Beowulf - Epic Poetry Test Review

Archetypal epic hero
1. brave, loyal, strong, fights for the greater good, tragic flaw
  1. What is his tragic flaw?
Characteristics of epic poetry
1. begins in medias res, features a hero, loaded with imagery, often features intervention of supernatural beings
Anglo-Saxon poem
1. kennings, simile, discussion of Anglo-Saxon culture
  1. What are kennings?
  2. What did you learn about their culture?
Allegory - a story that has two meanings (on the surface and symbolic)
1. What makes Beowulf an allegory?
Plot Summary
1. Beowulf, prince of the Geats, travels to Denmark to kill Grendel, a monster who has been terrorizing King Hrothgar's people for 12 years. After Beowulf slays Grendel, his mother seeks revenge by killing more Danes. Beowulf defeats the monster's mother and returns home to Geatland. Beowulf eventually becomes King and rules Geatland for fifty years. His last battle includes fighting a dragon who is terrorizing his people. With the help of Wiglaf, Beowulf defeats the dragon but dies from his wounds just after he appoints Wiglaf as king. His body is burned on a pyre and his remains are entombed in a large stone grave by the sea.
  1. Animated Beowulf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKjcoFZmKuA

Resource summary

	Created by Mrs DeAngelis almost 10 years ago