Anglo-Saxon Unit Study Guide

Anglo-Saxon Unit Study Guide Mr. Hannan

As part of your preparation for the test on the Anglo-Saxon unit, answer the following questions completely in your notebook.

In addition to studying this material, review Beowulf and “The Seafarer.” Also study your notes on the Anglo-Saxon poetic style and the history of the English language.

Part A 1. The religion of the ancient Celts was a form of animism. Where did that word come from and what are some of the characteristics of that religion? 2. What did King Alfred the Great do for England during the period when the Danes were invading the island? 3. What effect did Christianity have on England? 4. What finally ended the conflict between the English and the Danes? 5. What rights did Anglo-Saxon women have that they lost after the Norman Conquest? 6. Describe the Anglo-Saxons’ value of loyalty to leader and the leader’s responsibility in the relationship. 7. Why was fame important to the Anglo-Saxons? 8. What role did the bards (or Scops) play in providing fame for the Anglo-Saxons What was their status in society? 9. What role did the monasteries play in Anglo-Saxon culture? 10. What was the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle? What was King Alfred’s association with it?

Part B 1. Define the following: a. epic b. alliteration c. caesura d. kenning e. elegy f. 2. Supply dates for the following (consult your notes from the lecture): a. Roman legions called away from Britain b. First Germanic warriors arrive in Britain c. Norman invasion d. Old English Period e. Middle English Period f. Modern English Period g. 3. What influence did the following have on the Engllish language? (See “Old English: Where English Came From,” pp. 63-66, and your notes from the lecture.) a. Indo-European b. Germanic languages of Angles, Saxons and Jutes c. Celtic languages d. Latin e. Old Norse (language of the Danes) f. Norman French

4. What are the characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon poetic style?