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Aula de Literatura Inglesa do dia 02 de Dezembro 2009: Anglo Saxon Period . Prof. Fabione Gomes
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URCA – Universidade Regional do CaririURCA – Universidade Regional do CaririDepartamento de Línguas e LiteraturasDepartamento de Línguas e Literaturas
Letras – VI SemestreLetras – VI SemestreLiteratura Inglesa – Renaissance – 18Literatura Inglesa – Renaissance – 18thth Century Century
Anglo-SaxonsAnglo-Saxons449 BCE-1066 BCE449 BCE-1066 BCE
Prof. Esp. Fabione GomesProf. Esp. Fabione Gomes
The Anglo-Saxons: 449–1066The Anglo-Saxons: 449–1066
300s B.C.Celts in Britain
55 B.C–A.D.409Roman Occupation
A.D. 449Anglo-Saxon Invasion
A.D. 400–699Spread of Christianity
A.D. 1066Norman Invasion
A.D.878King Alfred against the Danes
A.D.600
A.D.300
A.D. 1
300 B.C.
A.D.900
A.D. 1200
Who were the Anglo- Saxons?
•Angle, Saxon and Jute tribes.
•5th and 6th centuries
•Northern Germany, Denmark, northern Holland
The Anglo SaxonsThe Anglo Saxons
The Anglo-Saxon InvasionThe Anglo-Saxon Invasion
A.D. 449 The Anglo-Saxons push the Celts into the far west of the country.
Angles
Saxons
Jutes
Celts
Page from Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
The Anglo-Saxon Invasion
Old English
The Celts in BritainThe Celts in Britain
• Celtic religion a form of animism
Before and during the 4th century B.C.
Stonehenge
• Druids were Celtic priests
• Britain named for one Celtic tribe—the Brythons
• Britain home to several Celtic tribes
The First PeopleThe First People
The First PeopleThe First People
Britain first settled Britain first settled by _______by _______
Celts came from Celts came from continental Europe continental Europe between 800-600 between 800-600 B.C.B.C.
Celts
Celtic InvasionsCeltic Invasions Around 500 BC two groups of Celts invaded British Isles Around 500 BC two groups of Celts invaded British Isles
Brythons (Britons) settled island of BritainBrythons (Britons) settled island of BritainGaels settled on IrelandGaels settled on IrelandPicts settled in ScotlandPicts settled in Scotland
Organized into clans; loyal to chieftainOrganized into clans; loyal to chieftain
Religion – Religion – animismanimism (from Latin for “spirit”) (from Latin for “spirit”) Believed spirits controlled every aspect of lifeBelieved spirits controlled every aspect of life Druids – priests who settled arguments, presided Druids – priests who settled arguments, presided over religious over religious
rituals, and memorized and recited poems rituals, and memorized and recited poems about pastabout past
Conquered by Romans in the first century A.D. and Conquered by Romans in the first century A.D. and became part of the Roman Empire.became part of the Roman Empire.
Druids thought that the soul was immortal, passing in death from death from one person to another. Considered mistletoe and oak trees sacred and generally held their rites in old oak forests.
Roman InvasionsRoman Invasions 55 BC Julius Caesar invaded Britain55 BC Julius Caesar invaded Britain 43 AD Emperor Claudius invaded; marks 43 AD Emperor Claudius invaded; marks
beginning of Roman Britainbeginning of Roman Britain Began to Christianize the Celts; Celtic Began to Christianize the Celts; Celtic
religion vanishedreligion vanished Controlled world from Hadrian’s Wall to Controlled world from Hadrian’s Wall to
ArabiaArabia Roman Helmet
Roman Invasions: What Roman Invasions: What legacy did the Romans legacy did the Romans
leave?leave?
System of roads/highways – height of the System of roads/highways – height of the empire, one could travel on post roads empire, one could travel on post roads and use same currency from Northumbria and use same currency from Northumbria to Middle East; not possible sinceto Middle East; not possible since
Provided an organized society which kept Provided an organized society which kept other invaders out for several centuriesother invaders out for several centuries
410 A.D. - Rome threatened and Romans 410 A.D. - Rome threatened and Romans pulled out of Britainpulled out of Britain
The Roman alphabet introduced literacy The Roman alphabet introduced literacy and a transfer of knowledge.and a transfer of knowledge.
