English Literature 450-1649 – (Medieval Literature) – PRACTICE EXAM
2 hours
Part I (50%):
This section consists of 10 factual questions which test your knowledge of medieval
historical, cultural and literary context. Briefly explain the following:
1. Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech. It is the repetition of an initial consonant sound or
consonant cluster in consecutive or closely positioned words. Example from Sir
Gawain and the Green Knight: Sithen the sege and the assaut was sesed at Troye.
2. Hagiography
Hagiographies are Saints’ Lives. It is a new heroic tradition, namely spiritual heroism.
It was introduced by Christianity. Hagiographies helped to promote Christianity.
3. The difference between Mystery Plays & Morality Plays
Mystery Plays are about the fall of man. They are stories taken from the Bible and
then dramatized. Morality Plays are about everyman. They are dramatized allegories
of spiritual struggles and a choice between good and evil must be made. Both
Mystery and Morality Plays have religious purpose but a very different approach.
4. Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum
An example of History Writing in Anglo-Saxon Times is Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Anglorum, written by Bede, who is also knows as Vulnerable Bede. The story was
completed in 731 in Latin and was later translated into English.
5. etc.
Part II (50%):
Answer ONE question on Old English Literature & ONE question on Middle English
Literature. Each answer should be between 300-350 words in length.
A. Old English Literature
1. Compare the three monster fights in Beowulf and comment on the differences.
The first monster fight is with Grendel. Beowulf’s companions help him in the fight against
Grendel. Grendel loses the fight. The first fight is a good example of Comitatus.
The second monster fight is with Grendel’s mother. Beowulf’s companions don’t help him,
but he wins the fight anyway. This fight is not a good example of Comitatus, since Beowulf’s
companions do not fight with him. They are not loyal to Beowulf.
2 hours
Part I (50%):
This section consists of 10 factual questions which test your knowledge of medieval
historical, cultural and literary context. Briefly explain the following:
1. Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech. It is the repetition of an initial consonant sound or
consonant cluster in consecutive or closely positioned words. Example from Sir
Gawain and the Green Knight: Sithen the sege and the assaut was sesed at Troye.
2. Hagiography
Hagiographies are Saints’ Lives. It is a new heroic tradition, namely spiritual heroism.
It was introduced by Christianity. Hagiographies helped to promote Christianity.
3. The difference between Mystery Plays & Morality Plays
Mystery Plays are about the fall of man. They are stories taken from the Bible and
then dramatized. Morality Plays are about everyman. They are dramatized allegories
of spiritual struggles and a choice between good and evil must be made. Both
Mystery and Morality Plays have religious purpose but a very different approach.
4. Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum
An example of History Writing in Anglo-Saxon Times is Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Anglorum, written by Bede, who is also knows as Vulnerable Bede. The story was
completed in 731 in Latin and was later translated into English.
5. etc.
Part II (50%):
Answer ONE question on Old English Literature & ONE question on Middle English
Literature. Each answer should be between 300-350 words in length.
A. Old English Literature
1. Compare the three monster fights in Beowulf and comment on the differences.
The first monster fight is with Grendel. Beowulf’s companions help him in the fight against
Grendel. Grendel loses the fight. The first fight is a good example of Comitatus.
The second monster fight is with Grendel’s mother. Beowulf’s companions don’t help him,
but he wins the fight anyway. This fight is not a good example of Comitatus, since Beowulf’s
companions do not fight with him. They are not loyal to Beowulf.
