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“The Wanderer” Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Use examples from the poem when appropriate.
- 1) Identify the two speakers in the poem. Does this change affect the poem?
- 2) Identify two lines/images that represent the theme of isolation and despair (give the line numbers).
- 3) Why is the speaker “wandering” alone? What is he looking for?
- 4) What does the wanderer dream about? Why is this significant?
- 5) What is the speaker’s attitude towards wisdom? (Line 52-69)
- 6) A homily is a statement(s) that gives general advice pertaining to conduct and morals. What does our wanderer say a wise, good man should do?
- 7) Analyze lines 77-79. What structures is the wanderer talking about? Why are these structures significant? (Hint: consider what they represent to him.)
- 8) Analyze lines 94-102. What is the overall message of these lines? Why is it significant to our wanderers place in life now?
- 9) In the last few lines the narrator returns. What is the narrator’s reaction to the wanderer’s speech? What is the narrator’s message to the wanderer?
- 10) Give an example of a caesura and kenning from the poem.
“The Wanderer” Plot Points:
- 1) Man exiled on a cold sea
- 2) Friends died around him
- 3) Failing spirit (no one’s left) – won’t unlock himself to anyone
- 4) Looking for another lord
- 5) Dreams of what was… grieving
- 6) Feelings toss like the sea
- 7) What is a wise man/ a brave man (wisdom comes with experience)
- 8) All is gone like it never even was there
- 9) Memorials are the only things left
- 10) Guard your faith!!! You’re never alone with God
Theme: exile, destruction of self when alone,