Germanic Invasions - Germanic Invasions - 449449
Angles, Saxons, and JutesAngles, Saxons, and Jutes Deep sea fishermen and farmersDeep sea fishermen and farmers
Britons no match, but didn’t go quietlyBritons no match, but didn’t go quietly Pushed west to WalesPushed west to Wales King Arthur was probably a Celtic King Arthur was probably a Celtic
chieftain. (Captain)chieftain. (Captain) LanguageLanguage Common language now known as Old Common language now known as Old
English (similar to Dutch and German)English (similar to Dutch and German) Religion – pagan – similar to Norse Religion – pagan – similar to Norse
mythologymythologyAngles/Saxons from Germany
Jutes from
Denmark
Germanic Invasions – Germanic Invasions – 449 A.D.449 A.D.
Created the Anglo-Saxon Created the Anglo-Saxon England (“Engla land”) England (“Engla land”) that lasted until 1066that lasted until 1066
Divided into separate Divided into separate kingdoms: Kent, kingdoms: Kent, Northumbria, Mercia and Northumbria, Mercia and Wessex most importantWessex most important
United themselves in last United themselves in last two centuries to resist two centuries to resist invasions from Vikings, or invasions from Vikings, or Norsemen (whom they Norsemen (whom they called Danes).called Danes).
Seven kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Period:
Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, and Kent
Viking Invasions 8Viking Invasions 8thth-12-12thth CenturiesCenturies
Invaders from Invaders from Norway and Norway and Denmark Denmark
Anglo-Saxons Anglo-Saxons unprepared for unprepared for ferocity of Vikingsferocity of Vikings
Common prayer: Common prayer: “From the furor of “From the furor of the Norsemen, Oh the Norsemen, Oh Lord protect us.”Lord protect us.”
Viking Ship, known as the Oseberg Ship, dates 825 AD.
Viking Invasions 8Viking Invasions 8thth-12-12thth CenturiesCenturies
Vikings destroyed Vikings destroyed monasteries and sacred monasteries and sacred objectobject
Slaughtered everyone in Slaughtered everyone in settlements that couldn’t settlements that couldn’t pay enough to thempay enough to them
King Alfred of Wessex King Alfred of Wessex (871-899) forced Vikings (871-899) forced Vikings to northern Englandto northern England
Danelaw – dividing line Danelaw – dividing line between Viking Britain between Viking Britain and Anglo-Saxon Britainand Anglo-Saxon Britain
Review: Review:
Celts: member of one of the races that Celts: member of one of the races that now include the Irish, Welsh, Cornish now include the Irish, Welsh, Cornish and highland Scots.and highland Scots.
Anglo-Saxons: one of the race of Anglo-Saxons: one of the race of people who settled in England (from people who settled in England (from NW Europe ) before the Norman NW Europe ) before the Norman Conquest; their language ( also called Conquest; their language ( also called Old English )Old English )
The Normans: those who conquered The Normans: those who conquered England in 11th century (Scandinavian England in 11th century (Scandinavian and Frankish descendantand Frankish descendant
SocietySociety
Society
Anglo-Saxon Society
• kinship groups led by strong warrior chief
• people farmed, established local governments, produced fine craftwork
• English emerged as a written language
Anglo-Saxon SocietyAnglo-Saxon Society
– Lived in tribal groups with a high class of Lived in tribal groups with a high class of warriors.warriors.
– Kings emerged as society developed.Kings emerged as society developed.
• Spoke Old English. This was the language that Spoke Old English. This was the language that BeowulfBeowulf was written in. was written in.
• Became Christians but still valued heroic ideals Became Christians but still valued heroic ideals and traditional heroes.and traditional heroes.
• Their culture valued human contact, family, Their culture valued human contact, family, virtue, and a good story. They feared humiliation virtue, and a good story. They feared humiliation and loneliness in their lives. In addition, the and loneliness in their lives. In addition, the Anglo-Saxons desired richness, power, and Anglo-Saxons desired richness, power, and appreciated heroic actions of warriorsappreciated heroic actions of warriors..
What were Anglo- Saxons buildings like?
Where did the Anglo- Saxons live?
•In few buildings.
•2-3 families
•Wooden
•Thatched roofs
•In Suffolk buildings around larger hall, 1 room with hearth
Dress
Varied from region to region.
