PCC Reynolds Intro to Literature Test 1
Questions and Answers Questions and
Correct Answers
What is a worldview? Ans: A philosophy of life; a foundation for
viewing life and making decisions
Anglo-Saxon beliefs about man Ans: Personal glory, heroism
What is "wyrd"? Ans: Anglo Saxon belief in fate/God
Anglo-Saxon beliefs about morality Ans: -Loyalty
-Code of comitatus ("companionship")
-Revenge ("weregild")
Anglo-Saxon beliefs about the world Ans: -Harsh nature
-Violent action
What is the code of comitatus? Ans: Code of companionship
What is the Anglo-Saxon belief for revenge? Ans: "weregild", "man-
price"
What is a kenning? Ans: Metaphorical two-word compound (Anglo-
Saxon literature)
What are examples of kennings? Ans: - "Ring-bestower" = king
- "Word-hoard" = Mouth
- "Whale-road" = The ocean
During what period were kennings used? Ans: Anglo-Saxon
Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon literature Ans: -Kennings
-Oral tradition
-Merging of pagan & Christian ideas
Characteristics of epics Ans: · Noble hero
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· Grand scale
· Grand deeds
· Grand style
· Supernatural forces (good vs evil)
Main characters in Beowulf Ans: -Hrothgar (Dane King)
-Grendel
-Grendel's mother
-Beowulf
-Wiglaf
Characteristics of Hrothgar Ans: -Good king
-Older man, can't fight for himself
-Beowulf fights for him
-King of the Danes
Characteristics of Grendel Ans: -Monster
-Enemy of Hrothgar
Characteristics of Beowulf (character) Ans: -Geat
-Loyal
-Warrior
-Has a different king
-Wants personal glory
-Strength of 30 men
Characteristics of Wiglaf Ans: -Thane
-Helps Beowulf
Settings in Beowulf Ans: -Mead hall
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