The
Wanderer
Characteristics
of Old English poetry: Old English poetry was written during A.D. 650 to
1100. Often called Anglo-Saxon literature, the poetry was written in the old
English language. Notable poems from this period include"Beowulf" and
"The Wanderer." The characteristics of alliteration and use of meter
make Old English poetry distinct in sound from other forms of poetry.
Structure
In
Old English poetry, each line is broken into two sections called verses or half
lines. The first verse is called the on verse, and the second is called the off
verse.
Alliteration
One
of the most predominant characteristics of Old English poetry is the use of
alliteration. Alliteration is the repeated use of the same consonant or vowel
sound in different words. In Old English poetry, the alliteration was completed
on stressed words beginning with the same consonants or on any vowel sound.
Meter
and Rhythm
Each
half line of poetry consists of two separate rhythm units called feet. The feet
make up the meter and unstressed syllables, of the poem. In Old English poetry,
five rhythm types were common. The five patterns are (1) lift,drop, lift,
drop; (2) drop, lift, drop, lift; (3) drop, lift, lift, drop; (4) lift, lift,
half-lift, drop or lift,lift, drop, half-lift; and (5) lift, half-lift, drop,
lift.
Compounds
Combining
two words results in a compound. Three types of compounds occur in Old English
poetry. For example, a boat may be called a "wave floater,"
"seahouse" or "wave horse."
2. Similarities between the wanderer
and the Seafarer
Answer: The Anglo-Saxon poems “The Wanderer” and “The Seafarer” share
many of the same elements that make them similar. The Wanderer and the
Seafarer, the protagonists, are both exiled from their society. At the end of both poems there is an addendum by the Christian monks
in an attempt to influence the Anglo-Saxons at the time.
“The
Wanderer”and “The Seafarer” are two elegies written by Anglo-Saxons that share
many of the same components.The exile of the two main characters is one
striking similarity between the two poems. The physical hardships that the two
main characters go through is another notable resemblance between the two
poems. One theme that should stand out to the reader in the the two poems is
the interest in spiritual matters that the two main characters find after going
through a series of unfortunate events. Another motif that is worthy of mention
in the two poems, is the addendum at the end of the two works planted by the
Christian monks at the time. These similarities are no coincidence and they tie
these two poems together.
3. Describe the exile life of
the Wanderer.
Answer:
The Wanderer Theme of Wisdom and Knowledge. "The
Wanderer" moves from a lament about exile to an examination of what the
experiences of both the exile and wise man teach them about life
The Wanderer's predicament is heavily based on
the historical context in which it was written. It is Old English elegy, which
is poem depicting loss and loneliness. During the time of the Anglo Saxons in
England, the most important relationship was that between the lord and his
knight(vassal). From a fairly young age a vassal pledges his loyalty to a load
who provides for him in return for his service and protection in battle.
Therefore the most honorable thing a vassal could do for his lordvis die for
him. In " the Wanderer" the narrator is lamenting the death of his
lord and is feeling regret and shame for not being the one who was dead. He
either chooses to exile himself, or is shunned by his family and friends out of
dishonor. When he tries unsuccessfully to find another lord, he finds himself
sailing alone on the unforgiving seas to reminisce about the good times he had
with his lord and company, ruminate on the sufferings of man, and finally
realize that without a lord the only comfort he has in God.
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