The Anglo-Saxon Period449-1066 AD

History Oldest known period of time that had a

complex culture, stable government, art, and literature Many advancements in each of these

categories The Anglo-Saxon period paved the way for

future societies (set the foundation for art, literature, society, culture that we have today)

Extremely advanced culture for the time

History The Angles were a Germanic tribe that occupied

what is now Scleswig-Holstein, Germany With the other ethnic groups, they formed the

people that would be known as the English The Saxons were Germanic people who

appeared in the beginning of the Christian era In 596, Paganism was the religion of choice

But then missionaries began to convert people from Paganism to Christianity

By 650 almost all of England had converted (at least in name) to Christianity

ReligionPaganism

Often characterized by a reverence to nature

No concept of sin Pagans are responsible

for their own actions Belief in fate & monsters Lack of belief in a higher

power

Christianity

Sees life as linear Bible and gospels are the

guiding rules for Christians

Good vs. evil, right vs. wrong

Existence of God

Religion & Beowulf The epic poem shows influences of both

Paganism and Christianity, thus reflecting the changing times

The Anglo-Saxons Common weapon was the spear

7 feet long with an iron head used to throw or jab

Shields were plain and round made of wood with an iron center

Simple, modest garments (robes gathered at the waist made of linen and wool, soft sandals)

Favorite pastimes: dice, board games (chess), complex riddles, hunting, juggling balls & knives

The Anglo-Saxons Little writing was preserved as the

written language was still being developed Storytelling was the oral tradition Scops: traveling minstrel who captivated

audiences with long narrative poems

Types of English Old English Middle English Modern English* (Increasingly

distinguished between early modern and modern/present day English)

Old English500-1200 Anglo-Saxon EnglishCombination of Celtic, Norse, Germanic (Jutes, Angles, Saxons) and LatinMost important surviving work is Beowulf

Hwæt. We Gardena    in gear-dagum.

Middle English 1100 to 1400 Softened some from its Germanic roots through

the influence of the French Introduced new words—Upper Class heavily

influenced by the French language. Lower class less influence, and less literate.

Most important surviving work is The Canterbury Tales

Aboute his nekke, under his arm adoun.

“Early” Modern English 1400-1650 Known as Shakespeare’s English Different from Middle English through

its pronunciation of vowels EME was widespread with the advent of

the printing press, more standardization of the language.

It beggar'd all description.

“Present Day” Modern English 1600- present Different from EME by its spelling and

pronouns (thou you) Still evolving…changing, growing,

adapting

Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes.

Anglo-Saxon Poetry

Elegiac Laments the

deaths of loved ones and the loss of the past “The Seafarer” “The Wanderer” “The Wife’s

Lament”

Heroic Recounts the

achievements of warriors Beowulf

AspectsAspects in Anglo-Saxon poetry Lyric poetry: (heroic or elegiac) expresses

thoughts and feelings of one speaker. Composed for easy recitation and memorization Iambic tetrameter Alliteration Kenning Caesura Assonance Patronymics Epithets Use of the number 3

Iambic Tetrameter Meter in poetry consisting of four iambic

feet 4 feet per line; line comprising four iambs

u / u / u / u /

Come live with me and be my love

da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant

sounds in accented syllables

Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds to create

internal rhyming (combine with alliteration and consonance to create verse) Batter these ramparts The crumbling thunder of seas

Kenning A device for making associations

without distracting attention from the initial statement Two-word poetic renamings of people,

places and things Battle sweat = blood Sky’s jewel = sun

Caesura Rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines,

meant to allow the speaker to pause for breath

I make this song about me full sadlymy own wayfaring. I a woman tellwhat griefs I had since I grew upNew or old never more than now.Ever I know the dark of my exile.

from “The Wife’s Lament”

PatrPatronymics The practice of calling the son by the

father’s name son (daughter) of Gary

Epithets Adjectives or phrases added to a word

or name that are used to express the characteristic of the person, thing or idea Aeneas the true Tall-masted ship Halpert the educator

Modern translations of Old English Texts: Translations vary in quality and

preservation of poetic qualities. Some poetic devices may be lost in

translation: Rhythm, such as iambic tetrameter Assonance or Alliteration Caesura

Translators can attempt to preserve the author’s intent: Using a comma in place of a caesura

Using punctuation or adjusting syntax for rhythmic effect.

Using alliteration or assonance in the translation, even if it is not identical to the original text.

Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Elegy “The Seafarer” “The Wanderer” “The Wife’s Lament”

Directions: In your group, read the lyric poem and annotate the poem using different colors. Then, on the butcher paper, create a chart and identify (and cite) the literary aspects. Finally, write a thesis statement that answers the prompt:

In lyric poetry, specific elements of literature are used to artistically communicate a story/theme. How do common elements of the Anglo-Saxon elegy use elements of literature to establish a theme?

*Elegy: lyric poem that mourns the loss of someone or something.

Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Heroic Lengthy narrative poem Celebrates the deeds of a legendary or

heroic figure Captures the cultural and religious

values of the people who created/retold them

Features of the heroic poem The hero battles forces that threatens the

order of his world Story is told in a serious manner, often in

elevated language Epic hero

The Epic Hero Larger-than-life (demi-god) Introduced in the midst of a conflict Speaks with eloquence and confidence Possesses weapons of great size and power Must undertake a journey no one else will that tests

his strength, will, and cunningness Faces adversaries that try to defeat him

The epic adversary is usually a (monster) “god despiser,” one who has more respect for his mental and physical self than for the power of the gods

Illustrates traits, performs deeds, and exemplifies morals (culturally and religiously) valued by society

Superhuman in that they are smarter, stronger, and braver than the average person