Đề thi 20% văn học anh mỹ số 3 (1)

Plagiarism will lead to failure Question 1: "The Song of Beowulf" is commonly known as "Beowulf," which is an Old English epic poem composed anonymously in the early medieval period?. T

HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITY MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN

LITERATURE

FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 3)

Subject Code: EN16

Full name: ………

Date of birth: ………

Group: ………

I Answer the following questions: (50 points )

1 What do you know about the contents of “The Song of Beowulf”?

2 What is the historical background of the Anglo-Norman period?

(The file sent will be named after each student’s name Plagiarism will lead to failure)

Question 1:

"The Song of Beowulf" is commonly known as "Beowulf," which is an Old English epic poem composed anonymously in the early medieval period The poem is considered one

of the most important works in Old English literature and is an essential piece of English literary heritage

The contents of "Beowulf" revolve around the heroic exploits of the legendary Geatish warrior, Beowulf The narrative is set in Scandinavia and begins with the Danish king, Hrothgar, facing attacks from the monstrous creature Grendel, who terrorizes his

kingdom Beowulf, hearing of the king's plight, travels from his homeland of Geatland to assist the Danes He confronts Grendel in a fierce battle, defeating the creature and

bringing temporary relief to the kingdom

However, the threat is not entirely over Grendel's mother seeks vengeance for her son's death, leading Beowulf to embark on another perilous quest After a harrowing

underwater battle, Beowulf emerges victorious, further solidifying his status as a heroic figure

The poem also portrays Beowulf's later life, as he becomes the king of Geatland In the final part of the poem, Beowulf faces a dragon that threatens his kingdom Despite his advanced age, Beowulf valiantly fights the dragon, but he succumbs to his injuries The poem ends with a mournful elegy for the fallen hero

"Beowulf" touches on themes of heroism, honor, loyalty, and the inevitable struggles of life It offers insights into the Anglo-Saxon culture, values, and beliefs during the early medieval period

Question 2:

The historical background of the Anglo-Norman period dates back to the 11th century and is characterized by the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 The Normans were originally Scandinavian settlers who had settled in the region of Normandy, in modern-day France Under the leadership of William the Conqueror (William I), Duke of

Normandy, they invaded England, defeating King Harold II of England at the Battle of Hastings

With the Norman Conquest, the Anglo-Norman period began, which saw significant changes in England's political, social, and cultural landscape The Normans brought their own language (Norman French), customs, and feudal system, which gradually merged with the existing Anglo-Saxon culture

The Normans replaced the Anglo-Saxon nobility with their own supporters, establishing a new ruling class They also introduced the feudal system, which emphasized loyalty and military service in exchange for land and protection

Norman French became the language of the aristocracy and the legal system, while Latin continued to be the language of the Church and education Over time, the interaction between Norman French, Latin, and Old English resulted in the development of Middle English, the precursor to modern English

The Anglo-Norman period witnessed the construction of impressive castles, cathedrals, and other architectural wonders, which reflected the Normans' influence on England's cultural and artistic heritage

The Anglo-Norman period came to an end with the death of King Richard the Lionheart

in 1199 His successor, King John, faced challenges and eventually signed the Magna Carta in 1215, a significant step in the evolution of English constitutional law and the limitation of royal powers The Magna Carta marked a turning point in the transition to a

more centralized English monarchy and the eventual decline of Norman influence in England

II Comments (50 points )

What are your comments on the first masterpiece of English literature-“ The Song of Beowulf ”?

"The Song of Beowulf," commonly known as "Beowulf," is indeed a remarkable and enduring masterpiece of English literature As the first major work written in the English language, it holds a significant place in the literary canon and cultural heritage of the English-speaking world Here are some comments on the enduring significance of

"Beowulf":

Pioneering Work: "Beowulf" is a pioneering work that laid the foundation for English literature It marks the transition from oral storytelling to written literary expression The poem was passed down through generations as an oral tradition before being transcribed

in its written form, making it a bridge between the Anglo-Saxon oral tradition and the written literature that followed

Heroic Epic: "Beowulf" belongs to the heroic epic tradition, celebrating the valor,

bravery, and heroic deeds of its protagonist, Beowulf The poem captures the ethos of the heroic age, portraying the values and ideals upheld by the warrior society of early

medieval England

Timeless Themes: The themes explored in "Beowulf" continue to resonate with readers across generations Themes of heroism, loyalty, honor, the struggle between good and evil, and the inevitability of mortality are timeless and universal, making the poem

relatable and relevant to contemporary audiences

Characterization: The characters in "Beowulf" are vividly portrayed, with Beowulf

himself embodying the quintessential heroic figure The poem delves into the psychology and motivations of the characters, creating a nuanced and multi-dimensional cast

Cultural Insights: "Beowulf" offers valuable insights into the culture, customs, and beliefs

of the Anglo-Saxon society It provides a glimpse into their social structure, religious practices, and worldview, making it a valuable historical and cultural document

Linguistic Significance: The poem's use of Old English, with its distinctive poetic

features like alliteration and kenning, showcases the evolution of the English language The language of "Beowulf" is both beautiful and evocative, highlighting the richness of the early English linguistic heritage

Influence on Literature: "Beowulf" has had a lasting impact on English literature and beyond It has inspired numerous works of literature, from J.R.R Tolkien's "The Hobbit"

to Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead." The themes and motifs of heroism and epic quests can be traced throughout the history of literature

In conclusion, "Beowulf" holds a unique and foundational place in the pantheon of

English literature Its enduring significance lies in its contribution to the English

language, its timeless themes, its portrayal of heroic values, and its cultural and historical insights As the first masterpiece of English literature, "Beowulf" continues to captivate readers with its timeless allure and storytelling prowess

Một số yêu cầu:

+ Sinh viên nộp file word lên hệ thống

+ Ghi rõ mã đề trong bài làm.

Chú ý:

+ Chế tài xử lý đối với bài phát hiện có sự sao chép ( VD: nếu phát hiện sao chép thì bài làm của sinh viên sẽ không được công nhận và nhận điểm 0….)

+ Giảng viên có thể trao đổi, nhận xét góp ý cho bài làm của sinh viên trên diễn đàn hoặc buổi Vclass (SV tham gia lớp Vclass đầy đủ để được giải đáp)