英美文学名词解释.pdfVIP

Directions: Give brief explanations for the following terms. 1. Differences between literary and non-literary language Non-literary language aims at a one-to-one correspondence between the language and the meaning. It aims to meet a practical need of communication, or provide information and findings accurately. While literary language is not necessarily merely one to one correspondence. It is expressive and indirect, conveying writer’s feelings, attitudes and tone between the lines. It is ambiguous and the interpretation varies with context and reader. 2. Beowulf Beowulf is an old English heroic epic poem of unknown authorship, which is set in Denmark and Sweden. It is commonly cited as one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. With 3182 lines, it is noted for its length. Beowulf is considered an epic poem in that the main character is a hero who travels great distances to prove his strength at impossible odds against supernatural demons and beasts. 3. Renaissance A cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Florence the Late Middle Ages later spreading to the rest of Europe, being viewed as a bridge between the Medieval time and the Modern Era. The literary creations of Renaissance get influence from the classics in philosophy and language. They also exhibit an optimistic forward-thinking approach to the potential of humans, which is known as Renaissance humanism. Humanism is the essence of renaissance, which considered humans empowered, limitless in their capacities for development, and led to the notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop their capacities as fully as possible. 4. Roaring Twenties It refers to the time from 1918 to 1929: the years after the end of World War I, continuing through the Twenties and ending with the rise of the Great Depre