowulf - characters, places, themes, symbolism (DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, Textbook, Quizzes)
Heroic Epic & Elements of the Epic (NOTES & Textbook)
Traditional heroic traits (NOTES & Worksheet)
Elegy form and themes (Textbook: "Seafarer," "Wife's Lament" “Wanderer”; NOTES)
Riddles & Poetic Devices (alliteration, kennings, similes, personification, metaphors, hyperbole, onomatopoeia,
imagery, caesura) (NOTES & HANDOUTS)
Romantic Literature (1798 - 1832)
Historical background of the Romantic Age (NOTES, Textbook)
Mary Shelley - biographical background and influences upon writing (HANDOUT; NOTES)
Characteristics of Romantic Literature (NOTES)
Characteristics of the Gothic Novel (NOTES)
Frankenstein - characters, themes, basic plot (Discussion Questions, Character Sheet, NOTES)
Medieval Period (1066-1485)
Historical background to Medieval period (Class NOTES, Background Notes HANDOUT, Textbook)
Geoffrey Chaucer & Canterbury Tales (NOTES & Textbook)
Two Methods and Three Levels of Characterization (NOTES)
Satire and all types of satire (mockery, parody, etc.), framing (NOTES)
Society's Structure (HANDOUT)
Genres of the Tales (HANDOUT, Textbook)
Pilgrim descriptions in the "Prologue" (Textbook, CHARACTER SHEETS)
"Pardoner's Tale" & "Wife of Bath's Tale" (Textbook, Analysis sheets)
Vocabularv & Spelling Lists
You should study vocabulary from Frankenstein (two lists) and Canterbury Tales. You should also be familiar
with literary terms Allegory-Couplet from the back of your textbook. Be able to recognize definitions and
examples.