Final answer:
Early Old English literature was primarily characterized by poetry and epic narratives. Germanic oral tradition played a vital role in preserving and passing down these stories over time. Renowned epic poems such as 'Beowulf' are testament to this rich literary heritage.option a is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Old English Literature
The early Old English society primarily had a rich tradition of poetry and epic narratives. This type of literature captured the societal values, traditions, and heroic tales of the time and was transmitted orally by bards and storytellers. The Germanic peoples, to which the Old English society belonged, relied on oral tradition for the dissemination of their stories and legends. A classic example of such an epic narrative is Beowulf, an Old English poem that recounts the adventures of its eponymous hero.
Novels and short stories, as we understand them today, were not features of early Old English literature. This form of writing became prominent much later. Similarly, scientific treatises and political manifestos were not typical of that era's literary output. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'a) Poetry and epic narratives.'
These works, characterized by their elaborate rhetorical style and supernatural elements, provide context and meaning for human life within a framework that sees the natural world as infused with supernatural importance. Over time, some of these stories were documented in written form, as literacy began to spread beyond the cultural elite.