《英美文学选读》复习资料.doc

英美文学选读复习指导资料一 课程介绍： 本课程由英国文学和美国文学两个部分组成。主要内容包括英美文学发展史及代表作家的简要介绍和作品选读。文学史部分从英美两国历史、语言、文化发展的角度，简要介绍英美两国文学各个历史时代的主要历史背景、文学文化思潮、文学流派、社会政治、经济、文化等对文学发展的影响，主要作家的文学生涯，创作思想，艺术特色及其代表作品的主题结构、人物刻画、语言风格、思想意义等。选读部分主要接选了英美文学史上各个时期重要作家的代表作品，包括诗歌、戏剧、小说、散文等。二 英美文学选读的考核目标，按照识记，领会，应用规定应当达到的能力层次要求。三个层次呈递进关系，其含义是：识记： 有关的概念、定义、知识点等能够记住领会： 在识记的基础上，能够把握基本概念、基本方法和彼此之间的关系和区别应用了在领会的基础上，能运用本课程的基本理论，基本知识和方法来分析英美文学作品，并能用英语正确表达。Part 1 English Literature An Introduction to Old and Medieval English Literature一重点：有关这部分的文学史内容1古代英国文学和中世纪英国文学的起始阶段2英国文学史上的第一部民族史诗-Beowulf3中世纪文学的主要文学形式-Romance4Geoffrey Chaucer 的文学贡献二练习：1. Choose the best answer for each blank.1). The period of _ English literature begins from about 450 to 1066, the year of _. A. Old-Renaissance B. Middle- the Norman Conquest of England C. Middle - Renaissance D. Old- the Norman Conquest of England 2). The Medieval period in English literature extends from 1066 up to the _ century. A. mid-13th B. mid-14th C. mid-15th D. mid-16th 3). Beowulf, a typical example of Old English poetry, is regarded today as the national _ of the Anglo-Saxons. A. sonnet B. essay C. epic D. novel4). In The Canterbury Tales, _ presented to us a comprehensive realistic picture of the English society of his time and created a whole gallery of vivid characters from all walks of life. A. Geoffrey Chaucer B. William Shakespeare C. Francis Bacon D. William Langland 5). For the Renaissance, _ was regarded as the English Homer. His reputation has been securely established as one of the best English poets for his wisdom, humor and _. A. Geoffrey Chaucer-wits B. William Shakespeare-wits C. Geoffrey Chaucer-humanity D. William Shakespeare-humanity 6). After the conquest of 1066, three languages co-existed in England. They are _, _ and _. A. Old English, Greek, Latin B. Old English, French, Latin C. Old English, Greek, French D. English, Greek, French7). Geoffrey Chaucer is the greatest writer of the Medieval period in English literature. In “The Legend of Good Women”, he used for the first time in English the rhymed couplet of iambic pentameter which is to be called later the _. A. couplet B. blank verse C. heroic couplet D. epic8). Thematically the poem “Beowulf” presents a vivid picture of how the primitive people wage heroic struggle against the hostile forces of the _ world under a wise and mighty _. A. spiritual-hero B. natural-leader C. spiritual-god D. natural-monster 9). It can be said that though essentially still a medieval writer, Geoffrey Chaucer bore marks of humanism and anticipated a new _ to come. A. man B. theory C. doctrine D. era10). Geoffrey Chaucer introduced from France the rhymed stanzas of various types to English poetry to replace the Old English _ verse. A. rhymed B. alliterative C. social D. visionary2. Explain the following literal terms.1). Romance2). Heroic Couplet3). Epic3. Answer the following questions.1). How many groups do the Old English poetry divided into? What are they? Which group does Beowulf belong to? Why?2). What is the contribution of Geoffrey Chaucer to English literature? Chapter1. The Renaissance Period一重点前言部分1 文艺复兴的起源，起始时间，内容及特征2 人文主义的有关主张及对文学的影响3 文艺复兴时期的主要文学形式及其特征练习：Renaissance Period1. Choose the best answer for each blank.1). The Renaissance, in essence, is a historical period in which the European _ thinkers and scholars made attempts to get rid of those old feudalist ideas in medieval Europe, to introduce new ideas that expressed the interests of the rising bourgeoisie, and to recover the purity of the early church form the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. A. Greek and Roman B. humanist C. religious D. loyal2). Generally, the _ refers to the period between the 14th and mid-17th centuries. It first started in Italy, with the flowering of painting, sculpture and literature. From Italy the movement went to embrace the rest of Europe. A. Medieval Period B. Renaissance C. Old English Period D. Romantic Period3). _ is the essence of the Renaissance. Thomas More, Christopher Marlowe and _ are the best representatives of the English humanists.A. Humanity- William Shakespeare B. Humanism-Francis BaconC. Humanity- Geoffrey Chaucer D. Humanism-William Shakespeare4). The Elizabethan _ is the real mainstream of the English Renaissance. The most famous dramatists in the Renaissance England are Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, and _. A. novel- Geoffrey Chaucer B. poetry-Francis Bacon C. drama-Ben Jonson D. drama-Geoffrey Chaucer 5). Humanism sprang from the endeavor to restore a medieval reverence for the antique authors and is frequently taken as the beginning of the Renaissance on its conscious, intellectual side, for the Greek and _ civilization was based on such a conception that _ is the measure of all things. A. Roman - moral B. French- reason C. Roman- man D. French- God6).One of the major result of the Reformation in England was the fact that the Bible in English was placed in every church and services were held in English instead of _ so that people could understand. A. Latin B. French C. Greek D. Anglo-Saxon7). Wyatt, in the Renaissance period, introduced the Petrarchan _ into England, while Surrey brought in _ verse. A. drama-free B. sonnet-blank C. terzarima-blank D. couplet-free8). In the early stage of the English Renaissance, poetry and _ were the most outstanding forms and they were carried on especially by William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. A. fiction B. dramatic fiction C. poetic drama D. novel9). By emphasizing the dignity of human beings and the importance of the present life, _ voiced their beliefs that man did not only have the right to enjoy the beauty of this life, but had the ability to perfect himself and to perform wonders. A. humanists B. Protestants C. Catholics D. playwrights10). _ was the first important English essayist. He was also the founder of modern science in England. A. Edmund Spenser B. Christopher Marlowe C. Francis Bacon D. Ben Jonson2. Explain the following literal terms. 1). the Renaissance Period 2). blank verse 3). Humanism3. Answer the following questions. 1). Make a comment on the influence of Italian literary works upon the literature in the Renaissance England. 2). Make a comment on humanism 3). What are the typical characteristics of literary works produced in Renaissance England?文艺复兴时期的主要作家。重点： 1. 主要作家及其代表作一览表作者代表作其他Edmund SpenserThe Faerie QueenSpenser Stanza; Poets poetChristopher MarloweDr. Faustus; The Passionate Shepherd to His LoveUniversity Wits；the Mighty Line; Blank verse;William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet ;A Midsummer Nights Dream; The Merchant of Venice; Hamlet; Othello; King Lear; Macbeth38 plays, 154 sonnets, 2 long poemsFrancis BaconOf StudiesThe first English essayistJohn DonneDeath, Be Not ProudMetaphysical poetJohn MiltonParadise Lost; Paradise Regained; Samson AgonistesDramatic poem2. Edmund Spenser： a. Structure, content and theme of The Faerie Queen b. Spenserian Stanza3. Christopher Marlowe a. His three plays: Tamburlaine, Dr. Faustus, The Jew of Malta. He expressed humans desire for power in Tamburlaine. He expressed humans desire for knowledge in Dr. Faustus. He expressed humans desire for money in The Jew of Malta. b. The Passionate Shepherd to His Love lyrics, a pastoral poem, c. His contribution to English literature blank verse; mighty lines; humanism4. William Shakespeare a. Three periods of Shakespeares literal life b. The contents, plots, characters, themes and language style of his masterpieces: The Merchant of Venice; Hamlet; the Tempest; Romeo and Juliet c. Two long narrative poems: Venus and Adonis; The Rape of Lucrece d. 154 sonnets: 1-126 are addressed to a young man 127-152 are addressed to a mysterious “Dark Lady”. 154-154 are translations or adaptations of some version of a Greek epigram. e. Shakespeares contributions to English literature5. Francis Bacon a. his masterpiece: Essays. b. Pay attention to the content, structure, and some important sentences in Of StudiesQuotations:(1). Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.(2). Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them.(3). Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.(4). Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.6. John Donnea. characteristics of metaphysical poemb. style and content of Death, Be Not Proud7. John Milton a. Miltons three groups literary achievements: the early poetic works, the middle prose pamphlets and the last great poems. b. Three important masterpieces: Paradise Lost; Paradise Regain; Samson Agonistes Pay attention to the theme, content, character and language style of Paradise Lost 练习Edmund Spenser1. Fill in the following blanks:1). According to Edmund Spensers own explanation, his “The Faerie Queene” is a “_ poem” , but it is also an _.2). In “The Faerie Queene”, the hero of heroes, who possesses all of the 12 _, is _, who is to play a role in each of the 12 major adventures, which has its own individual hero.3). _ and the Fairy Queen contribute to the unity of the work “The Faerie Queene”.4). In Book 1 of The Faerie Queene , the purpose of _s quest if to free original mankind-the parents of Una- from the power of the Devil.5). It is Spensers idealism, his love of beauty, and his exquisite melody that make him known as “the _s _.”2. Explain the following literal termSpenserian Stanza3. Answer the following questions:1). Why is “The Faerie Queene ” regarded as an allegorical poem?2). What are the main qualities of Spensers poetry?Christopher Marlowe1. Fill in the following blanks.1). As the most gifted of the “University _”, Christopher Marlowe composed _ plays within his short lifetime.2). It was Christopher Marlowe who made _ _ the principal medium of English drama.3). The short poem “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” by Christopher Marlowe, derives from the _ tradition in which the shepherd enjoys an ideal _ life, cherishing a pastoral and pure affection for his love.4). IT is Marlowe who brought vitality and grandeur into the blank verse with his “_”, which carry strong emotions.5). Marlowe created some typical Renaissance hero in his players. Tamburlaine and Faustus seek _ and _ respectively.2. Answer the following questions.1). What are the achievements of Christopher Marlowe in literary creation?2). Which play is Christopher Marlowes masterpiece? What is the story of the play?William Shakespeare1. Fill in the following blanks.1). With his _ plays, _ sonnets and 2 long poems, William Shakespeare has established his giant position in world literature.2). William Shakespeares _ tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” eulogizes the faithfulness of _ and the spirit of pursuing happiness.3). William Shakespeares greatest tragedies are: “_”, “_”, “_” and Macbeth.4). “_” , an elaborate and fantastic story, is known as the best of the final romances written by William Shakespeare.5). In “Sonnet 18”, Shakespeare has a profound meditation on the destructive power of _ and the eternal _ brought forth by poetry to the one he loves.6). “_” is generally regarded as Shakespeares most popular play on the stage, for it has the qualities of a “blood- and- thunder” thriller and a philosophical exploration of life and death.7). The merchant of Venice praise the _ between Antonio and Bassanio, _ between Portia and Bassanio, greed and brutality of _, the Jew.8).The sentence “To be or not to be- that is the question” is derived from Shakespeares _. This is the soliloquy of _.9). The Merchant of Venice has a double plot. The plots join in the _ scene of Act 4.10). Shakespeares _ plays are mainly written under the principle that national unity under a mighty and just sovereign is a necessity.2. Answer the following questions:1). What are the themes of Shakespeares “The Merchant of Venice”?2). Make a comment on Shakespeares artistic achievement.3). Why are Shakespeares works so successful?4). What are the similarities among Shakespeares four great tragedies?5). Make a comment on Shakespeares Sonnet 18.Francis Bacon1. Fill in the following blanks.1). Francis Bacon, a representative of the Renaissance in England, is a well-known _, scientist and _. He lays the foundation for modern _ with his insistence on scientific way of thinking and fresh observation rather than authority as a basis for obtaining _. His “_” is the first example of the genre in English literature, recognized as an important landmark in the development of _ prose.2). Bacons works can be divided into _ groups. The most important works of his _ group include “The Advancement of Learning”, “Norvum Organum”. His philosophical works belong to the group. His literary works are in the _ group, among which the most famous is “Essays”, “Maxims of Law” belongs to the _ group.3). In his “The Advancement of Learning ”, Francis Bacon divided _ into two kinds: the one obtained from Divine Revelation, and the other from the workings of human mind.John Donne1. Explain the following literal term.Metaphysical poetryJohn Milton1. Fill in the following blanks.1). John Miltons literary achievements can be divided into three groups, the early _ works, the