THE EPIC POEM
The development of English literature is divided into :
•Anglo-Saxon Period or Old English Period
•Anglo-Norman or Middle English Period
•Modern English Period .
Anglo-Saxon poetry was oral , handed from generation to generation.
Compositions were anonymous , recited in public by a bard. His function was
important because he preserved the memory of the past and provided a
common cultural identity. The scops sang history , myth and legend expressed
in two modes:
The “epic” and the “elegiac” one.
Compositions were accompanied by a musical instrument. The epic poem has
a long narrative poetical composition. It deals with the glorious exploit in the
history of a country and the heroes.
It also contains historical events with supernatural and mythological elements.
The style is elevated, the language is rich and figurative.
It was characterized by alliterations, formulas which are conventional
expressions ; Kennings which are metaphorical expressions and caesura, which
break in the middle of a line.
The most important epic poem is Beowulf.
BEOWULF’S FUNERAL.
PLOT:
In this passage the Gaets build a funeral pyre on which they burn Beowulf ’s
body. It is foursquare. They hang helmets, shields and amour.They are
mourning for their lord’s death.
Gaet woman sings about her fears because they have no more their leader.
Then they build a memorial where they bury Beowulf with a great treasure.
Twelve warriors ride around the tomb while they are singing and mourning his
loss.
