HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITY MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 1) Subject Code: EN16 Full name: ………………………………............... Date of birth: ………………………………........... Group: ……………………………………............. I. Answer the following questions: (50 points ) 1. What new tendencies were noticeable in the cultural life of England of the 5th century and where did they come from? 2. What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales? 3. What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales? (The file sent will be named after each student’s name. Plagiarism will lead to failure) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………II. Comments (50 points ) What are your comments on the contents and significance of the works “The Canterbury Tales”? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 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) HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITY MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 2) Subject Code: EN16 Full name: ………………………………............... Date of birth: ………………………………........... Group: ……………………………………............. I. Answer the following questions: (50 points ) 1. What three languages were spoken in England in the 11th - 13th centuries, and whom were they spoken by? Mention some reasons. 2. What is a romance, a fabliaux, a bestiaria? In what language were they written? (The file sent will be named after each student’s name. Plagiarism will lead to failure) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………II. Comments (50 points ) Write what you know about the life and works of Geoffrey Chaucer - The founder of English realism ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 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) 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) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………II. Comments (50 points ) What are your comments on the first masterpiece of English literature-“ The Song of Beowulf ”? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 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)
Trang 1HANOI OPENUNIVERSITY
MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
LITERATURE
FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 1)
Subject Code: EN16
Trang 4HANOI OPENUNIVERSITY
MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
LITERATURE
FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 2)
Subject Code: EN16
Trang 7HANOI OPENUNIVERSITY
MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
LITERATURE
FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 3)
Subject Code: EN16
Trang 9BÀI LÀM
HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITYMID-TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATUREFOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 1)
Subject Code: EN16Full name: Nguyễn Văn ADate of birth: 01/01/2000Group: 01
I Answer the following questions (50 points)
Trang 10What new tendencies were noticeable in the cultural life of England of the 5th century, and where did they come from?
In the 5th century, the cultural life of England experienced significant changes due to the arrival of Germanic tribes, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes These tribes brought with them their languages, customs, and societal structures,which gradually blended with the existing Roman and Celtic influences As Roman control in Britain weakened, these tribes took control of various parts of the country, leading to the formation of early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms This period saw the rise of new art forms, religious practices, and governance systems, which laid the foundation for what later became known as Anglo-Saxon culture
The new tendencies during this period also reflected the shift from Roman to Germanic influences, with a focus on warlike traditions, oral storytelling, and pagan beliefs This blending of cultures was crucial in shaping the future identity of England, both culturally and linguistically By the end of the 5th century, Christianity began to make a resurgence, further transforming the cultural landscape of England
What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales?"The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucerin the late 14th century It is framed as a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury Chaucer intended to write 120 tales, with each pilgrim telling four stories (two on the way to Canterbury and two on the return journey), but the work remains unfinished
The tales cover a wide range of genres, including romance, fabliaux, and sermons, showcasing Chaucer's versatility as a writer Through the use of different narrative forms and tones, Chaucer provides a vivid portrayal of medieval English society Each character's tale reflects their social class, occupation, and personality, making "The Canterbury Tales" a rich exploration
Trang 11of 14th-century life The tales also serve as a vehicle for Chaucer to critique the moral and ethical issues of his time.
What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales?The characters of "The Canterbury Tales" represent various social classes and occupations in medieval England Some of the most notable characters include:The Knight: A noble and chivalrous figure who has fought in many battles His tale reflects themes of honor and duty
The Miller: A bawdy and crude character, his tale is humorous and vulgar, often considered a fabliau, a form of comedic storytelling
The Wife of Bath: A strong-willed and experienced woman, she has been married multiple times and offers opinions on marriage, gender roles, and love.The Pardoner: A corrupt church official who sells indulgences His tale reveals the hypocrisy of religious figures and critiques the church's role in society.These characters, among others, provide a wide-ranging depiction of medieval life and morality Chaucer uses their tales to explore universal themes of love, power, greed, and justice, while also injecting humor and wit into his social commentary
II Comments (50 points)What are your comments on the contents and significance of the works “The Canterbury Tales”?
"The Canterbury Tales" is one of the most important works in English literature,marking a turning point in the use of vernacular English Through its diverse cast of characters and variety of tales, Geoffrey Chaucer presents a
comprehensive and insightful look at 14th-century English society The work's structure, which allows each character to tell their own story, provides a unique platform for social commentary, as Chaucer critiques issues like class inequality,corruption within the church, and human folly
What makes "The Canterbury Tales" particularly significant is its balance between entertainment and moral reflection Each tale, whether humorous, tragic, or didactic, offers insights into the human condition, making the work
Trang 12timeless in its relevance Chaucer's ability to shift between different literary genres, such as romance and fabliaux, further enriches the text, demonstrating his literary prowess.
In conclusion, "The Canterbury Tales" is a masterpiece of medieval literature that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and society Its lasting influence can be seen in its continued studyand admiration in literary circles worldwide
ĐỀ 2 HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITYMID-TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATUREFOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 2)
Subject Code: EN16Full name: Nguyễn Văn ADate of birth: 01/01/2000Group: 01
I Answer the following questions (50 points)What three languages were spoken in England in the 11th - 13th centuries, and whom were they spoken by? Mention some reasons
During the 11th to 13th centuries, three primary languages were spoken in England: Old English, Norman French, and Latin Each of these languages was used by different social groups for specific purposes:
Old English: This was the language of the common people, mainly spoken by the Anglo-Saxon population Despite the Norman Conquest in 1066, Old English continued to be used by the lower and middle classes in daily life, agricultural work, and among rural communities
Norman French: After the Norman Conquest, French became the language of the ruling class, nobility, and the court It was used in legal documents,
governance, and aristocratic life The Normans brought their culture and language with them, and it took centuries for English to regain prominence in higher circles of power
Trang 13Latin: Latin was the language of the Church, education, and legal matters It wasused by the clergy, scholars, and in official documents As the language of intellectual discourse, Latin dominated fields such as theology and science.The coexistence of these languages was a direct result of the Norman Conquest, which brought French-speaking rulers to England Over time, these languages influenced each other, contributing to the development of Middle English.What is a romance, a fabliaux, a bestiaria? In what language were they written?Romance: A romance is a genre of narrative fiction that focuses on chivalric ideals, noble quests, and adventures, often involving knights, love, and courtly affairs Romances are typically set in a distant, often mythical past, and they emphasize noble deeds and personal honor Most romances were written in Old French, the language of the Norman aristocracy.
