English literature

7. What is "The Battle of Maldon"? How is the type of heroism presented there similar and different from the one depicted in Beowulf?

"Battle of Maldon" comp. 10th century - a historical account in the form of a heroic poem, celebrating collective heroism of Anglo-Saxon defenders The Battle of Maldon (991) - On the shores of the River Blackwater in Essex - A heroic stand by the Anglo-Saxons against the Viking invasion - Ended in utter defeat of the Anglo-Saxon leader Brithnoth and his men Both poems relate to the value of heroism the heroism in The B. relates to the commander leading the troops B. is more about B. triumphing over his own obstacles Brythnoth uphold traditional Anglo-Saxon values when he decides to fight the Vikings fairly B. tells the tale of Danish and Swedish kings which sought after land with no consideration for their adversaries (przeciwników)

What is John Donne's most famous religious poem? What is it about? What devices does it use?

"Death, Be Not Proud" (paradox, mockery) Death addressed directly, offended and mocked by a self-confident speaker who believes in afterlife and therefore is not afraid of death famous paradox at the end: „Death, thou shalt die"

What is pattern poetry. Explain the term and give examples referring to the poetry of George Herbert.

"Easter Wings" The Altar pattern poetry- carmen figuratum- figure poem -shaped poetry ----shaped verse typography or lines are arranged in an unusual configuration, usually to convey or extend the emotional content of the word

Describe the plot of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" as a typical romance plot.

- The romance story begins at a noble court, where the knights receive a challenge before setting out on a journey to accomplish their task. As with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the challenge may come from a mysterious visitor. - The knights travel far from home, encountering terrible hardships and doing battle with their enemies before achieving their goal and returning to the court to tell their stories - tak dokładnie było w tym poemacie - Closely related to the romance tradition were two idealized standards of behavior: chivalry and courtly love

11. Characterise Beowulf as a heroic epic poem.

- epic poem is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily involving a time beyond living memory in which occurred the extraordinary doings of extraordinary men and women who were dealings with the gods and superhuman forces - B. describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period - B. is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero - he can use his superhuman strength to put the people before him

8. "Thought must be the harder, heart the keener / Spirit shall be more - as our might lessens". What is the source of this quotation and what does it mean in the context of the literary work it comes from?

- quotation comes from "The Battle of Maldon" - Anglo-Saxon farmers face certain death at the hands of the Viking raiders -it means that people shouldn't lose hope and should fight to the end, because it is an honourable approach no men of honour gives up

9. What is Sutton Hoo and why is it important?

-It is the site of two 6 and 7 th century cemeteries - one cemetery contained an undisturbed ship burial, including a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artefacts of outstanding arthistorical and archaeological significance -Ship burial - a ship or boat is used either as a container for the dead and the grave goods, or as a part of the grave goods itself. This style of burial was used among the Germanic peoples, particularly by Vikings. -Sutton Hoo is of primary importance to early medieval historians because it sheds light on a period of English history that is on the margin between myth, legend and historical documentation.

10. What is Beowulf? When was it composed? When was it written down? What events does it narrate? What literary genre does it represent?

-The manuscript is dated around 1000 (between 975- 1025) - The poem is older than manuscript - It was probably composed around 750 - It tells events from late 5th and 6th -The Setting of Beowulf - Geats (today's Sweden) - Story: Beowulf sets a challenge for himself to come to Danish king Hrothgar and help him with a monster - Old English heroic epic poem, one of the most important works The story begins with Hrothgar's family line. It is probably because Hrothgar is unable to fight with his main antagonist and needs help - at this part of the time his family is very famous - the story begins with the description of Hrothgar's great-great-father Shield. His followers prepared a funeral and a ship. The body of the dead Shield was placed on the ship and then covered with treasures (ship burial). Hrothgar's problem is the monster destroying mead hall = destruction of community, so it directly threatened the position of chieftain and he is not able to fight this monster, even with the help of his people, that's why he needs Beowulf's help - Story set in Scandinavia in 6thcentury Beowulf comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the King of Danes, whose mead is attacked by monster Grendel B. slays G., G's mother attacks the hall, is also defeated - B. goes back to Geatland and becomes the king of Geats - 5 years later defeats a dragon, but is mortally wounded - after his death his body was cremated and the tower in his memory was created

What is English 17th century metaphysical poetry? What is its cultural background? What are its characteristic features?

1. The Metaphysical poetry metaphysical conceit: an extended metaphor The poems classified in this group do share common characteristics: they are all highly intellectualized, use rather strange imagery, use frequent paradox and contain extremely complicated thought. However, metaphysical poetry is not regarded as a genre of poetry. Metaphysical poetry is spiritual and has often religious themes. Moreover, it focuses on love, as the union of soul. The poetry is about showing knowledge and thoughts from different areas of experience, especially about love, romantic and sensual; about man's relationship with God and about pleasure, learning and art. Literary Devices: Metaphysical poetry uses metaphors, paradoxes to create drama and tension. Metaphysical poems are lyric poems characterized by use of wit, irony and wordplay.

What changes in language and literature was brought about by the Norman Conquest?

1. shift from alliterative tometrical poetry (i. e. poetry based on a rhyme and meter). 2. development of allegory (theexpression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence; a symbolic representation)

How does the 1st half of 18th century in the English literature differ from the 2nd half of the 18th century?

1. this period included observing human nature and nature itself which were considered unchanging and constant. 2. an emphasis on the imagination and emotions, and marked especially in English literature by sensibility and the use of autobiographical material

What does "alliterative revival" mean? What two examples from Middle English literature do you know?

14th century reappearance of alliterative technique after two centuries of predominance of metrical poetry; in some cases the two techniques existed side by side; Examples: The Vision of Piers Plowman, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

How does the framing device of pilgrimage function in Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales"?

30 pilgrims who undertake the journey gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. They agree to engage in a storytelling contest as they travel, and Harry Bailly, host of the Tabard, serves as master of ceremonies for the contest. This literary device gives Chaucer the opportunity to make a collection of stories ( so it is a storytelling device), to paint a series of vivid word portraits of a cross-section of his society, from a knight and prioress, to a carpenter and cook; a muchmarried wife of Bath, to a bawdy miller - an occupation regarded in Chaucer's day as shifty and dishonest.

19. What is the "ubi sunt" theme and how is it reflected in "The Wanderer"?

A Latin phrase ('where are...?'), often used in medieval Latin poems on the transitoriness of life and beauty, usually as an opening line or refrain referring to the dead who are listed in the poem. The phrase serves as the name for a common motif in medieval (and some later) poetry, Latin and vernacular, in which the speaker asks what has become of various heroes and beautiful ladies. Ubi sunt motif is reflected in the questions that the Wanderer asks himself "Where is the horse? Where is the rider? Where is the giver of the treasure?". The wanderer is an exile, whose lord and friends died. He is alone and wonders about what was before, about what was lost. Earthly life, all our properties even friends (kinsmen) are temporary "on loan". It is contrasted with the eternal nature of the afterlife (heaven).

What is the metaphysical conceit? Explain the term and give examples.

A metaphysical conceit is a complex literary device that makes a far-stretched comparison between a spiritual aspect of a person and a physical thing in the world. Quite simply, a metaphysical conceit is an extended metaphor, which can sometimes last through the entire poem. Example of this conceit: in Donne's "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" The conceit of this poem by John Donne is that two lovers are described as the two points of a compass.

Define the term "allegory" and give examples from English medieval literature.

Allegory is a form of extended metaphor in which objects and persons within a narrative are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The allegorical figure exists simultaneously on two levels of meaning--the literal one (what the figures does in the narrative), and the symbolic level (what the figure stands for, outside the narrative). Thus, allegory evokes a dual interest: in the events, characters and setting presented; and in the ideas they represent or the significance they bear.

15. Explain the following features of Old English poetry: alliteration, compounding, kenning, variation.

Alliteration - the repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of a syllable. In addition, any syllable that begins with a vowel alliterates with any other syllable that begins with a vowel. Compounding - the combining of two words to make a new word. Variation - repetition in different words of an element of a sentence, clause or phrase. Kenning - old Norse kenna 'to know, to recognize', kenna eittvith 'to express or describe one thing in terms of another' e.g. Beowulf - a poetic compound, made up of two or more nouns standing for another noun, occurring in ancient Germanic languages

What is "The Dream of the Rood" and what image of Christ does it present?

Also called "A Vision of the Cross". It is an old English poem that is strongly connected to the roots of Christianity. This poem is divided into three parts - first narrated by the dreamer, second told from the perspective of the cross and the third that functions as a closing section. The Dream of the Rood is a poem that praises the Christianity and Christ himself. Christ is regarded as a holy spirit, with his glorious creation. The cross to which Christ is crucified turns into gold as a result of staying loyal to Christ.

What are the Augustan and what are the pre-Romantic features of Gray's "Elegy"?

