Interpret the following using your own words:

1. English literature is one of the richest literatures in the world;

- English literature is one of the richest literatures in the world because of its vitality, rich
variety, and continuity. English Literature is composed of stories which reflects the
society. It also has different periods that contributes to the development of English
Literature as time passes by.
A. 2. Despite these other entertainment options, English literature remains popular;
- English Literature remains popular because of its pieces that reflects the society and because
of it many people loves to spend their time reading it. It contains a lot of information towards
things and it is accessible to all. People of different countries can affordably read it because it is
English.
3. There are characteristics that make English literature unique;
- There are a lots of different types of literature around the world, different themes written by
different authors around the world. Yet, English Literature remains unique because of its theme
and origin. English Literature revolves commonly to 5 themes, these are conquering the monster,
rags to riches, boy meets girl, the voyage, and the quest and return, tragedy and lastly comedy.
English literatures exist many years ago,from the time Beowulf was written up until now English
literature remains its legacy. Even though English literature is written in an English language,
many authors from different part of the world can produce a piece as long as the language is
English.

4. Nearly every single story told in English incorporates one or more of these themes;

- English literature themes commonly incorporate these five themes in the story of
overcoming the monster, voyage, and the quest and return; boy meets girl; rags to riches.
The protagonist commonly travels the world in order to search for his/her identity. Along
the way, the protagonist would meet the antagonist of the story, may it be a human or a
monster, but commonly it is a monster that contributes great significance to the character
development of the protagonist. Along the way, the main character would meet a girl who
belonged to the royalty. Taking the girl on a voyage, she eventually fell in love, defeating
the monster. The main character would receive a reward for marrying the princess and
eventually ruling the kingdom. Unlike Indian and Asian themes, which commonly focus
on love suicide, in which one character would kill himself/herself for love.

5. Like the literature of most of Europe and a large part of the Middle East, has been
heavily influenced by its Christian and Greco-Roman heritage;
- English Literatures from these countries where heavily influenced by its Christian and Greco-
Roman heritage and these influences can be seen in the themes and values in literary works.
Some themes revolves around the worshipping a man or a subject somewhat like the God and
pieces of literature revolves around gods and goddesses.
6. While it is not unique to English literature, Utopianism - the search for a perfect land
in this life is remarkably common compared to other literary traditions.
- This means that English literature commonly explores the concept of a perfect world or
ideal society more than literature from other cultures.
Provide answers to the following:
1. Trace the history of Old English Language/Literature ( Use arrow to indicate the flow of developments
and provide an explanation for each period)
600-1100:
Old English or the Anglo-Saxon
Around this period was under the rule of Anglo-Saxon. The Germanic tribes were also present and they
are the angles, Saxon, and the Jutes. Old English was the dialect of Germanic inhabitants. Old English
itself said to have three dialects, these are the West Saxon, Kentish, and Anglian. Old English poetry falls
into two styles; the heroic Germanic and the Christian despites of several literatures, authors of this period
remains anonymous.

7th Century: Caedmon

Caedmon is a poet, one of the religious writers of this time. His works were based on old testaments.
Caedmon wrote the creation of the world (Genesis) and two other works, Exodus and Daniel.

9th Century: Cynewulf

Like Caedmon, Cynewulf is also a poet, his works was the new testaments and as well as historical events
connected with Christianity.

871-900:King Alfred the Great works

- He translated many works from Latin, especially in the areas of religion, history, and philosophy.
The first work which he translated first was The Pastor’s book containing ideals for a pastor.

2. Give three characteristics of Old English Language/Literature

- The three characteristics of Old English literature are; the Old English Prose, Poetry and drama.

3. Describe the following: Celts, Romans, Anglo Saxon, The Vikings/The Normans
- Celts were the old inhabitants of old England. Major Celtic groups included the Gauls, Britons,
and Gaels. The Roman tried to invade Celts twice but never succeeded, when the Romans left
England the Germanic tribe took over. Romans, came from Rome of what is now Italy,
considered to be powerful during that period. Anglo-Saxon group of Germanic tribes who took
over England after Romans’400 years of rule. They established several kingdoms and laid the
foundations for modern England. The Vikings/Normans, known for their dangerous natures,
engaging in battles in order to win a land. This group were led by William The Conqueror,
participated in the Battle of hasting on October 14, 1066 and became the king.
What is the Venerable Bede's most important work?
- Venerable Bede’s most important and best-know work is the “The Ecclesiastical History
of the English People”.
What can we learn from St. Bede?
- He was the first person whom attempted to translate the Bible from Latin to English.
What was the philosophy of Bede?
- His love of truth and fairness
What was Bede's main intention with his writing in relation to the church?
- Bede’s main intention with his writing was to support and promote the Christian faith and the
church. In his account the spread of Christianity was also recorded as well as the development of
the English Church.
What are some fun facts about the venerable Bede?
- Bede was sent to the monastery of St. Peter at Wearmouth when he was seven years old. Spent his
whole life in a monastery.

What was the contribution of venerable Bede to the growth of Old English?
- Venerable Bede's most famous work, “The Ecclesiastical History of the English People”, is a
significant resource for studying the English history because one reason it covers the history of
England from the Roman occupation to Bede’s own time, focusing on the spread of Christianity.
This book not only documented historical occurrences during that certain period.