WomenWomen
UnimportantUnimportant
Domestic and child-bearing dutiesDomestic and child-bearing duties
Occasionally had some influence onOccasionally had some influence onThanes. ( Feudal Lord)Thanes. ( Feudal Lord)
• Some women had metal clasps at the wrists to fasten the sleeves of a simple blouse. Other women had worn short-sleeves.
• They used to wear brooches at the shoulders pinned two sides of a tubular dress together.
• Lots of beads were often found across the chest. Strings of beads were very pretty. They were usually made of brightly coloured glass.
Saxon women had other useful items hanging from a belt around the waist. The belts rotted away, but buckles survived.
Simple blouse
brooches
dress
Metal clasps
belt
Men and Women
Knives, spears - hunting, fighting and farming.
Tools - sewing and weaving,
KingKing
Qualities of a KingQualities of a King BraveBrave
StrongStrong
Generosity-expected to give gifts to his Generosity-expected to give gifts to his followersfollowers
Qualities of a FollowerQualities of a Follower
BraveBrave StrongStrong Loyal to king and familyLoyal to king and family Does not complain about strugglesDoes not complain about struggles Felt small and insignificant, pitted against hostile Felt small and insignificant, pitted against hostile
elementselements Warrior Warrior Struggles with the forces of natureStruggles with the forces of nature Brags about deeds and boasts about future deedsBrags about deeds and boasts about future deeds Once a promise is made it must be kept or he will Once a promise is made it must be kept or he will
die tryingdie trying
LifeLife
Civilized yet violent the sea is a part of lifeGlorification of war and deathFame-attain glory, be braveSlaveryMale dominated
Weapons are important and handed downSwords may have namesWyrd-fateBattle is a way of life
Freeman or slave
A freeman - land and slaves.
A slave – nothing
Richer freemen - 'thanes'.
Crime and punishment
For minor crimes - a nose or a hand might be cut off.
If a person killed someone they had to pay money to the dead person's relatives.
The Anglo-Saxon religion
• offered no hope of an afterlife
• valued earthly virtues of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship
• similar to what we call Norse mythology
ThunorThor
WodenOdin
Day of weekAnglo-Saxon godNorse god
Wednesday
Thursday
The Anglo-Saxon Religion
Early Anglo- Saxons
When people died they were either cremated and put in a pottery urn or buried with their belongings.
A king’s burial
Over the two centuries, many Saxons turned to Christianity and hundreds of churches and monasteries were built.
The coming Christianity
Monasters
The monasteries were centres of learning, where monks and nuns devoted themselves to studying the Bible.
• Christianity and Anglo-Saxon culture co-exist
The Spread of ChristianityThe Spread of Christianity
• Christian monks settle in Britain
• British pagan religions replaced by Christianity
Around A.D. 400
By A.D. 699
Pagan and Christian Pagan and Christian BeliefsBeliefs
Pagan vs. Christianity in Pagan vs. Christianity in BeowulfBeowulf
PaganPagan Strong nature presenceStrong nature presence Strength of the warriorStrength of the warrior
ChristianityChristianity God is mentioned by God is mentioned by
two of the main two of the main characters in the poem: characters in the poem: Beowulf and Hrothgar.Beowulf and Hrothgar.
Grendel as LuciferGrendel as Lucifer Both are outcastsBoth are outcasts Perform a task for GodPerform a task for God Grendel is described as Grendel is described as
a son or descendant of a son or descendant of Cain, a clear Biblical Cain, a clear Biblical reference.reference.
The Anglo-Saxons mixed both pagan and Christian traditions. Beowulf contains traces of both beliefs.
Religious influence in Religious influence in literatureliterature
Following the time periods, religion can be Following the time periods, religion can be seen as a great influence in literature as a seen as a great influence in literature as a writer’s own religious views can impact a writer’s own religious views can impact a story. Also, during this time period, literature story. Also, during this time period, literature that was written out was largely that which that was written out was largely that which could influence the religious beliefs of the could influence the religious beliefs of the literate. Sometimes, the religious affiliation literate. Sometimes, the religious affiliation was also in control of what kinds of materials was also in control of what kinds of materials were printed, so as not to influence people were printed, so as not to influence people differently than instructed by government or differently than instructed by government or heads of church. Therefore, literature of the heads of church. Therefore, literature of the time period was often recited or written to time period was often recited or written to preach/teach values, morals and religion to preach/teach values, morals and religion to the illiterate crowd.the illiterate crowd.
