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Assignment: Course: Old English Literature in Translation
Assignment: Course: Old English Literature in Translation
Assignment: Course: Old English Literature in Translation
Submitted by
Department of English
University of Information Technology & Science
1. Elegy
These verses emerged in wise-sayings have been quoted from The Wanderer- an
Anglo-Saxon elegy-composed by an unknown poet. In these verses, the poet
philosophises on boast-making of a poem.
The poet in the form of wise saying philosophises that a man should forbear boast-
making without being supported by sound reason and knowledge, because bain
boast- making may lead to any disastrous end. A boast-making is usually a
negative and destructive virtue but if a boast-making springs from sound calculated
deductions, it may lead to a happy end. Without seeing the end, a boast-making
may seem disastrous. As a matter of fact, under the veil of very thin optimism, the
poet preaches its total negative and destructive aspect and discourages the tendency
of boast-making.
3. Great is the terrible power of God, before which the earth shall turn aside
This memorable line has been gleaned from ‘The Seafarer’ written by an
anonymous poet of the Anglo-Saxon period. In this prosaic sentence , the poet’s
unflinching faith in God and in His omnipotent power is focused at.
The sentence exposes the poet’s absolute faith in God as the supreme Creator. His
is a faith which is unshakable and strong. He does not have even a shadow of doubt
or suspiction in his mind about God. Not only this, he is fully aware and confident
about the terrible power of God Who can do and undo anything He wishes. One
who believes in His mighty power without any question is a blessed soul. God’s
grace shall fall on him anon. He lives in His full protection. No earthly can harm
can befall upon him. He is fully secured. The poet also believes that before the
omnipotent power of God, all earthly objects will crumble into pieces and the earth
shall turn aside and God’s supreme power will prevail.