Môn học nhằm cung cấp các khái niệm cơ bản về văn học, và các tác phẩm văn học Anh-Mỹ tiêu biểu. Với phương pháp trích giảng, sinh viên vận dụng các kiến thức về lịch sử xã hội Anh-Mỹ đã học vào việc phân tích và cảm nhận tác phẩm. Trong quá trình học sinh viên có cơ hội thể hiện sự hiểu biết của mình về các tác phẩm và tác giả bằng cách tham gia vào các vở kịch, thảo luận, viết bài luận phân tích.
Trang 1HANOI 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”?
"Beowulf" is an Old English heroic poem that tells the story of the protagonist, Beowulf,
a Geatish hero who comes to the aid of the Danes The poem is set in Scandinavia and is often considered one of the most important works of Old English literature
Here is a brief summary of the plot:
1 The Heroic Journey: Beowulf, a warrior of the Geats, comes to the aid of
Hrothgar, the Danish king, who is plagued by the monster Grendel Beowulf defeats Grendel in a hand-to-hand combat
2 Grendel's Mother: After Grendel's death, his mother seeks revenge Beowulf
dives into the lake where she lives and kills her in her lair
3 The Dragon: In the later part of his life, Beowulf faces a dragon threatening his
kingdom In a final heroic act, he battles the dragon but is mortally wounded
4 Legacy: Beowulf dies, and the poem ends with his funeral and reflections on his
heroic deeds The poem explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the inevitable fate of human life
2 What is the historical background of the Anglo-Norman period?
The Anglo-Norman period refers to the historical era in England that followed the
Norman Conquest in 1066 and lasted until approximately the late 12th century This period had a profound impact on the social, political, and cultural landscape of England Here are key aspects of the historical background of the Anglo-Norman period:
1 Norman Conquest (1066): The Norman Conquest took place when William the
Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and defeated King Harold II at
Trang 2the Battle of Hastings This event marked the beginning of Norman rule in
England
2 Norman Rule: William the Conqueror became King William I of England
Norman nobility and administrators were brought into England, and they played a significant role in reshaping the English political and social structure The
Normans introduced feudalism, a system of land ownership and obligations
3 Domesday Book (1086): William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday
Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources in England This provided valuable information for taxation and helped establish the Norman
administration
4 Anglo-Norman Aristocracy: The Normans established a new aristocracy in
England, with Norman nobles holding significant power and influence They built castles and adopted Norman-French as the language of the elite
5 Cultural and Linguistic Impact: The Anglo-Norman period saw the infusion of
Norman-French language and culture into England While Old English continued
to be spoken by the general population, the ruling class primarily used Norman-French This linguistic and cultural mix laid the groundwork for the development
of Middle English
6 Legal Reforms: King Henry II (reigned 1154–1189) implemented legal reforms,
including the introduction of the jury system and the development of a more centralized legal system These reforms had a lasting impact on English law
7 Plantagenet Dynasty: The Plantagenet dynasty, which originated with Henry II,
continued to rule England through the Anglo-Norman and later medieval periods This dynasty played a crucial role in shaping England's political and territorial development
8 Conflict and Consolidation: The Anglo-Norman period was marked by internal
and external conflicts, including struggles for power within the ruling class and conflicts with neighboring territories However, it also witnessed the consolidation
of England as a distinct political entity
The end of the Anglo-Norman period is often associated with the death of King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) in 1199, leading to the beginning of the Plantagenet period The legacy of the Norman Conquest endured, influencing English society, language, and governance for centuries to come
Trang 3II Comments (50 points )
What are your comments on the first masterpiece of English literature-“ The Song of Beowulf ”?
1 Historical Significance: "Beowulf" is a crucial historical document that provides
insights into the early medieval Anglo-Saxon world It reflects the cultural, social, and political realities of the time, offering a glimpse into the values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people
2 Epic Hero and Heroic Code: The poem features Beowulf, a larger-than-life hero
who embodies the heroic code of the time Beowulf's courage, strength, and
loyalty to his people exemplify the virtues valued by the Anglo-Saxons The heroic code emphasized the importance of honor, bravery, and loyalty
3 Themes of Good vs Evil: "Beowulf" explores the timeless theme of the struggle
between good and evil Beowulf faces formidable adversaries, including the
monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon The poem delves into the
complexities of heroism and the consequences of confronting malevolent forces
4 Rich Literary Language: The use of Old English in "Beowulf" showcases the
linguistic prowess of the time The poem's alliterative verse and poetic devices contribute to its distinctive style The mastery of language in "Beowulf" has made
it a subject of study not only for its content but also for its literary techniques
5 Cultural and Religious Elements: "Beowulf" incorporates elements of
Anglo-Saxon paganism and Christian influences The tension between these two belief systems adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the transitional nature of the society
in which it was composed
6 Legacy and Influence: "Beowulf" has had a profound impact on the development
of English literature Its themes and motifs resonate in later works, and it serves as
a foundational text for understanding the evolution of the English language and literary tradition
Trang 47 Archetypal Characters: The characters in "Beowulf" have become archetypes in
literary storytelling Beowulf himself, the wise and aged King Hrothgar, and the treacherous Grendel are characters that have influenced countless tales of heroism and adventure
8 Versatility of Interpretation: "Beowulf" offers a rich ground for interpretation
Scholars have explored various themes, motifs, and historical contexts,
contributing to a diverse range of critical perspectives on the poem
Overall, "Beowulf" is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its enduring literary merit Its exploration of universal themes and its cultural richness continue to captivate readers and scholars, making it a cornerstone of English literary studies