Characteristics Characteristics of of
Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon PoetryPoetry
(applies to riddles, (applies to riddles, Beowulf, The Seafarer, Beowulf, The Seafarer,
etc.)etc.)
Anglo-Saxon Literature: Anglo-Saxon Literature: BeowulfBeowulf
Poem based on early Celtic and Poem based on early Celtic and Scandinavian folk legendsScandinavian folk legends
Scenery described is from Scenery described is from Northumbria; assumed that poet Northumbria; assumed that poet was Northumbrian monkwas Northumbrian monk
Only manuscript available dates Only manuscript available dates from the year 1000; discovered in from the year 1000; discovered in the 18the 18thth century century
Characteristics of Epic Characteristics of Epic PoetryPoetry
The hero is a figure of high status and often The hero is a figure of high status and often of great historical or legendary importance.of great historical or legendary importance.
The actions of a hero often determine the The actions of a hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people.fate of a nation or group of people.
The plot is complicated by supernatural The plot is complicated by supernatural beings an events.beings an events.
The setting is large in scale, involving more The setting is large in scale, involving more than one nation and often a long and than one nation and often a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands.dangerous journey through foreign lands.
Long, formal speeches are often given by Long, formal speeches are often given by the main character.the main character.
The poem treats universal ideas, such as The poem treats universal ideas, such as good versus evil or life and death.good versus evil or life and death.
•There was no written tradition•People were farmers and hunters
•Warfare was a way of life•People believed in many different gods (polytheistic)
Thunor
(aid to warriors in battle)
Tyr
(god of glory and honor)
Woden
(protector of heroes)
Characteristics of Characteristics of Epic HeroEpic Hero
Is significant and glorifiedIs significant and glorified Is on a questIs on a quest Has superior or superhuman strength, Has superior or superhuman strength,
intelligence, and/or courageintelligence, and/or courage Is ethicalIs ethical Risks death for glory or for the greater Risks death for glory or for the greater
good of societygood of society Performs brave deedsPerforms brave deeds Is a strong and responsible leaderIs a strong and responsible leader Reflects the ideals of a particular societyReflects the ideals of a particular society
Main CharacterMain CharacterA hero is a figure A hero is a figure
of heroic stature, of heroic stature, of national of national importance, and importance, and of great historical of great historical or legendary or legendary significance.significance.
Represents Represents national and national and cultural valuescultural values
Characteristics of Old Characteristics of Old English PoeticsEnglish Poetics
Epic Poetry is characterized by repetition of Epic Poetry is characterized by repetition of words, phrases, or lineswords, phrases, or lines AlliterationAlliteration CaesuraCaesura KenningsKennings EpithetsEpithets
Old English PoeticsOld English Poetics Alliteration – repetition of Alliteration – repetition of
consonant and vowel consonant and vowel sounds at the beginning sounds at the beginning of wordsof words Emphasize particular Emphasize particular
words or imageswords or images Heighten moodsHeighten moods Create musical effectsCreate musical effects Aid memorization in oral Aid memorization in oral
traditiontradition Caesura – a natural pause Caesura – a natural pause
or break in the middle of or break in the middle of the line of poetry and the line of poetry and joined by the use of a joined by the use of a repeated vowel or repeated vowel or consonant soundconsonant sound
Out of the marsh // from the foot of mistyHills and bogs // bearing God’s hatredGrendel came // hoping to killAnyone he could trap // on this trip to high Herot
Old English PoeticsOld English Poetics Kennings – a Kennings – a
metaphorical phrase metaphorical phrase used to replace a used to replace a concrete noun. Ready concrete noun. Ready made descriptive made descriptive compound words that compound words that evoke vivid imagesevoke vivid images Kennings are formed Kennings are formed
byby
prepositional prepositional phrasesphrases
possessive phrasespossessive phrases
compound wordscompound words
Preposition phrase – Giver of knowledgePossessive phrase – mankind’s enemyCompound word – sea path
Old English PoeticsOld English Poetics
Epithets: Using an appropriate adjective (often habitually) to characterize a person or thing.