Augustan features of the poem: communal, social interests universal appeals difficult stylised language regularity of the poem The main devices: contrasts between: life and death the poor and the rich the richly decorated tombs of nobility and the poor rural graves + rhetorical questions used for universal appeal +comparisons and metaphorical images +personification Signs of the pre-romantic: Idealisation of the rural people Complexity of the speaker (poet talking to himself/about himself) The poem`s structural inconsistency

Define the medieval ballad and describe it as an example of metrical poetry.

BALLAD (Lat. ballare 'to dance') is a song that tells a story (originally a musical accompaniment to dance). TRADITIONAL (FOLK) ballad (unlike LITERARY ballad that belongs to literary tradition) was anonymous, transmitted orally; existed in many different variations; flourished among illiterate people in rural environment; Ballads usually were written in a simple language, often had an abrupt beginning. They usually dealt with a single episode; otherwise few background events related. setting signaled at the beginning; otherwise few details as for time and place the story told through dialogue and action (strong dramatic element) impersonal narrator intensity and immediacy of narration there is often a refrain there is often incremental repetition stock epithets; simple imagery; hardly any characterization topics drawn from community life, local and national history, legend and folklore may include an element of the supernatural most common ballad meter: alternating tetrameter and trimester quatrain: the traditional four-line ballad stanza containing alternating four-stress and threestress lines with the rhyme scheme abcb or abab

How are William Shakespeare's play divided and what types of plays composed by him do you know?

Basic groupings of Shakespeare's works: dramatic poetry and nondramatic poetry (both narrative and lyric) First Folio, first publishededition (1623) of the collected works of William Shakespeare, originally published as Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories & Tragedies. It is the major source for contemporary texts of his plays. Sh's friends and fellow actors decided to produce an authoritative collection of 36 plays and they divided the plays into the generic categories as the title shows Pre-1594 (very early or thefirst plays), 1594-1600 (early), 1600-1608 (middle), Post-1608 (late) Other categories (types and subtypes of Shakespeare's plays): the great tragedies: the mature tragedies written between 16001608: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth romantic comedies (love as their central theme A Midsummer Night's Dream). "The happy comedies" (which include relatively little dark moments) As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing problem plays (also: problems comedies or dark comedies), e.g. Measure for Measure, Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night) romances or tragicomedies: e.g. Winter's Tale, The Tempest

What are the features of Cavalier poetry and how does it differ from metaphysical poetry. Give names of two important Cavalier poets.

Ben Jonson Robert Herrick Features of the Cavalier Poetry *lightness, smoothness, clarity, proportion *emulating the classical patterns of decorum and symmetry *elegant formally finished and perfected *often light and easy going in tone *popular theme: carpe diem and pleasures of the moment While poets like John Donne wrote with a spiritual, scientific, and moral focus, the Cavalier poets concentrated on the pleasures of the moment. Metaphysical poets also wrote in figurative, lofty language, while the Cavaliers were simple, being more apt to say what they meant in clear terms.

12. Characterise Beowulf as a heroic character.

Beowulf is more powerful than other characters, performs deeds (czyn) of courage, follows the heroic code of behaviors, for his own fame is ready to perform his courage, he was looking for the problem, for the trouble. He took 14 companions and came to king. He decided to help him, because in the past Hrothgar helped Beowulf's father. It was for him a challenge and at the same time repaying for earlier help. Beowulf fight with Grendel (but he cannot be defeated, that's why they fight barehanded) -> Battle-boast (I'm going to do something or die) heroic traits of loyalty, honor,bravery, faith, superhuman strength he demonstrates it by offering Hrothgar to kill Grendel and Grendel's mother he has outstanding fighting skills, sense of honor, he is loyal and brave

Why is Shakespeare so famous for his language?

Blank verse as dramatic tool, good play-texts and convincing characters, dramatic and poetic conventions of his age, creative approach to language, e.g. distrustful, reinforcement, exposure first recorded in his works (language of the epoch becomes documented via literature) Examples of words invented for special purposes, e.g. for an extra syllable, like vasty instead of vast, plumpy for plump or to enguard for guard; verbs like unsphere or disedge to cut syllables: accuse instead of accusation; secret-false for secret and false for rhetorical reasons, like "Pay her the debt you owe her, and unpay the villainy you have done with her"; "Fathered he is [i.e. he has a father] an yet he's fatherless" Phrases first found in Shakespeare's plays (invented or recorded): · It's Greek to me · It's high time · I have seen better days · to live in a fool's paradise · to recall one'c salad days · to give the devil his due · to vanish into thin air · to suffer from green-eyed jealousy · to be tongue-tied · to be a tower of strength · to knit one's brows · to make a virtue of necessity · to laugh oneself to stitches · dead as a door-nail · bid someone a good riddance

Who was Daniel Defoe and what important books did he write? Who were the protagonists?

Born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist and spy. father of the modern novel, the first novelist in the English literature, journalist (naturalistic descriptions, social interests), focused on the emerging middle class. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. Moll Flanders, Colonel Jack protagonists: mariner, an orphaned boy becoming gentleman, a lone woman

Give a definition of the chivalric romance. What is the Arthurian romance?

CHIVALRIC ROMANCE - the principal kind of romance found in medieval Europe from the 12th century onwards, describing (usually in verse) the adventures of legendary knights, and celebrating an idealized code of civilized behaviour that combines loyalty, honour, and courtly love. The term ROMANCE now embraces many forms of fiction, from the Gothic novel and the popular escapist love story (also known popularly as romances) to the 'scientific romances' of H.G. Wells, but it usually refers to the tales of King Arthur's knights, written in the late Middle Ages by Chrétien de Troyes (in verse), Sir Thomas Malory (in prose), and many others (see Arthurian literature, chivalric romance).

6. What were the main cultural concepts connected to the Old English fame/shame culture?

COMITATUS (loyalty to the leader; bond between the Germanic warrior and his lord) bond based on loyalty, reflected in battles BLOOD FEUD (duty to revenge passed from generation to generation) - vendetta ("eye to eye"), can be stopped by marriage or werge-geld (Wer- Geld) BATTLES (revenge + comitatus = motivation to fight) WERE-GELD/MAN WORTH (substitute of the payment by blood) WYRD (fate; destiny cannot be changed or prevented; forbearance as virtue) - has to accepted, you have to live through this MEAD HALL (home; centre of the social life; place of GIFTS DISTRIBUTION) - house and home (building and space to be together and to be safe); destruction of the mead hall = destruction of the community) LASTING FAME (to be ensured by courage, glory in wartime and DEEDS OF COURAGE) SCOP (bard/singing poet; rich oral culture for entertainment and group memory) transmitting information from the past or about important heroes

Summarise the story of Cadmon.

Cadmon was a simple herder. He lived in a secular estate and because of this he never learned to sing. For that reason, whenever he was at the feast, where it was customary for the participants to take a harp and sing along. Because Cadmon could not sing, he felt ashamed. He decided to leave the feast. After ha has fallen asleep, he dreamed of a man, standing right beside him. The man has greeted him, and asked Cadmon to sing. After Cadmon asked what he should sing, the man answered, "sing about the Creation". Suddenly, Cadmon immediately began to sing verses in praise of God the Creator, which he had never heard before. And that is how the Cadmon's Hymn came to be.

What is "Cadmon's Hymn" and how was it created?

Cadmon's Hymn is a short Old English poem originally composed by Cædmon, a supposedly illiterate cow-herder who was, according to Bede, originally ignorant of "the art of song" but learnt to compose one night in the course of a divine inspiration. He used words that he had never heard before. It was composed between 658 and 680 and is the oldest recorded Old English poem, being composed within living memory of the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England.

What are the formal features of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"?

Chivalric romance , 2,530 lines, 4 'fitts' (parts), 2 main episodes, 101 stanzas of unequal length, combination of alliterative and rhymed lines

What English 18th century writers do you know and what types of novel did they write?

DANIEL DEFOE MODERN NOVEL, SAMUEL RICHARDSON sentimental novel, Jane Austen realistic novel M.G. Lewis The Monk GOTHIC NOVEL

17. What is "Deor's Lament" and what kind of consolation does it offer?

Deor" (or "The Lament of Deor") - an Old English poem found in the late-10thcentury collection 'the Exeter Book'. The poem consists of the lament of the scop Deor, who lends his name to the poem, which was given no formal title; modern scholars do not actually believe Deor to be the author of this poem. In the poem, Deor's lord has replaced him. Deor mentions various figures from Germanic mythology and reconciles his own troubles with the troubles these figures faced, ending each section with the refrain "that passed away, so may this." The poem Deor begins with the struggles and misfortunes of a character named Weland. The poem consists of 42 alliterative lines. Deor's lament personal experience · stanzaic form (STANZA - from Italian stanza, 'room', a grouped set of lines within a poem, usually set off from other stanzas by a blank of line or indentation.) "That passed over, this can too." · characters from old Germanic legends: ® Weland (Wayland) the Smith ® Nithad ® Beadohilde · historical characters: ® Theodric ® Earmonric · undocumented characters: ® Mathilde ® Geat

Explain the term "dream vision" and give examples from Old English and Middle English literature.

