Textuality » 3A Interacting
Exercise 1
The poem was probably composed in the 7th century, but the written version dates from the 10th century.
Exercise 2
The Anglo-Saxon poet could use linguistic choices, for example alliteration and repetition.
Exercise 3
The lines in an Anglo Saxon poem were divided into two parts that were bound together by alliteration, that is, the repetition of the initial consonant sound in two or more words in a line or consecutive lines. This division is referred to as caesura. Alliteration fell only on stressed key words and was the main formal device. It played the same role as rhyme in later poetry. The number of syllables per line was not important and rhythm was based on the number of stressed syllables-two in each half line.
Exercise 4
Kenning is a poetic sentence that substitute a noun with a metaphor.
Exercise 5
In Beowulf the basic features are the presence of an hero and the description of his epic deeds.
Exercise 6
The poet was considered the voice and memory of a tribe.