KrantzDiscussion questions English 461
The Dream of the Rood, "The Wanderer," The Battle of Maldon

1. What does the dreamer of The Dream of the Rood say about himself?
2. What is the frame of the poem?
3. How does the poet's description of the crucifixion of Jesus differ from what you may remember from your Bible?
4. The introduction notes that the dreamer is in isolation and misery. Why might the theme of exile be so prominent in A-S poetry?
5. Where do we see the dreamer's isolation in the poem?
6. What might be the significance of the hour of the dream?
7. What are some features of this prose translation of the Dream that are found also in Caedmon's hymn?
8. Shades of night had covered the ruler's body." What passage in th biblical account of the crucifixion may the poet be referring to?
9. Restore the following line to ordinary syntax:
This was surely no felon's gallows, but holy spirit beheld it there, men upon earth, and all this glorious creation.
10. What is the significance of the jewels on the cross?
11. With whom or what does the dreamer make the cross interchangeable? Where do we see this?
12. What characteristics of a warrior are given to the cross?
13. What is the true text of courage for both the A-S warrior and the cross in this poem?
14. What characteristics of a warrior are given to Christ?
15. What is the "high gallows" that Christ climbs on? How do you know?
16. What is the tension in the poem and how is it conveyed?
17. What is the dreamer's hope at the end of the poem, and in what does he see it promised?
18. What is the harrowing of hell? (Mostly a reminder to me that I need to tell you.)

1. What forces operate in "The Wanderer"?
2. The speaker in the first part of the poem is the "wanderer." Where does the voice switch to that of the poet? How does the change of voice affect the meaning and feeling of the poem?
3. What meanings does exile have in the poem?

1. In "The Battle of Maldon," why does Birthnoth make his men leave their horses?
2. What is the vow the men make, and how is it important in the poem?
3. How does Birthnoth distinguish himself from the Viking "others"?
4. What may have impelled Birthnoth to force the battle, I.e. To allow the Vikings to cross the bridge of land?
5. What names are used for the Vikings and what qualities do they suggest?
6. How do we see egalitarianism among the defenders?
7. What trouble do the traitors cause for the loyal defenders?