Balti state university a. Russo chair of english philology

Conclusions 
1. 
The literary periods are classified according to the historic periods of the 
development of English society. 
2. 
The Literature of Middle Ages is subdivided into 2 periods: Anglo-Saxon and 
Middle English. Middle English comprises the period between the Norman Conquest 1066 
and Renaissance. 
3. 
The Anglo-Saxon period is characterised by the appearance of first writings 
connected with Bible stories and religion. The writers were monks and priests. The main 
form of writing was alliterative verse. 
4. 
The beginning of English Literature was marked by one of the greatest epics 
“Beowulf” that depicted the aspirations of people for freedom. 
5. 
The Literature of Middle Ages started with the Norman period which brought 
into being new literary forms, such as: romance, fable, fabliaux, ballad and folk songs, each 
reflecting the life of different ranks of society. 

Practical assignments: 
Beowulf 
I. 
Read the recommended passage from Beowulf and answer the following 
questions: 
1. Beowulf chooses a different weapon in the three battles with Grendel. Which are 
they? What do they symbolize?
2. What was the primary motivation of Beowulf in all three battles? 
3. Look at the fire-dragon episode, starting with the failure of Beowulf. Make a list of 
the items in the sequence that brought him failure and death.
4. Before dying Beowulf makes a speech. What actions did Beowulf make before that. 
Enumerate them.

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5. Read the lament sung by a woman at Beowulf‟s funerals. What is its value in the 
work? 
6. Select from the text elements of imagery poetry – similes, kennings.
II. 
Read the ballad  Sir Patric Spens and Barbara Allan, On the Banks of Allan 
Waters. Comment of the composition of these ballads. 
III. 
Read Corpus Christi Carol and answer the following questions: 
1. What characteristic features does a carol have?  
2. What effect does the refrain create? 
3. Commnet on the emotional force of “an orchard brown”, „purple and pall”, “gold so 
red”.
IV. Find other examples of carols, ballads and folk songs and comment on your choice.  

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