Main features of Anglo-Saxon literature and
its relation to socio-cultural background
Answer: Anglo-Saxon literature is the oldest form of English
literature. This literature flourished from approximately the fifth century to
the eleventh century. At this time, Anglo, Saxon and Jute tribes lived in
England. His life was simple, hard and full of struggle. This life also had an
impact on his literature. Anglo-Saxon literature helps us understand the
society, culture, beliefs and outlook on life of that time.
Anglo-Saxon society was war-loving. War and bravery were given great importance. Therefore, scenes of bravery, courage and war are prominently found in this literature. ‘Beowulf’ is the most famous work of this literature. It shows the hero's bravery, strength and self-sacrifice. The hero is ready to sacrifice his life for his king and society. This shows the sense of loyalty and duty in the society of that time.
A main feature of Anglo-Saxon literature is the heroic hero tradition.
The hero is considered an ideal man. He is brave. he protects his
people । He fights for honour and fame. There is a deep relationship between the
hero and the king in the society. The king gives protection and gifts to his
warriors. The warriors in turn remain loyal to the king.
The sense of ‘fate’ (Wyrd) is also very strong in this literature.
People believed that man's life goes according to fate. No one can escape fate.
Yet the hero fights fate. He is not afraid of defeat. This thinking reflects
the difficult life of that time. Natural disasters, war, and disease were
common. Therefore death was considered the truth of life.
Depiction of nature is also found in Anglo-Saxon literature. Nature is
often shown as harsh and scary. The sea, darkness, cold and forest represent
the struggle for life. It shows the environment of that time, where life was
not easy.
The language of this literature is Old English. This language is simple
but effective. In this, alliteration i.e. words starting with the
same sound are used. This
style was adopted to make the poem easier to remember. For, oral tradition was
more prevalent at that time. People used to remember poems after listening to
them.
Religious influence is also an important feature of Anglo-Saxon
literature. Initially this society was pagan. They believed in many gods. Later
Christianity spread. Therefore, both Christian and pagan elements are found in
literature. There is also mention of Christian God in 'Beowulf'. At the same
time, the old heroic warrior values also remain.
The feeling of mourning and sadness is also found in Anglo-Saxon
literature. Many poems express loneliness, separation and sadness. Like ‘The
Wanderer’ and ‘The Seafarer’. These poems show the instability of life and
human suffering. It reflects the insecure social life of that time.
Thus Anglo-Saxon literature presents a true picture of the society and
culture of its time. The spirit of bravery, loyalty, luck, religion and
struggle is clearly visible in it. This literature gives deep meaning in simple
language. Therefore, Anglo-Saxon literature is considered a strong foundation
of English literature.
Read also: 🔎
👉 Beowulf, as a heroic epic poetry