5 Questions
Which period does Old English literature refer to?
Old English literature refers to poetry and prose written in Old English in early medieval England, from the 7th century to the decades after the Norman Conquest of 1066, a period often termed Anglo-Saxon England.
What is considered as the oldest surviving poem in English?
Cædmon's Hymn is often considered as the oldest surviving poem in English.
What are some examples of Old English literature in the mid 12th century?
Poetry written in the mid 12th century represents some of the latest post-Norman examples of Old English.
What happened to the grammar and syntax of Old English by the 13th century?
By the 13th century, the grammar and syntax of Old English had almost completely deteriorated, giving way to the much larger Middle English corpus of literature.
What are the main types of Old English literature?
In descending order of quantity, Old English literature consists of: sermons and saints' lives; biblical translations; translated Latin works of the early Church Fathers; chronicles and narrative history works; laws, wills.
Study Notes
Old English Literature Period
- Refers to the period between the 5th and 11th centuries
Oldest Surviving Poem
- Caedmon's Hymn is considered the oldest surviving poem in English, dating back to the 7th century
Examples of Old English Literature (Mid 12th Century)
- The works of Ælfric of Eynsham, including sermons and saints' lives
- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals that records the history of England
Changes in Old English Grammar and Syntax
- By the 13th century, the grammar and syntax of Old English had undergone significant changes due to the influence of Norman French and Latin
Main Types of Old English Literature
- Epic poetry, such as Beowulf
- Christian poetry, including Caedmon's Hymn and The Dream of the Rood
- Prose works, including sermons, saints' lives, and translations of Latin texts
- Historical records, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
Test your knowledge of Old English literature with this quiz! From the oldest surviving poem in English to the impact of the Norman Conquest, this quiz covers the highlights of Anglo-Saxon England. Put your literary knowledge to the test and see how much you know about this fascinating period of literature.
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