"Bravely bold Sir Robin rode forth from Camelot. He was not afraid to die, oh brave Sir Robin. He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways, brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin."(Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
Old English PoetryOld English Poetry
3 major types of OE poetry: 3 major types of OE poetry:
1.1. heroic verse—celebrates courage, honor, heroic verse—celebrates courage, honor, loyaltyloyalty
2.2. elegy—mourns a losselegy—mourns a loss
3.3. religious verse—focuses on Christian religious verse—focuses on Christian teachings and storiesteachings and stories
*****Beowulf contains all three.*****Beowulf contains all three.
Fests
Held in the lord's hall
Winter months
Loyalty
Gathering around the fire for a fest
roast meats
bread, fruit
beer, mead
Entertainment
•stories about brave warriors and their adventures
•Beowulf, a heroic prince who killed several monsters
•8th to 9th centuries
•the songs and poems
•lyre
Riddles and runes
•Riddles
•letters called runes
•Magical powers
PoemsPoemsRecited for Recited for
entertainmententertainmentSometimes to Sometimes to
celebrate a celebrate a military victorymilitary victory
Poems were Poems were performed by performed by ScopsScops
Gleemen were Gleemen were their assistantstheir assistants
• Anglo-Saxons did not believe in afterlife
• warriors gained immortality through songs
Why were the scops important?
The Anglo-Saxon bards
• called scops
Anglo-Saxon harp
• strummed harp as they sang
• sang of heroic deeds
• were often warriors
The Anglo-Saxon
Anglo Saxon KingsAnglo Saxon Kings The small kingdoms fought amongst each other The small kingdoms fought amongst each other
until 829—King Egbert of Wessex won control of until 829—King Egbert of Wessex won control of all A/S kingdoms. Unfortunately, by the end of all A/S kingdoms. Unfortunately, by the end of Egbert’s reign, Vikings had captured much of Egbert’s reign, Vikings had captured much of the kingdom (Vikings were Scandinavian—the kingdom (Vikings were Scandinavian—called Norse because they had crossed the called Norse because they had crossed the North Sea—predominantly Danes); Vikings had North Sea—predominantly Danes); Vikings had taken over much of France, and that area taken over much of France, and that area became known as Normandy.became known as Normandy.
In 878, Alfred, King of Wessex (Egbert’s grandson) defeated the Danes at the Battle of Edington. Alfred went on to recapture most of England, as well as promote education and literacy among his people. He became known as “Alfred the Great.” Alfred’s son and grandson won back the rest of England and made peace with the Vikings.
8th–9th centuries
Vikings called Danes invade Britain
King Alfred against the DanesKing Alfred against the Danes
878 King Alfred unifies Anglo-Saxons against the Danes.
871 Alfred of Wessex is king of England.
England becomes a nation.
King Sweyn and his Danish troops arrive in England, from a manuscript (c. 14th
century)
• William of Normandy crosses the English Channel
The Norman InvasionThe Norman Invasion
The Norman Invasion, Bayeux Tapestry
• French replaces English as the language of the ruling class
1066
• William defeats Harold and Anglo-Saxon army
10661066 King Edward diedKing Edward died William (the Duke of William (the Duke of
Normandy)** laid Normandy)** laid claim to the throne claim to the throne (Edward may have (Edward may have promised the throne promised the throne to William)to William)
Instead, the English Instead, the English council of elders council of elders chose Harold II as kingchose Harold II as king
Duke William Duke William attacked, defeated attacked, defeated the A/S and killed the A/S and killed Harold at the Battle of Harold at the Battle of Hastings. He became Hastings. He became King William IKing William I
**Remember: France = Vikings**Remember: France = Vikings
This brought French culture to This brought French culture to EnglandEngland
1.1. feudalism—land is divided among lords who feudalism—land is divided among lords who are loyal to the king. The lords give land to are loyal to the king. The lords give land to vassals in exchange for military duty.vassals in exchange for military duty.
2.2. chivalry—knights are expected to be chivalry—knights are expected to be honorable, brave, generous, skillful in battle, honorable, brave, generous, skillful in battle, respectful to women, and helpful to the weak.respectful to women, and helpful to the weak.
1066 marks the 1066 marks the beginning of what we beginning of what we consider English culture.consider English culture.
Old English: a Old English: a combination of the combination of the languages spoken by languages spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Today the Anglo-Saxons. Today it looks like a foreign it looks like a foreign languagelanguage. .