routledge+history+of+literature+in+english

14 Old and Middle English 600–1485
spoken language – words which everyone can understand and remember.
The structure of Beowulf involves a main plot featuring animals and
monsters with only the sub-plot involving human beings. The two
narratives are interlaced with conflicts between the two groups and even
a sermon on human behaviour. Beowulf suggests what a hero is, and
how important the hero is as a focus of public attention and admiration.
For he was of all men the worthiest warrior
In all the earth, while he still might rule
And wield the wealth of his lordly land.
Bold in battle fighters fell
Weary with wounds. Death covered earth
(The Battle of Maldon)
By way of contrast, another text whose subject is war, The Battle of
Maldon, is less fanciful. It is again a poem, but more a documentary of
the battle than a glorification of warlike values. It recounts a defeat,
stressing bloodshed and loss, commemorating a battle in the year 991.
As against most of the texts of the time, The Battle of Maldon may have
been written down fairly close to the time of the events it describes,
and this may contribute to its more factual, less ‘fictional’ tone. This can
be read as a rather more realistic depiction of the necessity of victory,
and therefore the need for a hero. However, yet again, there is an
ongoing debate about whether The Battle of Maldon is to be seen as a
more distanced work of literature than a more or less contemporary
‘semi-documentary’ account, with a celebration of honour, fidelity and
bravery in the face of defeat. Like all Old English verse, The Battle of
Maldon uses the divided line to create the rhythm, the sound of battle.
Then fighting was near,
Honour in battle. The hour was come
Doomed men must fall. A din arose.
Raven and eagle were eager for carnage;
There was uproar on earth.