Question

Why did the speaker in “The Wanderer” leave his home?

A. His wife died.
B. He was a coward in battle.
C. He wanted to go to sea.
D. His lord died.

Answer 1

The correct answer is (D) his lord died. The Wanderer is an old English poem written in around 10th century. In this poem, the warrior, known as "wanderer", used to serve is lord when he was Young, and for good performance received precious gifts from the lord. After his lord's death, he had to leave home.

Answer 2

The reason why the speaker in “The Wanderer” left his home was because "his lord died," since this (at least in the mind of the speaker) relieved him of all responsibility.