About... During the Middle Ages (450-1405) readers become witness to a transition in language. During the earlier years of this time period the Germans heavily influence the language; it is referred to as Old English versus Early Middle English or Middle English. In addition, readers will notice that the lines in the poem “The Wanderer” are broken up into two half lines with two stresses in each. For example, “Oft the lonely experiences compassion/ the Creator’s kindness; though he with sorrowing mind.” It’s very different, but the author does this to create a dramatic pause – remember that these were often acted out as well.
All of the selected poems that readers will read in this section are published anonymously or published with a group of other religious stories. It is important to remember that during this time period literacy was restricted to the agents of the Church and those who were educated enough to be writing and reading (often the nobility). That being said, the majority of the poems and works of writing were originally orally told, but then later written down by monks. Also, more often than not, most of the literature pieces from the Anglo-Saxon time period were actually acted out before being written down. This becomes a rather interesting fact when we look at the narrator’s overall goal for the reader to end at. Specifically, in the poem “The Dream of the Rood” the poet gives a distinct outcome that the reader should surrender to the Lord Christ Jesus, as the Rood surrendered to Jesus. Moreover, in the poem “Judith” readers see how a spiritual commitment is above all other attributes from the very first stanza. But to go further, the poet of “The Wanderer” establishes the fact that there is simply nothing on Earth for mankind, that real salvation takes place in Heaven. Lastly, “The Wife’s Lament” seems to be the least religious or straightforward, why? There is a common theme that all of these poets are trying to get at. It also becomes interesting when looking at the individual poems like “Judith” – the first 1000 lines are not recorded, why aren’t they? As a reader, definitely be thinking about the tension being created between Christian and Pagan values as well as the Anglo-Saxon culture and tradition. This time period is definitely a point in history where Christianity is being spread heavily throughout the nations. Additionally, think about what it means to be separated from home, especially in the poems “The Wanderer” and “The Wife’s Lament”. To add to that for these two poems specifically, Ubi Sunt is a term meaning where are they now and where are they going, as far as conquests go think about the relationship of this term to the characters in the poems. For example, in the poem “The Wanderer” it is suggesting that the place mankind should want to finish at is in Heaven with the Heavenly Father, “Well it is for him who seeketh mercy, / comfort at the Father in Heaven where all our fastness standeth.” These are the very last words in the poem, probably not on accident either because it definitely is an ending that leaves the readers believing Heaven is the answer. So, the reader may have started with a pagan viewpoint but leaves thinking about Christianity. One may also want to think about the term conteptus mundi, meaning contempt of the world, what do the poems suggest specifically about our relationship to the things on Earth? The Christianity relationship between humans and Earth is very different from pagan values and that’s really what all of these poems are getting at. Lastly, think about what it means to be a thane or hero and what this role entails. Again, how does the attribute of spiritual commitment relate to the two? Study GuideSee Beowulf section.
Readings
|