Dream vision, was a narrative genre popular in the Middle Ages. In such vision, the persona's dream related to the reader important figures and/or allegorical activities, valuable spiritual, political, intellectual truths. Usually it was a transformative experience. Dream vision was almost always riddlic, penitential, eschatological and evangelical. Best known example of dream vision in Old English is "The Dream of the Rood". In Middle English a good example of usage of the dream vision is "The Vison of Piers Plowman".

Who are the most important English metaphysical poets? Characterise their poetry referring to examples of poems.

ENGLISH 17TH CENTURY POETS John Donne 1572-1631 affects the metaphysics", i.e. uses arguments of medieval scholastic philosophy "The Flea" (an argumentative wit, erotic poetry) surprising colloquial beginnings, immediacy and energy, rhetorical questions, metaphor (flea- sucked blood- a relatioship between the lovers) Famous CONCEITS in „The Valediction Forbidding Mourning" comparing perfect love to a pair of compasses, CONCEITS of roundness to express 1. lovers' perfect unity 2. flea full of blood (its belly is round) George Herbert 1593-1633 "Easter Wings" The Altar pattern poetry- carmen figuratum- figure poem -shaped poetry ----shaped verse typography or lines are arranged in an unusual configuration, usually to convey or extend the emotional content of the word Richard Crashaw 1613-1649 Epigrams (short poems) "the modest water saw its God, and blushed". Henry Vaughan 1621-1695 Mount of Olives ) show the depth of his religious convictions and the authenticity of his poetic genius. Andrew Marvell 1621-1678 "To His Coy Mistress" hyperboly, dark humour, argumentation and conceit

How does a novel differ from a romance? What are the features of a realistic novel?

Early definitions: romance vs. novel ROMANCE: heroic fables about love and adventures, about fabulous characters and extraordinary things NOVEL: pictures of real life and manners of a more familiar nature; delight us with accidents and odd events, not such as are wholly unusual but near us REALISTIC NOVEL •characters were real people with ordinary names and surnames described in their daily routines •settings were real geographical place •plots were taken from real stories •target-audience: middle-class readers who enjoyed seeing themselves as protagonists of the stories

Who is Edmund Spenser and what is his contribution to the development of English literature?

Edmund Spenser was an English poet best known for The Faerie Queene, an epic poem and fantastical allegory celebrating the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I. Spenser's masterpiece is the epic poem The Faerie Queene. It is one of the longest poems in the English language. It is an allegorical work, and can be read (as Spenser presumably intended) on several levels of allegory, including as praise of Queen Elizabeth I. In a completely allegorical context, the poem follows several knights in an examination of several virtues. Spenser used a distinctive verse form, called the Spenserian stanza, in several works, including The Faerie Queene. (The stanza's main meter is iambic pentameter with a final line in iambic hexameter and the rhyme scheme is ababbcbcc.) He also used his own rhyme scheme for the sonnet. In a Spenserian sonnet, the last line of every quatrain is linked with the first line of the next one, yielding the rhyme scheme ababbcbccdcdee. Though Spenser was well read in classical literature, his poetry does not rehash tradition, but rather is distinctly his. This individuality may have resulted, to some extent, from a lack of comprehension of the classics. Many of his best-known works are notably divergent from those of his predecessors.

Give a definition of Anglo-Saxon elegy and mention examples that reflect this genre's features.

Elegy is a serious meditative poem which explores themes like passage of time, transience of earthly things, pain of exile and/or separation, absence and longing and uses images like ruined or abandoned buildings, desolate landscapes, storms at sea, darkness, night, the chill of winter. A good example for Anglo-Saxon elegy is "The wanderer". This poem fits perfectly into the description of an elegy. In the poem there are countless mentions of unruly ocean, frostcold sea, or a path of exile. The wanderer reminisces about what was before, about what was lost. He remembers his good lord and his friends who are now dead. He is now alone in the world, and all that is left are the memories of what was before. The poem describes how our earthly things - things such as properties, friends and kinsmen, or even the life itself are only temporary. They are in stark contrast to things of the eternal nature, belonging to the next world. Those are: survival of personal reputation (in pagan traditions) and hope for security in heavens (in the Christian tradition).

20. Discuss "The Wanderer" as an example of Anglo-Saxon elegy.

Elegy is a serious meditative poem which explores themes like passage of time, transience of earthly things, pain of exile and/or separation, absence and longing and uses images like ruined or abandoned buildings, desolate landscapes, storms at sea, darkness, night, the chill of winter. The wanderer fits perfectly into this description. In the poem there are countless mentions of unruly ocean, frostcold sea, or a path of exile. The wanderer reminisces about what was before, about what was lost. He remembers his good lord and his friends who are now dead. He is now alone in the world, and all that is left are the memories of what was before. The poem describes how our earthly things - things such as properties, friends and kinsmen, or even the life itself are only temporary. They are in stark contrast to things of the eternal nature, belonging to the next world. Those are: survival of personal reputation (in pagan traditions) and hope for security in heavens (in the Christian tradition).

Describe "Everyman" as an allegorical drama. What is the play about? What are its major themes?

Everyman called by Death (God's Messanger) to prepare his account to be presented at the end of a journey to the next world. Kindred, Fellowship, Goods refuse to accompany Everyman. Beauty, Five Wits, Strength, Discretion go with him, but refuse to enter the grave. Only Knowledge (of holy sacraments) and Good Deeds stay with him till the very end. Summary: In this short play, a messenger comes to take Everyman who is having contented life without any thought of the Day of Judgment in front of God. When he is summoned by the Death to go with him for the pilgrimage of the soul, he pleads to grant him a more day. But, as Death is inevitable, it does not agree with the Everyman and reminds him that it comes for all human beings in their own turn so none can make any delay. Then Everyman tries to seek the companion who can travel with him till the face of God. At first, he goes to his friends who are allegorically represented by the Fellowship. Fellowship shows great concerns on his serious situation, but when he knows Everyman is on a trip to death, he immediately abandons him. He then turns to his family, having strong faith in them that they would not desert him alone. But this time too he is saddened by the relatives though he receives much of so-called love and support from them. Next, he looks for the Goods, which he has spent much of his lifetime to collect for the pleasures and luxuries of life. But, sadly his Goods, that are perishable and cannot travel with him in his pilgrimage, leaves him alone to wail over his poor fate. Desperate Everyman now thinks about his own Good Deeds and calls for it. As his Good Deeds are few in comparison to his Sins, it answers in a weak and a low voice from the dirt. His Good Deeds suggests him to take advice from his Knowledge. Knowledge appears in front of him and makes him ready for the Confession of his sins. After making a sincere regret of his past life, his Good Deeds gets power to rise from the dirt and accompany him. The Good Deeds further suggests Everyman to call his other traits like Beauty, Strength, Discretion, and Five Wits who can help him in his preparation for the journey of pilgrimage. All of them are now happy to support him and gives him some suggestions and wisdom to face the Death. They all wish to stand by him till his Death, but the moment he faces Death, the first thing to disappear is Beauty, then his Strength, and then rest of his companions except Good Deeds. Everyman now comes to know the universal truth that only the Good Deeds give us company up to grave. Everyman is received by an Angel and because of his sincere confessions, his sufferings, and his Good Deeds, he is allowed to be into the kingdom of Heaven. Major themes: TRANSITORINESS(przemijanie) OF LIFE ACCOUNT AND JUDGEMENT LIFE AS PILGRIMAGE EARTHLY PLEASURES VS SPIRITUAL VALUE

Explain the term "Renaissance English literature". How is it divided? When was it created? What were its characteristic features?

Explain the term "Renaissance English literature". The English Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement in England dating from the late 15th to the early 17th century. The English Renaissance is different from the Italian Renaissance in several ways. The dominant art forms of the English Renaissance were literature and music. Visual arts in the English Renaissance were much less significant than in the Italian Renaissance. The English period began also far later than the Italian. How is it divided? The Elizabethan period 16th century The Jacobean period à 17th century When was it created? The beginning of the English Renaissance is often taken, as a convenience, to be 1485, when the Battle of Bosworth Field ended the Wars of the Roses and inaugurated the Tudor Dynasty. Renaissance style and ideas, however, were slow to penetrate England. · What were its characteristic features? Humanism à among its many principles, humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe, and people should embrace human achievements in education, classical arts, literature and science.

How does Chaucer's Prologue to "The Canterbury Tales" function as a satire of the 14th century English society?

First of all, the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales is an estates satire. In the Host's portraits of the pilgrims, he sets out the functions of each estate and satirizes how members of the estates - particularly those of the Church - fail to meet their duties. It continues throughout the tales that the pilgrims tell. The Nun's Priest's tale satirizes courtly love by putting chivalry in the setting of a barnyard. Supposedly pious religious figures are shown to be corrupt and greedy just underneath the surface. In her Prologue, the Wife of Bath presents a parody of religious logic, giving her own readings of Scripture to back up her view that experience is the only authority.

How does Old English language differ from Middle English?

Firstly, Old English was not a monolithic language. It composed of many different dialects. Old English was used from 5th century up to 11th century. Middle English was used from late 11th century until 15th century. It was largely influenced by Norman French.

