英国文学简史打印.docVIP

A SHORT STORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE英 国 文 学 简 史 刘炳善 河南人民出版社 Lecture One Part One Early English Literature (Angle-Saxon Literature) Early English Literature (Anglo-Saxon Literature) Historical Background ① The earliest inhabitants of the British Isles were Britons, a tribe of Celts. Today most Celts lived in Scotland and Wales. ② From 55 B.C. to 410 A. D. Romans conquered the Great Britain. The Roman army was led by Julius Caesar, who was a very famous figure in ancient Rome. Consequence of Roman conquest: 1. a network of highways; 2. scores of towns, including London; 3. Roman lifestyle 4. Christianity was introduced. ③ English Conquest Shortly after Romans’ retreat, the Britain was invaded by Anglos, Saxons and Jutes. And by the 7th century Old English emerged. Anglo-Saxon period witnessed a transition from tribal society to feudalism. With the Anglo-Saxon settlement in Britain, the history of English literature began. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Literature Anglo-Saxon literature, that is, the Old English literature is at most exclusively a verse literature in oral form. It could be passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation. Its creator for the most part is unknown. It was only given a written form long after its composition. Beowulf — National epic of English people Pick out the characters in this story and make sure the place of the story. What are the three adventures mentioned in the story? What are the values conveyed in this story? Artistic features of “Beowulf” 1. Using alliteration Alliteration: a rhetorical device, meaning some words in a sentence begin with the same consonant sound（头韵）. 2.Using metaphor (kenning) and understatement Kenning: A figurative, usually compound expression used in place of a name or noun, especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry; for example, storm of swords is a kenning for battle. understatement: expressing something in a controlled