middle prose pamphlets and the last great _.2). “Paradise Lost” is a long _ divided into 12 books. The original story is taken from the “Genesis ” of the _.3). In “Samson Agonisten”, a fitting close to the life work of the poet himself, Milton, again borrows his story from the “_”.4). The theme of Paradise Lost is “the Fall of _”.5). Miltons epic poems were very much influenced by the _ and the Greek classics, which are also the major sources of the whole English literature.2. Answer the following questions:1). In which way Agonisten is Milton himself?2). Make a brief comment on John Miltons literary achievements.Chapter 2 The Neo-classical Period一重点1 识记：新古典主义、 启蒙运动、英雄双行诗2 主要作家及其代表作一览表作者代表作其他John BunyunThe Pilgrims Progress The Vanity FairAlexander PopeAn Essay on Criticism,a finest mock epic: The Rape of the Lock,the best satire work: The DunciadDaniel DefoeRobinson CrusoeJonathan SwiftGullivers TravelsA Tale of a Tub, The Battle of the Books,A Modest ProposalHenry FieldingThe History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Comic epic in proseSamuel JohnsonTo the Right Honorable the Earl of Chesterfield;A Dictionary of the English LanguageRichard Brinsley SheridanThe School for ScandalThe Rivals3. Some important points:1) The mark of the beginning of Neoclassical Period: return of the Stuarts to the English throneThe mark of the end of Neoclassical Period: the publication of Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge.2) EnlightenmentNeo-classism (poetry and novel)3) Bunyan - The Pilgrims ProgressThe Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyans style was modeled after that of the English Bible.; religious allegory4) Pope; On Criticism ; Discussion: The theme and style of “An Essay on Criticism”1) theme: it is a comprehensive study of the theories of literary criticisms. 2) style: a didactic poem written in heroic couplets. It is plain in style.The Rape of the Lock; a finest mock epic.5) Defoe “Robinson Crusoe” (The social significance of the novel)Robinson Crusoe is the very prototype of the empire builder, the pioneer colonist. In describing Robinsons life on the Island, Defoe glorifies human labor and the Puritan fortitude.6) Swift: A Tale of a Tub; The Battle of the Books ; satirist Gullivers Travels, A Modest Proposal Gullivers Travels is one of the most effective criticism and satires of all aspects in the English and European life8) Fielding a. His position in literature He was the first of all the 18th C English novelists to write the “comic epic in prose”, and the first to give the modern novel its structure and style He was regarded as “Father of the English novel” b. the history of Tom Jones Prose Homer, comic epic in prose9) Samuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson was the author of the first English dictionary by an EnglishmanA Dictionary of the English Language“To the Right Honorable the Earl of Chestfield”What is the significance of Samuel Johnsons letter “To the Right Honorable the Earl of Chestfield?”10) Sheridan : The School for Scandal Theme: morality 11) Gray: Leader of Graveyard School, best of the 18century Elegy written in a Country Churchyard (masterpiece) Theme and style:Theme : in this poem, Gray reflects on death, the sorrow of life, and the mysteries of human life with a touch of his personal melancholy. He reveals his sympathy for the poor and the unknown, but mocks the great ones who despise the poor and bring suffering on them.Style: use artificial poetic diction and distorted word order make understanding of the poem somewhat difficult to understand.二练习：Neoclassical Period:1. Fill in the following blanks.1). The neoclassical period in English literature refers to the one between the return of the Stuarts to the English throne in 1660 and the full assertion of _ which came with the publication of “Lyrical Ballads” by Wordsworth and Coleridge in 1798.2). The Enlightenment Movement brought about a revival of interest in the old classical works in the field of literature. This tendency is known as _.3). “The Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyans style was modeled after that of the English _.4). “The Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyan is the most successful _ allegory in the English language.5). “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope is a _ epic.6). “An Essay on Criticism”, a _ poem, is a