Instructions
Complete the following activities to explore the fascinating world of medieval literature, from the epic poems of ancient heroes to the courtly tales of chivalrous knights. Read each section carefully and write your answers in the spaces provided.
Activity 1: Medieval Word-Hoard
The language of the medieval period was rich and specific. Match the key terms below to their correct definitions. Write the letter of the correct definition next to the corresponding number.
|
Terms
|
Definitions A. A story in which characters and events are symbols for ideas about human life, morality, or politics. B. The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in a phrase (e.g., "furious foe"). C. A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed. D. The code of conduct for a medieval knight, stressing ideals like courage, honour, and courtesy. E. A professional poet and storyteller in medieval Britain who recited heroic poems, often to musical accompaniment. F. A long narrative poem, often written in a grand style, celebrating the deeds of a legendary hero. |
1. _____
2. _____
3. _____
4. _____
5. _____
6. _____
Activity 2: The Evolution of English
The English language has changed dramatically over the last thousand years. Below are two excerpts from famous medieval texts.
Excerpt 1: Beowulf (written in Old English, c. 975-1025)
Hwæt! We Gardena in geardagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon.
Modern Translation: Listen! We have heard of the glory of the Spear-Danes in days of yore, how those princes did deeds of valour.
In your own words, describe how the original Old English sounds or looks compared to the modern English we use today.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt 2: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (written in Middle English, c. 1387-1400)
Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote
The droghte of Marche hath perced to the roote...Modern Translation: When April with its sweet-smelling showers
Has pierced the drought of March to the root...
This is much closer to our modern language! Identify at least four words from the Middle English excerpt that you can recognise today, even if the spelling is a little different.
- _________________________
- _________________________
- _________________________
- _________________________
Activity 3: Medieval Themes
Medieval stories often explored powerful themes that are still relevant today. Below are three common themes. Choose one and explain what you think it means. Then, give an example of a modern book, film, or video game that uses this same theme.
- The Hero's Journey: A hero goes on an adventure, wins a victory in a crisis, and comes home changed or transformed.
- Chivalry and Honour: Characters are driven by a strict moral code of conduct, loyalty, and duty.
- Good vs. Evil: A clear conflict between a protagonist who represents morality and an antagonist who represents corruption or destruction.
Chosen Theme: _______________________________________________________
Explanation: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Modern Example: ______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Activity 4: Creative Challenge – A Hero's Boast
In Old English poetry, heroes often delivered a 'boast' (a formal speech) before a battle, declaring their courage and past achievements. A common poetic device they used was alliteration.
Your task is to write a short, four-line boast from the perspective of a medieval hero. Make sure to use alliteration in each line to give it an authentic feel.
Example: I am the bravest breaker of blades...
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Activity 1: Medieval Word-Hoard
- D. The code of conduct for a medieval knight, stressing ideals like courage, honour, and courtesy.
- F. A long narrative poem, often written in a grand style, celebrating the deeds of a legendary hero.
- E. A professional poet and storyteller in medieval Britain who recited heroic poems, often to musical accompaniment.
- C. A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.
- A. A story in which characters and events are symbols for ideas about human life, morality, or politics.
- B. The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in a phrase (e.g., "furious foe").
Activity 2: The Evolution of English
Excerpt 1: (Answers will vary. Look for responses that mention the language looks more like German, has unfamiliar letters (like þ or æ), sounds harsh or guttural, or seems completely unreadable compared to modern English.)
Excerpt 2: (Accept any four of the following or other reasonable answers)
- Whan (When)
- that
- with
- his
- Marche (March)
- hath (has)
- to
- the
- roote (root)
Activity 3: Medieval Themes
(Answers will vary. Assess based on the student's understanding of the chosen theme and the relevance of their modern example.)
- Example for "The Hero's Journey": Explanation: It's about a character leaving their normal life to face challenges and returning as a better or wiser person. Modern Example: Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games.
- Example for "Good vs. Evil": Explanation: A story focused on the fight between right and wrong. Modern Example: The Avengers vs. Thanos in the Marvel films, or the conflict in The Lord of the Rings.
Activity 4: Creative Challenge – A Hero's Boast
(Answers will vary. Look for a four-line poem written from a heroic perspective that uses alliteration in each line.)
Example Answer:
I have fought fearsome foes in the forest,
Smashed shields and shattered sharp swords,
Gained glory and great, gleaming gold,
And will defeat this dark dragon before daybreak!