16. What are the characteristic features of Old English elegiac tradition?

Greek 'lament' - an elaborately formal lyric poem lamenting the death of a friend or public figure or reflecting seriously on a solemn (uroczysty) subject. In Greek and Latin verse, the term referred to the meter of a poem [...] not to its mood or content: love poems were often included. Likewise, John Donne applied the term to his amorous and satirical poems in heroic couplets. But since Milton's 'Lycidas' (1637), the term in English has usually denoted a lament [...], while the adjective 'elegiac' has come to refer to the mournful mood of such poems.

Explain the following names and terms in the context of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": Green Knight, Bertilack, the Lady of the castle, the beheading game, the exchange of winnings, the green girdle, courtly love.

Green Knight - A mysterious visitor to Camelot. Shows himself to be a supernatural being when he picks up his own severed head and rides out of Arthur's court, still speaking. An ambiguous character: He visits king Arthur's court with a gigantic axe in one hand (symbol of war/death) and with a hollybush in the other (evergreen plant, symbol of life and regeneration). Bertilack - The sturdy, goodnatured lord of the castle where Gawain spends Christmas. The poem associates Bertilak with the natural world—his beard resembles a beaver, his face a fire—but also with the courtly behavior of an aristocratic host. Powerful, brave, and generous. At the end of the poem we learn that Bertilak and the Green Knight are the same person, magically enchanted by Morgan le Faye for her own designs. the Lady of the castle - Bertilak's wife attempts to seduce Gawain on a daily basis during his stay at the castle. She is an amazingly clever debater and an astute reader of Gawain's responses as she argues her way through three attempted seductions. Flirtatious and intelligent, Bertilak's wife ultimately turns out to be another pawn in Morgan le Faye's plot. the beheading game - the Green Knight enters King Arthur's court with the announcement that he wants to play "a Christmas game" (31). The Green Knight challenges anyone there to strike him with his ax, under the condition that he can come back the following year and return the strike. King Arthur's nephew, Gawain, agrees to the terms. But when he cuts off the Green Knight's head, Gawain discovers that the Green Knight does not die. Instead, the body picks up the head, and instructs Gawain to look for him at the Green Chapel the following year. the exchange of winnings - Lord go out hunting while Gawain stays at the castle, and the two men exchange whatever they have gained at the end of the day. It takes place over three days. Each day, the lord goes out hunting, while the lady of the castle tries to seduce Gawain in his bed. Gawain politely refuses her advances, although he does give her some kisses. Finally, she offers him a magic belt that will protect the life of any man who wears it. Gawain repays the lord his lady's kisses, but he does not mention the belt the green girdle - it is the belt, which Lady Bertilak presses Gawain to accept and she presents it as something to remember her by, but happens to mention that it will make the wearer invincible. Gawain promises himself that he will wear the girdle forever as a symbol of his failure, but also as a reminder of how "a man may hide his misdeed, but never erase it". After all the men in Arthur's court decide to wear a similar belt, however, the girdle takes on a new meaning - it becomes a symbol of honour.

Who was Thomas Gray and what are the characteristic features (formal and thematic) of his famous "Elegy..."?

He was an English poet, letterwriter, classical scholar, and professor at Pembroke College, Cambridge. He is widely known for his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, published in 1751. Gray was an extremely self-critical writer who published only 13 poems in his lifetime, despite being very popular. He was even offered the position of Poet Laureate in 1757, though he declined. His writing is conventionally considered to be pre-Romantic but recent critical developments deny such teleological classification. Formal features of Gray's poem: quatrains in iambic pentameter rhymed abab in slow pace have become to be known as elegiac stanza popularised by Gray's influencial elegy opening: description of evening falling in the rural landscape setting: village cemetery speaker: solitary figure graves of country then his contemplating people own the simple and mortality

13. Explain the following names and terms in the context of Beowulf: Heorot, Grendel, Hrothgar, comitatus, ship burial.

Heorot - mead-hall built by Hrothgar, the Danish king center of the community destruction of the hall = destruction of community Grendel - Beowulf's antagonist, outcast (banished), a supernatural creature, descendant of Cain (Kain od Kaina i Abla), powerful demon, he wasn't allowed to participate in mead hall, that's why he was so frustrated Hrothgar, the Danish The story begins with Hrothgar's family line. It is probably because Hrothgar is unable to fight with his main antagonist and needs help - at this part of the time his family is very famous - the story begins with the description of Hrothgar's great-great-father Shield. His followers prepared a funeral and a ship. The body of the dead Shield was placed on the ship and then covered with treasures (ship burial). Hrothgar's problem is the monster destroying mead hall = destruction of community, so it directly threatened the position of chieftain (wódz) and he is not able to fight this monster, even with the help of his people, that's why he needs Beowulf's help ship burial - the body of the dead Shield was placed on the ship and then covered with treasures. Shield's ship burial remnants of the pagan culture importance of ancestry example of comitatus elegiac tone. Comitatus - loyalty to the leader, bond between the Germanic warrior and his lord Beowulf is bold, ruthless, boastful and endowed with superhuman qualities Grendel is a superhuman creature; legendary Germanic gnome or troll; outcast from the mead hall's society

Who was Thomas Wyatt and what is his contribution to the development of English literature?

Humanism à among its many principles, humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe, and people should embrace human achievements in education, classical arts, literature and science. Characteristics of the Renaissance include a renewed interest in classical antiquity; a rise in humanist philosophy (a belief in self, human worth, and individual dignity); and radical changes in ideas about religion, politics, and science. Focused not only on religious themes - as in medieval.

Describe "The Vision of Piers Plowman" as allegory, dream vision and satire.

In "The Vision of Piers Plowman" there are multiple instances of usage of allegory, dream vision and satire. The poet is a dreamer, who has multiple dream - visions. The poet meets Peter the plowman who leads the world towards salvation through hard work and clean conscience. In the poem there are multiple allegorical characters i.e, Dowel ("DoWell"), Dobet ("Do-Better"), and Dobest ("Do-Best"). The poem attacks the abuse of the Catholic church and calls for improvement of self. It satirizes certain characteristics for example through the usage of allegorical character of Envy it satirises jealously, a very common human vice.

Referring to two examples discuss the theme of revolution in P.B. Shelley's poems.

In Shelley`s poetry, the figure of the poet (and, to some extent, the figure of Shelley himself) is not simply a talented entertainer or even a perceptive moralist but a grand, tragic, prophetic hero. The poet has a deep, mystic appreciation for nature. He has the power - and the duty - to translate these truths, through the use of his imagination, into poetry, but only a kind of poetry that the public can understand. Thus, his poetry becomes a kind of prophecy, and though his words, a poet has the ability to change the world for the better and to bring about political, social and spiritual change.

3. Characterise the Old English heroic culture. What elements of this culture are reflected in Beowulf?

In this culture hero must be strong, fearless, loyal, showing indifference to pain. In B. hero has faith and confidence in himself and his role as a warrior in the society. B. is the ideal hero in the Anglo-Saxon society. The features of heroic culture: importance of revenge blood feud -pursuit of lame courage and strength glory in war fame after death

What is the genre of Chaucer's "The Nun's Priest's Tale" and what story does this tale relate?

It is a beast fable - a literary style/genre in which animals behave like human beings. Consequently, this type of fable is often an insult to man or a commentary on man's foibles. To suggest that animals behave like humans is to suggest that humans often behave like animals. This tale is told using the technique of the mock-heroic, which takes a trivial event and elevates it into something of great universal import. Polecam przeczytać streszczenie, ale w skrócie: Jest sobie uboga wdowa, która w swoim gospodarstwie ma pare zwierząt, między innymi koguta i kury. I ten kogut, bo on jest glownym bohaterem, jest super pod każdym względem. Ale pewnego dnia spotyka lisa, który zaczyna go niesamowicie komplementować i zachwycać się nad jego pięknym głosem. Kogut przyjmuje pochwały i chce się tym bardziej popisać więc zaczyna piać, a wtedy cyk, lis go złapał i ucieka z nim do lasu. Ale na szczęście, nie dochodzi do tragedii. Ufff. Kogutowi udaje się uciec na drzewo, gdzie lis już go nie może dorwać, dzięki temu, że również przechytrzył lisa w podobny sposób jak lis jego. Potem Lis ponownie próbuje coś ugrać komplementami i pochlebstwem, but the rooster has learned his lesson. vice criticised in the Nun's Priest's Tale: VANITY it made both the cock and the fox susceptible to flattery(pochlebstwo)

Explain the term prosopopoeia and explain how it is used in "The Dream of the Rood" and in Old English riddles.

It is a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or an abstract concept is represented as being able to speak. In the Dream of the Rood prosopopoeia is used to personify the Cross, which retells the story of the crucifixion of Christ, from its own perspective. The Cross tells how it has suffered together with Christ and how it was rewarded for its loyalty. In old English riddles prosopopoeia was used to "hide" the solution. In those riddles, an inanimate object, which the riddle concerned, was personified in order to describe itself in vague terms.

1. Explain the term "Old English/Anglo-Saxon literature". When and where was it created? By whom? What were its characteristic features?

