Question

who later wrote the lord of the rings trilogy, composed a scholarly discourse about the text. because it was not widely read until the 20th century, its influence on english poetry has been limited to modern times.

the poem depicts the value and culture of a bygone era. tiny tribes of people are defended by strong kings. the society embraces a warrior culture. the warriors are loyal and brave. they are rewarded with riches and honor. the kings and their warriors assemble in halls to drink, tell stories, and celebrate victories.

beowulf contains a motif, a detail that is repeated throughout the work that conveys an idea about the theme. the motif in beowulf is the monster signaling the idea of an outside, alien, threatening presence. symbols in beowulf include the necklace given to the hero, also named beowulf, and the great banquet at the end of the poem.

directions: read the passage and answer the questions.

from beowulf
beowulf got ready,
donned his war-gear, indifferent to death;
his mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail
would soon meet with the menace underwater.
it would keep the bone-cage of his body safe;
...
his helmet was of beaten gold,
princely headgear hooped and hasped
by a weapon-smith who had worked wonders. .

1. list two instances of alliteration.
2. identify the kenning.
3. what does the poet imply about beowulf’s weapons and armor?
4. why is beowulf considered to be a significant literary contribution?
5. who was largely responsible for bringing beowulf out of obscurity and into the public eye?
6. what were some of the distinct characteristics of anglo-saxon poetry?

Explanation:

Answer:

1. "hand - forged, fine - webbed mail", "hooped and hasped" (any two alliterations from the text, e.g., also "beaten gold, princely headgear" or "mighty, hand - forged" etc.)
2. "bone - cage" (or "war - gear", "weapon - smith" etc., a kenning is a compound word with metaphorical meaning)
3. The poet implies that Beowulf’s weapons and armor are of high quality, well - crafted, and will provide strong protection (e.g., the mail is "mighty, hand - forged, fine - webbed" and will keep his body safe, the helmet is of "beaten gold" and made by a "weapon - smith who had worked wonders")
4. Beowulf is considered a significant literary contribution as it depicts the value and culture of a bygone era, has literary devices like motifs and symbols, and its influence on English poetry, though limited to modern times, is notable as it was a foundational work of Old English literature.
5. The person who later wrote the Lord of the Rings trilogy (J.R.R. Tolkien) was largely responsible for bringing Beowulf out of obscurity and into the public eye.
6. Some distinct characteristics of Anglo - Saxon poetry include the use of alliteration, kennings, depiction of warrior culture, loyalty and bravery of warriors, and the presence of motifs and symbols to convey themes.