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Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Source: http://lhsblogs.typepad.com/kenyon/anglosaxon-lit-power-point.html. Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Originally oral and not written text Poetic Practices Repetition Repetition of consonant sounds Kennings

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Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry

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  1. Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Source: http://lhsblogs.typepad.com/kenyon/anglosaxon-lit-power-point.html

  2. Anglo-Saxon Poetry • Originally oral and not written text • Poetic Practices • Repetition • Repetition of consonant sounds • Kennings • two to four-word poetic re-namings of people, places, and things, such as whales’ home for the sea • Caesura • rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines, where the speaker would pause for breath • Assonance • the repetition of vowel sounds in unrhymed, stressed syllables (ex. “batter these ramparts”)

  3. Beliefs and Traditions (Theme) • WYRD or fate controls life • Honor requires revenge/compensation for injury or death (WERGILD) • Love of war and violence • Love of treasure, wealth and prosperity (results of bravery)

  4. Beliefs and Traditions (Theme) • Loyalty to family/tribe • Love of stories, especially hero stories • Belief that nothing good ever lasts • Love of rituals: feasting, burial, etc. • Unwritten contract between king and warrior: generosity for loyalty (COMITATUS)

  5. Qualities of Anglo-Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor) -Characterization • Excellence, competence, skill • In battle • In sailing • In riding

  6. Qualities of Anglo-Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor) -Characterization • Great strength (even superhuman strength) • Loyalty (especially to the king) • Devotion to duty, eagerness to fight • Generosity • Love of fame, glory, boasts

  7. Characteristics of Epic Literature(such as Beowulf) • Reveals the traditions, customs of the people • Grand/large in its scope: geography, time • Lofty/formal language • Employs the supernatural

  8. Characteristics of Epic Literature(such as Beowulf) • Battle between good and evil • Illustrates man in a hostile environment, the sacrifice of the hero • Generally concerns the noble deeds of a warrior-hero and his companions

  9. What is a Seafarer?

  10. One who goes to sea, of course.

  11. How many different Seafarers will we hear from in the narration?

  12. Our Fragment shows two voices: • The Old Sailor • The Youth

  13. Will the voices differ in their view of life at sea?

  14. Will the voices differ in their view? • We’ll soon see.

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