It was the literature written in Old English in Anglo-Saxon Britain from 7th century to the decades after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Cadmon's Hymn is often treated as the oldest poem in English. It was written in 7th century. Old English · The earliest historical form of the English language, spoken in England and southern and eastern Scotland in the Middle Ages · Brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers probably in the mid-5th century · 8th, 9th centuries influenced by Old Norse (language of the Viking invaders) Heroic poetry, of a Christian kind, is the chief legacy of Old English literature, notably "Beowulf" and the Elegies. A considerable prose literature grew up after Alfred (d. 899). There were four centuries of writing in English before the Norman Conquest. How is it written? Each line is divided into two half-lines, which are separated by a caesura. each half-line has two major accents features as alliteration, compounding, kenning, variation appear in this literature pytanie 15

How is King Arthur's court presented and why is this important in the story?

Knights of King Arthur's court are called by the narrator "the righteous(sprawidliwy, prawy) lords", the most chivalrous(rycerski) and courteous(uprzejmy) knights known in Christendom", and "the most wonderful women". So they all are presented according to image of the perfect medieval knights ( and medieval women). Characters in a chivalric romance are KNIGHTS who follow a code of behaviour called CODE OF CHIVALRY

2. What were the three literary traditions of the Old English literature and how do they differ?

Literary tradition - an accumulative process of handing down texts for future generations, on the other hand it involves a selective process whereby the most important (most 'valuable') works are singled out as the ones that each generation should know. There are 3 literary traditions in this period: Heroic - contain stories that reflect this fame/shame warrior culture, what produces fame is your heroic behavior. Hero should be: brave, a good warrior, better than other people, honorable, strong, the best representant of particular community The Elegiac tradition - an elaborately formal lyric poem lamenting the death of a friend or public figure or reflecting seriously on a solemn subject. the adjective 'elegiac' has come to refer to the mournful mood of such poems. Consolatio - literary tradition of offering solace (pocieszenie), origins date back to the 5th century BC, additional Christian consolation was developed in the post-classical period

What is the problem with Paradise Lost as a Christian epic poem?

Notions of heroism discrepancy between the ancient conventions of heroism and Christian norms The Age of Satire/The Age of Prose 18th century

How is the idealisation of simple people reflected in the pre-Romantic and Romantic English poetry?

Onward that preceded and presaged the artistic movement known as Romanticism. Chief among these trends was a shift in public taste away from the grandeur, austerity, nobility, idealization, and elevated sentiments of Neoclassicism or Classicism toward simpler, more sincere, and more natural forms of expression.This new emphasis partly reflected the tastes of the growing middle class, who found the refined and elegant art forms patronized by aristocratic society to be artificial and overly sophisticated; the bourgeoisie favoured more realistic artistic vehicles that were more emotionally accessible.

14. What are the pagan and Christian elements in Beowulf?

Pagan culture: Shield's ship burial ideals of vengeance - zemsta,feuds, fate, pride with Christian elements and will of God Christian elements: illustrated by biblical allegories,references of God, creation, hades and heaven Christian motifs were introduced by a monastery This heroic poem is a product of scribe in the 9th advanced pagan civilization or 10th century The world was created and is governed by wyrd (fate) God Dependence on Ultimate power of arbitrary and a just God, a irrational fate rational force Lasting fame substituted with Heroic deeds are to ensure soul's lasting fame after death immortality Many elements of pagan rituals Some like ship funeral, sacrifices to references to pagan god in order to overcome God from Old adversity Testament; Christ's sacrifice not mentioned Beowulf is pious and voices his hope that God's will protects him Grendel is banished by God as his ancestor was the first murdered Cain

What three poetic forms do John Keats's poems belong to? What are the features of each of the forms?

Poetic forms from the sonnet, to the Spenserian romance, to the Miltonic epic, defining anew their possibilities with his own distinctive fusion of earnest energy, control of conflicting perspectives and forces, poetic self-consciousness and, occasionally, dry iconic wit.

What are the two poetic traditions of the English 17th century and how do they differ?

Poetic traditions: The Metaphysical poetrymetaphysical conceit: an extended metaphor The poems classified in this group do share common characteristics: they are all highly intellectualized, use rather strange imagery, use frequent paradox and contain extremely complicated thought. However, metaphysical poetry is not regarded as a genre of poetry. Metaphysical poetry is spiritual and has often religious themes. Moreover, it focuses on love, as the union of soul. Literary Devices: Metaphysical poetry uses metaphors, paradoxes to create drama and tension. The Cavalier poetry Cavalier poet, any of a group of English gentlemen poets, called Cavaliers because of their loyalty to Charles I (1625-49) during the English Civil Wars The cavalier poets sympathized the king. Some of them wrote elegant verse, more light than serious, so that the term 'cavalier poetry' came to refer to a kind of light lyric, often advocating a Carpe diem (seize the day) attitude. To "seize the day" means to disregard the future. Cavalier poet, enjoying life was far more important than following moral codes. They lived for the moment. Cavalier poetry mirrored the attitudes of courtiers. The meaning of cavalier is showing arrogant disregard; dismissive or carefree and nonchalant; jaunty. This describes the attitude of Cavalier poets. Features of the Cavalier Poetry *lightness, smoothness, clarity, proportion *emulating the classical patterns of decorum and symmetry *elegant formally finished and perfected *often light and easy going in tone *popular theme: carpe diem and pleasures of the moment

What is Wordsworth's famous definition of poetry and how is it reflected in his poems?

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility: the emotion is contemplated till by a species of reaction of the tranquility gradually disappears and an emotion, kindred to that which was before the subject of contemplation, is gradually produced, and does itself actually exist in the mind. In this mood successful composition generally begins, and in a mood similar to this it is carried on; but the emotion, of whatever kind and in whatever degree, from various causes is qualified by various pleasures, so that in describing any passions whatsoever, which are voluntarily described, the mind will upon the whole be in a state of enjoyment.

What are the most important socio-political events that had impact on and are reflected in the literature of the English Renaissance?

Religious controversies in England in the 16th century. · Henry VIII political act of breaking with Roman Catholic church → · Reformation introduced in England → · reinvention of the intellectual modes · changes in the political ideology · impact on individuals

Who is Alexander Pope and what are his literary achievements?

Roman Catholic, poor health,Professional man of letters TRANSLATIONS: "The Iliad" The Odyssey" (Homer), satirical and discursive poetry, including The Rape of the Lock, The Dunciad, and An Essay on Criticism, An Essay on Man

What is the image of Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost?

Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost? The defeated archangel Satan is presented, with Beelzebub, his second-in-command, and his rebellious angels, lying on the burning lake of Hell (BOOK1)energy and magnificence of the character of Satan, proud "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." deeply arrogant, albeit powerful and charismatic.

What was the influence of classical theatre on Shakespeare as a playwright?

Senecan influences à Seneca in schools and through French and Italian plays - powerful rhetoric (imagery, declamation, repetition) - violent emotions -horror and violence reported rather than shown on stage The form which Elizabethan plays took was still developing at the beginning of Elizabeth's reign. Elizabethan Universities studied Greek and Roman plays in the original language, and the students sometimes performed them within the University. During Elizabeth's reign translations of these Greek and Roman plays became widely available and began to have a heavy influence upon English playwrights. Greek and Roman Plays were largely divided into two genres, Comedy and Tragedy. The first full length English Tragedy was Gorboduc written in 1561 by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville. Gorboduc also influenced the later creation of a peculiarly English dramatic genre, not based on Classical examples. Originally English Tragedies and Comedies tended to be written in close imitation of Greek and Roman models and much was made of the Classical rules of writing plays - rules which Renaissance writers took from Aristotle's Poetics and expanded upon. These rules included the assumption that Tragedy and Comedy should never mix and that a play should take place according to the Unities of Time and Place - meaning that the stage should represent a single place and all of the play's action should take place within a single fictional day at most. Fortunately English playwrights increasingly rejected the restrictions and began to write Tragedies and Comedies in a much looser and more relaxed style.

Who is Phillip Sidney and what is his contribution to the development of English literature?

Sir Philip Sidney was an English poet who is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the Elizabethan age. His works include Astrophel and Stella, The Defence of Poesy and The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia. Like the best of the Elizabethans, Sidney was successful in more than one branch of literature, but none of his literary output was published until after his death. His finest achievement was his connected sequence of 108 love sonnets. These sonnets which owe much to Petrarch and Ronsard in tone and style, place Sidney as the greatest Elizabethan sonneteer except Shakespeare. Written to his mistress, Lady Penelope Rich, though dedicated to his wife, they reveal true lyric emotion couched in a language delicately archaic

What is the sonnet? What are its characteristic features? What three forms of sonnets do you know? What were the reasons for the fashion for sonnet writing in Renaissance England? Name at least three Renaissance writers who composed sonnets.

