Summary of Beowulf, Lesson 4: Literary devices used in the Beowulf poem

00:00:00 - 00:10:00

This video discusses literary devices used in the Beowulf poem. The speaker explains that these devices are used to create a poetic effect and that they can also be functional tools for memory recall. They advise listeners to read the poem with an informed and enlightened mindset.

• 00:00:00 In this video, English teacher John Green teaches about literary devices used in the Beowulf poem, including consonants, assonance, and alliteration. He explains that these devices are used to create a poetic effect.
• 00:05:00 The speaker explains Anglo-Saxon poetic devices, including assonance, consonants, and case. He also explains metonymy and synecdoche. Finally, he provides an example of canning.
• 00:10:00 The speaker discusses the use of literary devices in the Beowulf poem, including kennings (names of characters that are also descriptive words). They explain that kennings are important for two reasons: as beautiful words that sound great to the ear, and as ready-made phrases that the poet uses to give himself time to think of the next line. This allows him to keep the flow of the story, and it also serves as a functional tool for memory recall. The speaker concludes the podcast and series by advising listeners to read the poem with an informed and enlightened mindset, and to discuss it in whatever ways they find interesting.