MB UNIUD

Page 60, Revision

Exercise 1

1)      The poem was probably composed in the 7^th century, but the written version dates from the 10^th century.

2)      The Anglo - Saxon poet could compose his song in front of an audience without much preparation thanks to poetical devices like alliterations, rhymes, caesuras and rhythm.

3)   The line form was a double line with a break in the middle (called caesura) which created a distinctive rhythm  

5)      The basic features of an epic poem like "Beowulf" are:

a.       The deeds' celebration of one nation's heroes;

b.      The account of the values of a nation;

c.       The style, which is useful to have the people remember.

6)  The poet in the Anglo - Saxon culture had a not very important role because people couldn't read and the poems were told by scops.