What sources did Bede use for his ecclesiastical history?

- In order to make his work possible, the Ecclesiastical History, Venerable Bede used
information of the oral histories of Rome and Britain.

Whose story was told by Venerable Bede?

- The History of English people, and the disagreement between Roman and Celtic Christians. As
well as the story of Caedmon, the first Christian poet in Old English, who had a dream in which
he was commanded to sing about the creation of the world. His dream was a sign that he would
become a poet. According to Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Caedmon was
asked by a mysterious voice and began to compose verses in praise of God the Creator. This
poem was known as “Caedmon’s Hymn”.

What position did the venerable Bede hold within the church?
- Venerable Bede spend most of his time in the church while growing up. At the age of seven, he
began his monastic training at Benedictine monastery of St. Peter in Wearmouth. After
completing his education, Venerable Bede moved to the twin monastery of St. Paul near Jarrow.
He gained fame as a scholar and teacher of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. When he was nineteen
years old, he was ordained a deacon and at the age of thirty, he was ordained into priesthood.

How do you become venerable?

- A person can become Venerable when he/she is committed and dedicated to live a life doing a
heroically virtuous life or offered their life to serving the church. Having dignity worthy of
calling Venerable.
What is the meaning of Bede?
- The term originates from the Old English word "bēodan," which means "to bid" or "to
command". Bede also be define as "prayer bead" which reflects its religious significance.
1.What is the essential conflict in the Battle of Maldon?
- The conflicts begins when Byrhtnoth refuses to have an accord with the Vikings. This triggers
Byrhtnoth and later on the battle commenced. Unfortunately, Byrhtnoth dies valiantly defending
his country and his King, these urges his soldiers fight, defend the land and the king. Byrhtnoth
didn’t die in vain, his death was a symbol of soldier who is willing to die for the sake of
countrymen and the king.

2. Why was the Battle of Brunanburh so important?

- The poem describes the Battle of Brunanburh, which occurred in 937 between an English army
and a combined army of Scots, Vikings, and Britons. However, the Saxons win the fight against
allied armies of Scots, Vikings, and Britons. King Æthelstan and his brother, King Edmund,
defeated the enemy's allied armies. The combined troops of Wessex and Mercia achieved a
decisive victory. This marks a new start for England, as all of its armies come together to defeat
the invaders.

3. How does the speaker in The Wanderer feel about life?

-The Wanderer is a poem about a lonely wandering man. The Wanderer goes on to recall the
hardships he has faced in his life; he realizes that life doesn’t always revolve around wealth and
happiness, but life is more than that. It can also be compared to a life without God; you will feel
lonely even though you can afford the best of life; without him, it’s nothing. The poem also
stated the stereotype that man should always be strong and composed, yet man is a human too;
everyone in this world can feel lonely, tired, and unhappy. Yet it is also stated here that despite
difficulties in life, these emotions make a man more bold, strong, and wiser.
Kindly read the attached materials and make 5 sentence - analysis for each of the following

Ecclesiastical History of the English People

- Contains records of information about the significant events that happened during this prime
until he died; his works bring a lot of contribution to knowing the root of English history. The
sequence of events from Britain’s early races—the occupation of Rome and the coming of the
Saxons—was recorded in the first book of Ecclesiastical History; it also recorded the spread of
Christianity as well as the development of the English church. The acceptance of Christianity
was later recorded; the conversion of the Kingdom of Kent into Christianity was recorded in
Book II by Augustine. The return of Northumbria to paganism and the return to Christianity were
also recorded in Book III. Overall, Venerable Bede’s account tells us the spread of Christianity,
the development of the English Church, and the early histories of Saxons coming to England and
the following events of it.

Anglo Saxon Chronicle

- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of Old English chronicles that tells the history of the
Anglo-Saxons. The annals were originally compiled late in the ninth century, under the reign of
Alfred the Great. The Chronicle is the single most important historical source for the period in
England between the departure of the Romans and the decades following the Norman Conquest.
It includes the records of battles and reigns of different kings written in a sequenced and detailed
manner. Anglo-Saxon chronicles also include the history of the English language. The Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle is the single most important source for the history of England in Anglo-Saxon
times. Without the Chronicle and Bede's The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

Caedmon’s Hymn
-Caedmon the first Christian Poet in Old English, who had a dream which he was commanded to
sing about the creation of the world. Most of his poetry aimed to turn people away from sin and
make the people turn to righteousness. Caedmon’s poetry had significant impact to the
development of Anglo-Saxon verses. Caedmon’s hymn is considered the first poem in Old
English.
Contemporary and Popular Literature

ASSIGNMENT O1
1. In your own words, how would you know if a literature is Contemporary or popular?
Explain your answer.
- Contemporary Literature started after the World War II and up to the present. A literature
is considered contemporary or popular if it talks about a certain event on that time and if
it deals with societal and political problems.
2. Why is it important to know the literary standards? How these literary standards can help
you in evaluating a literary pieces?
- Literary standards guide in evaluating the literary pieces; they serve as a criteria if the
piece is suitable to the audience and if it leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Knowing these standards can help you to be more appreciative of the literary works and
their depth. Evaluating how well a work evokes emotions and ideas beyond its literal
meaning helps you understand its deeper significance.