Sir Thomas Wyatt 1503-1542 · courtier · diplomat in France and Spain · translated Petrarch's sonnets à author of the first English sonnets Wyatt, along with Surrey, was the first to introduce the sonnet into English, with its characteristic final rhyming couplet. He wrote extraordinarily accomplished imitations of Petrarch's sonnets, including 'I find no peace' ('Pace non trovo') and 'Whoso List to Hunt'—the latter, quite different in tone from Petrarch's 'Una candida cerva', has often been seen to refer to Anne Boleyn as the deer with a jewelled collar. Wyatt and Surrey often share the title of "father of the English sonnet." What is the sonnet? A sonnet is a form of poetry. The first known sonnets in English, written by Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, used the Italian, Petrarchan form, What are its characteristic features? The Sonnet's Main Features 14 lines Generally, all sonnets have fourteen lines. You will find some exceptions, but the poets will do this deliberately. The fourteen lines are divided into two sections, usually of eight lines and six. The break between the two parts is known as the Volta volta. This is what we call the metre of the poem: the number of syllables in each line of the poem. An 'iamb' is a set of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed. 'Pentameter' shows that there are five of these 'iambs' in a line. So, you have ten syllables: unstressed, stressed; unstressed, Iambic pentameter stressed, etc. Different types of sonnets have different rhyme schemes, and some don't rhyme at all! You'll see more about this Rhyme scheme below. What three forms of sonnets do you know? We usually refer to three discrete types of sonnet: the Petrarchan, the Shakespearean, and the Spenserian. · What were the reasons for the fashion for sonnet writing in Renaissance England? Reasons for the sonnet fashion: „neither too long for the shortest project, nor too short for the longest" *compact form *courtly entertainment (notebooks) *intellectual exercise (show off) *solid base (Petrarchan tradition open for modifications) · Name at least three Renaissance writers who composed sonnets. Phillip Sidney Edmund Spenser William Shakespeare's

18. "That passed over, this can too" - What is the source of this quotation and what does it mean in the context of the literary work it comes from?

Source of the quotation is "Deor's Lament". Deor was the poet of the Heodeningas, loyal to his lord. One day he was replaced by Heorrenda. Deor talks about figures from Germanic mythology who faced difficulties but managed to overcome them. When Deor says "That passed over, this can too" he refers to his own problems and comforts himself by saying that his issues will too be resolved.

How does Swift's Gulliver Travels function as a satire? What kinds of satire do we find in particular books?

Swift exposes human folly through satire. Satire is a literary technique that uses exaggeration, sarcasm, and humor to make a point about a person's behavior, an event, or a situation. Satire shocks an audience into thinking critically about human nature and society. Gulliver's Travels is packed with satire. Part I: A Voyage to Lilliputtopical satire (parody of British politics- the low and the high heels, The Big-Endian/LittleEndian controversy) Part II A Voyage to Brobdingnag- topical and universal satire (inhabitantsgiant, peace, no enemies, simple laws) Part III: A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib, and Japan Satire directed against: philosophers, men of science, historians. Science as futile if it is not applicable to the betterment of humanity Part IV: The Country of the Houyhnhnms (intelligent horses, socialist republic, dystopia Swift as rationalist who doubts in reason

Explain how Pope's The Rape of the Lock functions as satire and as mock heroic poem.

THEME:Lord Petre had cut off a lock of hair from the head of the lovely Arabella Fermor MOCK-HEROIC- heroic qualities are exaggerated to such a point that they become absurd Pope uses satire in this poem to paint a portrait of England at this time and to point out its moral flaws. The main apparent satire is of course the comparison of Belinda's stolen lock to the abduction of Helen of Troy. By making a huge deal out of such a trivial thing, Pope is mocking his society.

What types of English medieval plays do you know and how do they differ?

TROPES - dramatic elaborations of the liturgy during church service (from 9th century) e.g. the Quem quaeritis in sepulchro, Christicolae? MIRACLE PLAYS - about Gospel characters and the miracles of the saints (from 11th century) MYSTERY PLAYS - cycles based on the incidents from the Bible performed by trade guilds (from 13th century) MORALITY PLAYS - to teach a moral lesson through allegory showing personified abstractions of virtues and vices who fight for man's soul: PSYCHOMACHIA

What are the characteristic features of English 18th century literature? What intellectual movements and social phenomena are specific to this period?

The Age of Reason/ Enlightement- neoclassicism in poetry, education of the middle class, development of journalism, novel, prose genres Reason, intellect, correctness, satirical spirit etc. were the main characteristics of 18th-century literature

What are the differences between the Augustan and the Romantic poet?

The Augustan Poet -social being -trained craftsman -follows the rules set by the classical masters -concerned with public The Melancholy Poet --solitary figure -free natural genius -concerned with inner life -unbound by rules

Summarise the events in "Sir Gawain and the Green Night". How do they reflect the code of chivalry?

The Green Knight comes to Camelot during Christmas time to challenge King Arthur's court - he proposed "playing" a beheading Game. Gawain takes up the challenge (instead of king) because he act according to Code of chivalry (COURAGE LOYALTY HUMBLENESS). A year later Gawain goes on his quest. The destination unknown, full of dangers, harsh weather, Many adventures. Finally he comes across a great castle and is invited to feast as it is Christmas eve by Lord Bertilack ( owner of a castle )and his wife. He stays there a bit longer. the Exchange of Winnings with Bertilac takes place - as we find out later, this is to test Gewain. Then Sir Gawain accepts the green girdle from the Lord's wife. He goes to Green Chapel, finds the Green Knight. As he finds out what is going on(that his chivalry was tested) he feels humiliated and absolved. He returns to Camelot, is forgiven, but feels a broken man as his chivalric integrity was shattered.

What types of poems did Coleridge compose? What makes his "Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" a Romantic ballad?

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner as stylised Romantic ballad: intentionally archaic language, strange marginal notes/commentaries, use of (fairly regular) ballad stanza, narration and dialogue, supernatural elements, Gothic elements Ambiguous interpretation the poem can be read as a Christian parable, as a horror story of crime and punishment, or even as ecological parable: man gets punished for his unreasonable violent act of destruction of a piece of nature

What elements of Anglo-Saxon culture are reflected in "The Wanderer"?

The Wanderer is a poem strongly rooted in the Anglo- Saxon culture. Things typical for A-S culture are often mentioned. Things such as "WYRD" - fate or destiny that cannot be changed or avoided., or meadhall a centre of social life, a home for the warriors. In "The Wanderer" a reader can also notice the presence of COMITATUS. An element of Anglo-Saxon culture that describes a strong bond between a warrior and his lord, his leader. The Wanderer is an exile, wandering the lands after his lord a close friend, had died. His lord is also his giver of gifts (in Anglo-Saxon culture there was a strong emphasis on giftgiving and hospitality, although in this case giver of the gifts is synonymous with a lord).

Explain Blakes poetic protest against social injustice referring to the poem "London" and poems "The Chimney Sweeper" in both collections.

The age of industrial and political revolutions with social injustice and growing division between the rich and the poor child labour: boys aged five or six employed as chimney cleaners the Innocent poem's narration only suggests the problem in that the children are not aware of being exploited the experienced poem's speaker explicitly accuses the state and the church for toletating the misery of the children

5. Explain the term "the Old English fame/shame culture" and enumerate its elements.

The anthropological term for a culture in which masculine behaviour revolves around a code of martial honour, such civilizations often glorify military prowess and romanticise death in battle. They embody the idea of death before dishonour; these cultures require men to seek the reward of bravery and fear the social stigma of cowardice (lack of bravery) - the hero acts in spite of being afraid

What is the significance of Gawain's shield and how does it reflect the chivalric ideal?

The description lingers on Gawain's shield, which depicts on its outside a gold five-pointed star, or pentangle, on a red background. On the inside of the shield is the face of Mary, Christ's mother. Each of the five points of the pentangle, which is described as an "endless knot" (630), represents a set of Gawain's virtues: his five senses; his five fingers; his fidelity, founded on the five wounds of Christ; his force, founded on the five joys of Mary; and the five knightly virtues wymienione powyżej

What are the conventions of Shakespeare's theatre? How are they visible in the texts of his plays?