Fabliaux: Fabliaux are short, humorous tales that often involve clever trickery, crude humor, and satirical commentary on society They are typically written in verse and focus on the misadventures of lower or middle-class characters Fabliaux were also written in Old French, and they provided entertainment by subverting social norms and expectations
Bestiaria (Bestiaries): A bestiary is a collection of stories about animals, both real and mythical, with moral or allegorical lessons Bestiaries were often written in Latin, as they were used by clergy and scholars to teach moral and religious lessons through the characteristics of different animals Each animal was described with both its natural and symbolic meanings
II Comments (50 points)Write what you know about the life and works of Geoffrey Chaucer - The founder of English realism
Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the "Father of English literature," was born in London around 1343 He served as a courtier, diplomat, and civil servant, which gave him insight into the lives of different social classes His experiences at court and his exposure to a wide variety of people greatly influenced his writing
Trang 14Chaucer’s most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is a collection of stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Through this work, Chaucer showcaseshis remarkable ability to depict the complexities of human behavior and society He uses satire, humor, and vivid characterization to critique the moral and
ethical issues of his time, particularly targeting the corruption within the Church and the flaws of the upper classes
Chaucer is credited with elevating Middle English to a literary language At a time when most serious literature was written in Latin or French, Chaucer chose to write in the vernacular, making his works accessible to a broader audience His use of English not only helped shape the future of English literature but also established a standard for future writers
In terms of realism, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales provides an authentic portrayal of 14th-century English society, from the noble knight to the bawdy miller His characters are not idealized; rather, they are presented with their virtues and flaws, making them relatable and human This realistic approach laidthe foundation for later developments in English realism
ĐỀ 3HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITYMID-TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATUREFOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 3)
Subject Code: EN16Full name: Nguyễn Văn ADate of birth: 01/01/2000Group: 01
I Answer the following questions (50 points)What do you know about the contents of “The Song of Beowulf”?"The Song of Beowulf," commonly referred to as Beowulf, is the oldest surviving epic poem in English literature, dating back to around the 8th century The poem is set in Scandinavia and revolves around the heroic exploits of
Beowulf, a Geatish warrior who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar of Denmark
Trang 15to defeat the monstrous Grendel, a creature that has been terrorizing Hrothgar's kingdom.
The poem is divided into three major parts, with Beowulf battling Grendel, Grendel's vengeful mother, and finally, many years later, a deadly dragon The epic highlights themes of heroism, loyalty, and the transient nature of life Beowulf’s strength and courage are celebrated, but the inevitability of death and the eventual decline of even the greatest heroes are ever-present throughout the story The poem also explores the importance of kinship bonds, honor, and the values of warrior culture
Written in Old English, Beowulf is a significant cultural artifact that provides insight into the beliefs and values of Anglo-Saxon society The poem’s
anonymous author skillfully combines pagan and Christian elements, reflecting the transitional period in which it was composed
What is the historical background of the Anglo-Norman period?The Anglo-Norman period began with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings This event marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England and the beginning of Norman control Under Norman rule, England experienced profound social, political, and cultural changes
The Normans introduced feudalism, a hierarchical system where land was granted in exchange for military service, which fundamentally altered the English social structure The Normans also brought with them their language, Norman French, which became the language of the ruling class, the court, and the law Latin continued to be used by the Church and scholars, while Old English remained the language of the common people
The fusion of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures eventually led to the development of Middle English The Anglo-Norman period saw the constructionof many castles, the reorganization of the Church, and the establishment of Norman legal and administrative systems This period also witnessed the
Trang 16creation of new literary genres, such as the chivalric romance, which became popular in both England and France.
II Comments (50 points)What are your comments on the first masterpiece of English literature – “The Song of Beowulf”?
"The Song of Beowulf" is widely regarded as the first masterpiece of English literature, and its significance cannot be overstated The poem not only provides a glimpse into the values and traditions of early Anglo-Saxon society but also serves as a reflection of universal themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil
What makes Beowulf remarkable is its ability to balance both pagan and Christian elements While the poem reflects a world dominated by fate and the warrior code, there are also clear Christian undertones, such as the references to God's will and divine judgment This blend of ideologies highlights the
transitional period in which the poem was written, as Anglo-Saxon England wasin the process of converting to Christianity
Moreover, the epic structure of Beowulf, with its focus on the heroic journey and its episodic nature, has had a lasting influence on later English literature The character of Beowulf himself embodies the ideal qualities of a hero: strength, courage, and loyalty Yet, the poem also explores the inevitable declineof even the greatest heroes, as seen in Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon, which ultimately leads to his death
In conclusion, Beowulf stands as a monumental work in the history of English literature, both for its literary merit and its cultural significance It remains a foundational text for understanding the early English literary tradition and continues to be studied and admired for its timeless exploration of human themes