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Most of the poems and stories of the Anglo-Saxon period were passed along by the oral tradition. In an essay, tell how the
use of features such as the kenning and caesura may have helped maintain this oral tradition. Illustrate your explanation with
examples from "The Seafarer,"
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Answer 1

The kenning and caesura were important features in Anglo-Saxon poetry that helped maintain the oral tradition by making poems more memorable and engaging. Examples from 'The Seafarer' illustrate their use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The poems and stories of the Anglo-Saxon period were primarily transmitted through the oral tradition. Features such as the kenning and caesura played a significant role in maintaining this tradition.

A kenning is a compound expression that substitutes for a noun, often used to describe something in a metaphorical or colorful way. This technique made the poems more memorable and easier to remember and retell orally. For example, in 'The Seafarer,' the phrase 'whale-road' is a kenning for the sea.

Caesura is a pause or break in a line of poetry. It not only helped with the rhythmic flow of the oral performance but also provided an opportunity for the bard or storyteller to engage with the audience and maintain their attention. An example of caesura can be found in 'The Seafarer' with the line: 'No loved one waits / To welcome a warrior's homecoming.'

Learn more about Anglo-Saxon poetry