The form which Elizabethan plays took was still developing at the beginning of Elizabeth's reign. Elizabethan Universities studied Greek and Roman plays in the original language, and the students sometimes performed them within the University. During Elizabeth's reign translations of these Greek and Roman plays became widely available and began to have a heavy influence upon English playwrights. Greek and Roman Plays were largely divided into two genres, Comedy and Tragedy. The first full length English Tragedy was Gorboduc written in 1561 by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville. Gorboduc also influenced the later creation of a peculiarly English dramatic genre, not based on Classical examples. Originally English Tragedies and Comedies tended to be written in close imitation of Greek and Roman models and much was made of the Classical rules of writing plays - rules which Renaissance writers took from Aristotle's Poetics and expanded upon. These rules included the assumption that Tragedy and Comedy should never mix and that a play should take place according to the Unities of Time and Place - meaning that the stage should represent a single place and all of the play's action should take place within a single fictional day at most. Fortunately English playwrights increasingly rejected the restrictions and began to write Tragedies and Comedies in a much looser and more relaxed style. 65. What are the conventions of Shakespeare's theatre? Some of the more identifiable acting and staging conventions: - Soliloquy Hamlet's "To be or not to be..." is literature's most famous soliloquy. This popular Elizabethan convention is a literary or dramatic technique in which a single character talks aloud inner thoughts to him or herself. Typically, a soliloquy is lengthy with a dramatic tone. - Aside An aside is a convention that usually involves one character addressing the audience "on the side", offering them valuable information in relation to the plot or characters. The audience now feels empowered, knowing more about the events on stage than most of the characters do. -Boys Performing Female Roles Acting in Elizabeth's England was a profession unsuitable for women. As a result, women were not legally permitted to act on the English stage. Shakespeare and his contemporaries therefore had no choice but to cast young boys in the roles of women, while the men played all the male roles on stage. -Eavesdropping Eavesdropping was a dramatic technique that sat neatly between a soliloquy and an aside. Certain characters would strategically overhear others on stage, informing both themselves and the audience of the details. This convention opened up opportunities for the playwright in the evolving plot. - Play Within A Play This Elizabethan convention was a playwriting technique used by Shakespeare and others that involved the staging of a play inside the play itself. One of the most famous examples of this convention occurs in Hamlet, when the title character is convinced his uncle Claudius murdered his father for the throne. So Hamlet organises an out-of-town troupe of performers to attend one evening and perform a play before King Claudius that involves the same plot line as the events in the larger play (murder of a King), but in a different setting ... all to let Claudius know Hamlet is on to him

What is the meaning of the famous opening of Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales"?

The narrator opens the General Prologue with a description of the return of spring. He describes the April rains, the burgeoning flowers and leaves, and the chirping birds. Around this time of year, the narrator says, people begin to feel the desire to go on a pilgrimage. Meanings: SPRING TIME as time of natural regeneration after winter, time of spiritual recollection (religious) SPRING TIME'S PRODUCTIVE ENERGIES - symbolise the power of poetic creation

Explain the term "Middle English literature". When and where was it created? By whom? What were its characteristic features?

The term "Middle English literature" was created in the 14th Century in London, where a London-based dialect became popularized and finally standardized English language. It flowered fully under the reign of Richard II. Middle English literature was characterized through the shift from alliterative poetry to one that is metric and rhymed. It has also developed allegorical devices.

What is the importance of Wordsworth and Coleridge's Lyrical Ballads?

The thought suggested itself (to which of us I do not recollect) that a series of poems might be composed of two sorts. In the one, the incidents and agents were to be, in part at least, supernatural; and the excellence aimed at was to consist in the interesting of the affections by the dramatic truth of such emotions as would naturally accompany such situations, supposing them real. And real in this sense they have been to every human being who, from whatever source of delusion, has at any time believed himself under supernatural agency. For the second class, subjects were to be chosen from ordinary life; the characters and incidents were to be such, as will be found in every village and its vicinity, where there is a meditative and feeling mind to seek after them, or to notice them, when they present themselves.

Explain the term "code of chivalry". How does it differ from the heroic code?

There was not an authentic Medieval Code of Chivalry as such - it was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. A knight was expected to have not only the strength and skills to face combat in the violent era of the Middle Ages but was also expected to temper this aggressive side with a chivalrous side to his nature. How does it differ from the heroic code? Aczkolwiek na pewno heroic code był wcześniej,więc pojawia się głownie w kontekście worriors, a code of chivalry obowiązywał knights. The main differences between the heroic and the chivalric are similar to the differences between barbarism and civilization, again using specific definitions. Warriors from heroic epics are brutal men who are willing to sacrifice everything, even mercy toward the enemy, to reach legendary status and fame. Warriors from chivalric epics such as Parzival on the other hand are civilized men who are willing to sacrifice their own dignity to treat a woman properly according to the code of chivalry. Chivalric knights from the High Middle Ages were faithful to their mothers, faithful to their manners and faithful to their individual souls. Heroic warriors from the Migration Period were loyal to their lords, loyal to their families and often these loyalties conflicted, forcing them to wage war against their own kith and kin Chivalry is internal, causing a man to look within himself for the answers needed to solve external problems, while heroism is external, causing a man to look about his environment for the answers to solve internal problems. I w ogóle to Gawain miał taką tarczę na której narysowany był pentagram oznaczający miedzy innymi 5 zasad CHIVALRIC CODE: fraunchyse [franchise, generosity, benevolence] felawschyp [fellowship, fidelity] clannes [cleanness, purity] cortaysye [courtesy] (grzecznośc, kurtuazja) pité [pity]

Who was the Venerable Bede and why was he important?

Venerable Bede was a Benedictine monk, who wrote about the poet (Cadmon) and his work in his Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (Ecclesiastical History of the English People). Thanks to his work, Caedmon and his hymn have been recorded in the annals of the English Literature History.

How is the mock-heroic mode used in "The Nun's Priest's Tale"? What human vices does this tale satirise?

What human vices does this tale satirise? The Nun's Priest's Tale Summary A very poor widow lives in a small cottage with her two daughters. Her main possession is a noble cock called Chaunticleer. This rooster is beautiful, and nowhere in the land is there a cock who can match him in crowing. He is the master, so he thinks, of seven lovely hens. One spring morning, Chaunticleer awakens from a terrible dream of a beast roaming in the yard trying to seize him. Lady Pertelote thinks that Chaunticleer's dream or nightmare was the result of his constipation, and she recommends a laxative. Later, Chaunticleer catches sight of a fox named Don Russel, who is hiding near the farmyard. Chaunticleer begins to run, but the fox gently calls out that he only came to hear Chaunticleer's beautiful voice. Hearing this, the vain cock shuts his eyes and bursts into song. At that moment, the fox races to the cock, grasps him about the neck, and makes off with him. Soon the widow, her two daughters, the dogs, hens, geese, ducks, and even the bees, are chasing the fox. Chaunticleer suggests to the fox to turn around and shout insults at his pursuers. The fox, thinking Chaunticleer's idea a good one, opens his mouth, and Chaunticleer nimbly escapes to a treetop. The fox tries once again to lure Chaunticleer down by compliments and flattery, but the rooster has learned his lesson. · How is the mock-heroic mode used in "The Nun's Priest's Tale"? The Nun's Priest's Tale is one of Chaucer's tales, and it functions on several levels. The tale is an outstanding example of the literary style known as a bestiary (or a beast fable) in which animals behave like human beings. Consequently, this type of fable is often an insult to man or a commentary on man's foibles. To suggest that animals behave like humans is to suggest that humans often behave like animals. This tale is told using the technique of the mock-heroic. When Don Russel, the fox, runs off with Chaunticleer in his jaws, the chase and the entire scene is narrated in the elevated language found in the great epics where such language was used to to strengthen the great achievements of epic heroes. Chaucer uses elevated language to describe a fox catching a rooster in a barnyard — from the classic epics. The chase itself reminds one of Achilles' chasing Hector around the battlements in the Iliad. To compare them and to suggest that the chase of the fox is an epic chase similar to classical epics indicates the comic absurdity of the situation. The mock-heroic tone is also used when the Nun's Priest describes the capture of the Don Russel and refers to the event in terms of other famous traitors referring to the fox as "a new Iscariot, a second Ganelon and a false hypocrite, Greek Sinon" The mock-heroic tone is also used when the barnyard animals discuss high philosophical and theological questions. For Lady Pertelote and Chaunticleer to discuss in a high intellectual and moral tone is the irony. We must also remember the cause of the discussion of divine foreknowledge: Lady Pertelote thinks that Chaunticleer's dream or nightmare was the result of his constipation, and she recommends a laxative. Throughout the mock-heroic, mankind loses much of its human dignity and is reduced to animal values. · What human vices does this tale satirise? à human pride The Nun's Priest's ideas and positions are set up in his genially ironic attitude toward both the simple life of the widow and the life of the rich and the great as represented by the cock. The Nun's Priest's opening lines set up the contrast : A poor old widow with little property and small income leads a simple life, and it does not cost much for her to get along. The implication is that living the humble Christian life is easier for the poor than for the rich ,who have, like Chaunticleer, many obligations and great responsibilities (after all, if Chaunticleer does not crow at dawn, the sun cannot rise).

What is "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"? Who wrote it? When? What is its genre? What literary tradition does it represent?

What it is? It is a late 14thcentury Middle English chivalric romance in verse. It is one of the best known Arthurian stories/legends ( legendy o rycerzach okrągłego stołu króla Artura) Who wrote it? The identity of the author is unknkown. In academic circles, the writer is referred to as "The Gawain Poet" or "The Pearl Poet." The second name comes from the poem's similarities to Pearl, a fourteenth-century poem written in a similar style and with a similar theme - there is even a manuscript from 14th century, which includes works by the same anonymous poet: Pearl , Cleanness, Patience, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight When? 14th-century What is its genre? Middle English chivalric romance. It is written in alliterative verse, each of which ends in a rhyming bob and wheel. BOB: short line that connects a four-line rhyming section to the rest of the stanza WHEEL: four-line section, rhyming ABAB, in iambic trimester What literary tradition does it represent? the Alliterative Revival

Who is the author of "The Canterbury Tales"? When was the work written? Why is it important? What is its relation to St. Tomas Becket?

