What are the various literary forms
and styles of old English literature?
Ans. During old English
period literature undergoes a noticable development. The result of hundred years
of slow growth contributed to the development of a definite literary form and
style. However it is difficult to divide the various types of literary works.
Inspite of the fact the following are some of the important forms of
literature.
Poetry:
Poetry appears earlier than prose. There were different types of poeĂĽ-y
like—heroic type of Beowulf, Waldere and The Fight at Finnsburh, The Battle
ofMaldone. The epic types of poetry was also found in Beowulfwhich lacks the
finer qualities of classical epic. The so called Christian epics were not found during this period. The lyric has
no example in old English but there are some poems which have melancholy and
personal emotion associated with lyric. For example, The Wanderer and The Sea
Farer.
Prose:
Much of old English prose consists of translation from Latin. But some of them
has originality and personal quality. The homilies of Aelfrick and Wulfstan are the beginning of
the true development of old English
prose which found its full expression in the authorized version of the BIMe.
The beginnings of historical writings are to be the Anglo-Saxon cronical and
the development is clean in the works of Cynewulf.
In regards style we can
say there is a comparison between the technique of Caedmon and Cynewulf. The
expression of individuality and feeling, less reliance on phrases use of
alliteration etc. became prominent in the development of literary style which
continued till their time of Norman conquest. In spite of the limited scope in
prose writing, there appears a development of prose style. The prose writers
also used alliteration and rhetorical figures. The personality of the authors
becomes apparent in their works. The effects of the conquest have brought about
a change on poetry and prose. Rhyme took the place of alliteration. In fact, in
spite of the conquest, the continuity of old English literary form and style is
clean.
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