In this thesis, the reception of classical mythology in the Old English adaptation of Boethius' 'De consolatione philosophiae' is analysed. It demonstrates that the author of the Old English...Show moreIn this thesis, the reception of classical mythology in the Old English adaptation of Boethius' 'De consolatione philosophiae' is analysed. It demonstrates that the author of the Old English Boethius is familiar with classical mythology, and that he has consciously adapted his material to make it more suitable for his Christian Anglo-Saxon audience unfamiliar with classical mythology.Show less
This thesis is about how Easterners are represented in the Middle East in Old English texts, and what that reveals about how Anglo-Saxons may have perceived the Middle East.
Gold, jewels and a cross that is able to speak: these elements are nowhere to be found in the Biblical story about the crucifixion of Christ, but they do appear in the Old English poem The Dream of...Show moreGold, jewels and a cross that is able to speak: these elements are nowhere to be found in the Biblical story about the crucifixion of Christ, but they do appear in the Old English poem The Dream of the Rood. This poem is a retelling of the Biblical story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and there are three characters in this poem: the Dreamer, the Cross and Christ. These characters are linked, because they all experience one or multiple physical or mental transformations. The poet intended for these transformations to be an inspiration for the reader of the poem. Especially the transformation of the Dreamer is supposed to be inspirational, because the Dreamer is the most relatable character for the reader through the focus on their human nature. The question that is discussed in this thesis is: what does the transformation of the Dreamer look like and why can it be inspirational for the reader? The suggested answer to this question is that the poet of The Dream of the Rood used the character of the Dreamer to illustrate the life-changing effect that knowledge of the Bible and following the example of Christ can have on a human being. The reader of the poem is encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the Dreamer, the first step being reading The Dream of the Rood.Show less
In 1994 Haber wrote in his A Comparative Study of the Beowulf and the Aeneid that it was likely to assume that Beowulf, as the first Old English epic poem, had been influenced by The Aeneid, Virgil...Show moreIn 1994 Haber wrote in his A Comparative Study of the Beowulf and the Aeneid that it was likely to assume that Beowulf, as the first Old English epic poem, had been influenced by The Aeneid, Virgil’s Latin epic poem. This research attempts to analyse this assumption in terms of divinity, examining the different aspects of divinity. First of all, I establish a generalized definition of divinity. Then, this definition is compared to the content of both epic poems and I conclude that this form of divinity existed in both poems. With this data, I confront the results of my research with Haber’s assumption. Discussing the origin of the divinity found in both epic poems, there seems to be an absence of similarities. The origin of The Aeneid is found in the polytheistic Roman religion, whereas in Beowulf it is the monotheistic Christianity that dominates. However, both heroes consider faithfulness to be of great importance and they meet the requirements of being a religious hero. Aeneas is blessed with a divine mother, but Beowulf is more like an instrument of God rather than a son. Also, in comparing three main fighting scenes in terms of influence of the divinity, I have found that there are both differences and similarities. The difference is found in the reasoning behind the fight, whereas the similarities are found in the receiving of armour and the end result of the battle. The overall influence, however, is completely different in Beowulf from The Aeneid. The influence in The Aeneid comes from multiple Roman gods and goddesses from the Roman religion, whose influence is both positive and negative. The end result of the poem is a peaceful settlement for Aeneas, ready to start the foundation of Rome. In contrast, the influence in Beowulf comes from a single Christian God, which is only positive. When this influence is absent Beowulf is killed by a wound inflicted by the dragon at the end of the poem. Therefore, my final conclusion is that it is untenable to say that The Aeneid has influenced Beowulf in terms of the portrayal and usage of divinity.Show less
Ultimately, this thesis aims to show the prominence and literary importance of female anti-heroes getting full attention. Before this thesis, female anti-heroes have had a shadowy, ghostly...Show moreUltimately, this thesis aims to show the prominence and literary importance of female anti-heroes getting full attention. Before this thesis, female anti-heroes have had a shadowy, ghostly existence. It is important that they get centre-stage attention now in literary criticism as well as in fiction and on the screen since gender segregation regarding anti-heroines is still existent. Consequently, this thesis also highlights the unequal gender representations in Gothic fiction.Show less
The focus of this thesis is the change in Pamela due to her entrapment in Mr B.’s household, and the elements of violence that are present in the relationship between Mr B. and Pamela. This is...Show moreThe focus of this thesis is the change in Pamela due to her entrapment in Mr B.’s household, and the elements of violence that are present in the relationship between Mr B. and Pamela. This is examined by close-reading Pamela, and by investigating elements of Oroonoko and Beauty and the Beast to show how romanticized violence, Stockholm syndrome, and complex PTSD can be applied to literary characters.Show less