Who is the author? Geoffrey Chaucer When was the work written? End of XIV century Why is it important? It is among the most important works of medieval literature for many reasons besides its poetic power and entertainment value, notably its depiction of the different social classes of the 14th century as well as clothing worn, pastimes enjoyed, and language/expressions used. What is its relation to St. Tomas Becket? Canterbury is the place of Tomas Becket's death. Two years after his death, Pope Alexander III canonized him, and pilgrims from all over the world and especially from England started flowing at Canterbury.

Who was William Blake and what is he famous for? Explain, referring to some examples, the idea of pair poems in The Songs of Innocence and Experience?

William Blake 1757 - 1827 painter, engraver, mystic poet of astonishing metaphor, formal experiment, rich symbolism devised his own mythology with the stress on imagination vs Reason Songs of Innocence 1789 the broken apple tree and the despairing figures in the word SONGS contrasted with the happy family scene Songs of Experience 1794 the scene of children mourning over their dead parents suggests that experience comes with sickness and death the two young people reaching for each other separated by the pricky leaves of ivy suggests that adult love is not free from suffering Songs of Innocence and Experience Showing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul 1794 The combined title page shows the scene of expulsion from Eden (flames); the fallen first parents are in the state of experience (knowledge) their intimate parts covered by leaves; the bird of innocence flying away.

Give examples of Shakespeare's famous dramatic imagery referring to particular plays.

William Shakespeare uses dramatic techniques - strategies that help a playwright present his story on stage to capture the audience's attention. His characters often speak directly to the audience. Shakespeare relies on dramatic irony to add suspense, such as revealing hidden truths and incorporating twists into the plot that the characters seemingly know nothing about. Monologues and Soliloquies Shakespeare uses monologues and soliloquies - individual speeches by characters in the play -- to reveal the character's feelings and provide background information necessary to the plot. Monologues and soliloquies give scenes an emotional, personalized appeal. For example, in "Hamlet," Prince Hamlet has a lengthy monologue that explains his plan for exposing his murderous uncle. The monologue helps viewers understand Hamlet's hatred toward Claudius and sets the stage for upcoming events. In "Macbeth," Macbeth offers a heart-wrenching soliloquy after hearing of his wife's death by suicide. Recurring Imagery Visual cues, such as recurring images and symbols help viewers connect ideas and themes throughout the story. This dramatic technique helps the audience see, not just hear, important details about the play. For example, Shakespeare repeatedly contrasts light and darkness in "Romeo and Juliet," foreshadowing the eventual demise of forbidden love. Unexpected Asides An aside -- a moment when a character breaks from the scene and speaks to the audience. For example, Shakespeare uses an aside in "Julius Caesar" when Trebonius talks to the audience about the conspiracy to kill Caesar and take his throne. Dramatic Irony Shakespeare's plays often feature situations in which the audience or another character has a better understanding of events than a central character does. This is dramatic irony, and he uses it to incorporate humor, confusion and conflict into his plays. As a result, characters often react carelessly or foolishly because they lack knowledge and self-awareness. For example in "Much Ado About Nothing," Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to make Benedick look foolish when he assumes Beatrice doesn't recognize him in his mask.

What is Shakespeare's contribution to the development of the English sonnet? Give examples of themes he employed in his sonnets.

With few exceptions, Shakespeare's sonnets observe the stylistic form of the English sonnet—the rhyme scheme, the 14 lines, and the meter. But Shakespeare's sonnets introduce such significant departures of content that they seem to be rebelling against well-worn 200-year-old traditions. Instead of expressing worshipful love for an almost goddess-like female love-object, as Petrarch, Dante, and Philip Sidney had done, Shakespeare introduces a young man. He also introduces the Dark Lady, who is no goddess. Shakespeare explores themes such as lust, homoeroticism, misogyny, infidelity, and acrimony in ways that may challenge, but which also open new terrain for the sonnet form.

What is the "carpe diem" theme and how is it employed in the poetry of Robert Herrick and Andrew Marvel?

carpe diem -seize the day, about making the most out of life. Robert Herrick - the jeweller of English poetry "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" It is an invitation to young people to enjoy what life offered. ; The message is: Men shouldn't run the risk of wasting the gifts of youth because the older they get, the nearer they are to death. Hyperboly, dark humour, argumentation and conceit in "To His Coy Mistress" Andrew Marvel the theme of physical love and Carpe diem. meditation on time, death and human destiny. Time; they cannot stop it, but they can run with it living intensely every moment of their pleasure.

What social aspects are important in the development of the English novel?

economic reasons spread of literacy growth of a new middle class expansion of the reading public reading as fashionable entertainment professional writers publishing as profitable business subscription libraries

Explain the terms "epistolary novel", "realistic novel," "sentimental novel". Give examples from English 18th century literature.

epistolary novel - is a novel written as a series of documents (novel written in letters) Rewarded realistic novel - A type of novel that places a strong emphasis on the truthful representation of the actual in fiction. Colonel Jack, Moll Flanders sentimental novel is concentraded on distresses of the virtuous characters , showed sense of honour and moral behaviour justly rewarded, used effusive emotion as evidence of kindness and goodness, aimed to move the readers and persuade them to follow the worthy and noble examples Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded

Who was Jonathan Swift and what are his literary achievements?

essayist, pamphleteer, poet, diplomat, politician, minister of the Church of Ireland, born of English parents in Dublin Swift is remembered for works such as A Tale of a Tub (1704), An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity (1712), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and A Modest Proposal (1729). He is regarded by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the foremost prose satirist in the English language, and is less well known for his poetry.

What three estates does Chaucer's General Prologue describe and how do they differ. Give examples of representatives of each estate.

first estate - the clergy(those who pray) = the Church Prioress, Monk, Friar, Parson, and Pardoner second estate - the nobility (those who fight ) - the Knight and the Squire third estate - commoners (those who work) = the Peasantry - The Plowman

Who was John Milton and was is he famous for?

invidualist, religious dissenter, polemicist for the Republic, poet, went blind ("On his blindness")

4. Explain the term "heroic code of behaviour" and give at least two examples of its use in a literary text.

it defines how a noble person should act much of Beowulf illustrates the Germanic heroic code, which values strength, courage, loyalty in warriors, hospitality, generosity, political skills in kings, ceremoniousness women. it requires that a king rewards his warriors with gifts and praise; king is obliges to give them protection. Examples: Beowulf, The Illiad Heroic code of behavior - employed by the leader and his followers, treason condemned, faithfulness to the very end in order to gain fame after death promoted as exemplary behavior

What is Milton's Paradise Lost? What is its genre? What are its formal features? What is the plot? What are the themes?

narrative poem in 12 books written in blank verse, Paradise Lost: a Christian epic poem Topic: original sin as opening to the story of salvation (felix culpa- happy fall, fault)Story: struggle between the great hero-protagonist (Man and Christ) and the great enemyantagonist (Satan) Paradise Lost Themes Fate and Free Will. Fate and free will are major topics in Paradise Lost. Sin. Paradise Lost is about Adam and Eve's fall, the original sin! Pride. Innocence. Lies and Deceit. Revenge. Language and Communication. Sex.

What is the graveyard school of poetry and who are its main representatives?

pre-Romantic English poets of the 18th century characterised by their gloomy meditations on mortality: horrors of death, bereavement, and frailties of human life Robert Blair, Edward Young, Thomas Gray

Explain the term "sensibility" in the context of English literature. What are the characteristic features of the literature of the Age of Sensibility?

tendency to be easily and strongly affected by emotion; capacity for compasion and altruism; the cult of feeling as a reaction against the Age of Reason in the second half of the 18th century;

Explain the term "Augustan Age". What period does it refer to? Who are its main representatives?

the 1680s to 1744 -peace and order, admiration and imitation of the first Augustans (Augustus 63 BC.-14 AD. - parallels between the restored monarchy and the peace restored by Emperor Augustus after the assassination of Caesar and civil war) JONATHAN SWIFT, ALEXANDER POPE, JOSPEH ADDISON

Explain the term "translatio imperii" in the context of the opening of "Sir Gawain and the Green Night".

translatio imperii („transfer of rule) classical antiquity medieval England It is a historiographical concept that originated from the Middle Ages, in which history is viewed as a linear succession of transfers of an imperium that invests supreme power in a singular ruler, an "emperor" To underline the greatness of king Arthur his ancestry is traced back to Troy Chodzi o to, że narrator zwiększa prestiż króla Artura, poprzez opowiedzenie historii jego przodków, którzy rzekomo mają swoje korzenie u władców antycznej Troi. Wg niego ( opisuje to na samym początku poematu) wyglądało to tak:

What are the characteristic features of English neoclassical poetry?

wit, Nature, ancients, rules, genius, Nature is defined as a rational and comprehensible moral order in the universe (demonstrating the divine design), The universal is more important than the individual, Rules and order, Reason and restraint, Town or cultivated landscape