30 Questions
During which period did the recording of literature start?
Old English Period
Who was known for translating literature from Latin to Anglo-Saxon?
Alfred the Great
During the classical period, literary works were primarily used for which purposes?
To comfort, establish relationships, entertain, and teach
Which character was famous for fighting Grendel the beast?
Beowulf
Who created the first printer and published works like the fables of Aesop and the Legend of King Arthur?
William Caxton
What is a common characteristic of classic literary works during the classical period?
Subtle in thought and carrying a moral message
What types of stories were children exposed to during the classical period?
Adventures of Hercules, Aesop's Fables, Homer's epics, and myths of gods
Which period reintroduced Roman and Greek literature and emphasized intellectual and spiritual development?
Renaissance Period
What brought new ideas to European countries during the Renaissance Period?
Trading in Asian countries due to crusades
What kind of characters are typically found in classic literary works from the classical period?
Memorable characters with distinct characteristics
Which literary elements were commonly used in writing styles during the classical period?
Metaphors, symbolism, personification, irony
What is a common theme explored in literary works from the classical period?
Human experiences and conditions
What is a characteristic of literature during the medieval period?
Highly biblical and romantic
Why were books chained to libraries during the medieval period?
To prevent theft
What influenced education during the middle-ages?
Roman Catholic Church
What was a common theme in stories during the medieval period for teaching morals?
Stories of saints and biblical tales
Why was oral storytelling used as a mode for entertainment during the medieval period?
Due to the high cost of books
What type of stories were popular for spreading Catholic teaching during the medieval period?
Heroic adventures
Who wrote 'The Story of Doctor Dolittle' in 1920?
Hugh Lofting
Which book by C.S. Lewis was published in 1950?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
In what year did P.L. Travers write 'Mary Poppins'?
1943
Who is known for producing the novel 'James and the Giant Peach'?
Roald Dahl
'The Charlotte's Web' is a classic adventure written by?
E.B. White
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' was followed by which other Roald Dahl book?
'The Witches'
Who produced 'The Book Named the Governor' in 1531?
Sir Thomas Elyot
Where did the idea of the printing press originate from?
China
Which book emphasized proper manners and behavior for young boys?
The Scholemaster
What book depicted the conflict and violent deaths between Protestant and Roman Catholic members?
The Book of Martyrs
Which material were the pages made of in books like the Hornbook?
Velum (calf or lambskins)
What type of books contained fairy tales and were cheaper alternatives for those who couldn't afford expensive books?
Chapbooks
Study Notes
Classical Period (500 BC - 400 AD)
- Oral storytelling was used to comfort, establish relationships, entertain, and teach children.
- Children heard similar stories as adults, including Hercules, Aesop's Fables, Homer's "Iliad and Odyssey", and Ovid's metamorphosis.
- Literary works were characterized by subtle thought, direct expressions, and adherence to form.
- Most classic literary writers focused on showing truth and beauty.
- Common elements of literary works include memorable characters, distinct protagonists, and exploration of human experiences.
Medieval Period (478 AD - 14th century)
- Literature was characterized as religious and romantic, with embedded realism and fantasy.
- People used stories to teach morals to children, often using biblical stories like "Noah" and the great flood.
- Oral tradition was used as a mode of entertainment, with storytellers and wandering entertainers reciting stories and poems.
- The tale of "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" was a popular story.
- The recording of literature commenced during this period, with written works starting with monks' lesson books for young people.
Renaissance Period (1400 - 1700)
- This period marked a new era in Europe, with new ideas formed and Roman and Greek literature reintroduced.
- Emphasis was placed on intellectual and spiritual development.
- Johannes Guttenberg discovered the printing press, allowing for mass production of books.
- Educational books were first printed, with many made for younger readers.
- Sir Thomas Elyot produced "The Book Named the Governor" in 1531, and Roger Ascham printed "The Scholemaster" in 1570.
Later Periods (17th century - 20th century)
- Picture storybooks became popular, with the personification of toy animals.
- Authors like Hugh Lofting, A.A. Milne, Laura Ingalls, and P.L. Travers wrote famous children's books.
- The popularity of series books rose during the 20th century, with authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
- New realism occurred after World War II, resulting in a more diverse and liberal approach to children's literature.
- Authors like Roald Dahl and Judy Blume produced famous novels, often featuring heroes in different colors and cultures.
- Many children's literature were adapted to films in the late 20th century.
Test your knowledge on medieval literature with questions about King Arthur, Roland, Beowulf, and other prominent characters and works from the Middle Ages.
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