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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 ) What you know about the contents of “The Song of Beowulf”? 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 modernday 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 làm Chú ý: + Chế tài xử lý phát có chép ( VD: phát chép làm sinh viên khơng công nhận nhận điểm 0….) + Giảng viên trao đổi, nhận xét góp ý cho làm sinh viên diễn đàn buổi Vclass (SV tham gia lớp Vclass đầy đủ để giải đáp)