"The Wanderer"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the structure of "The Wanderer" (anonymous) is divided into two halves, the first describing the personal experiences of the lonely wanderer and the second evaluating earthly powers and treasures in comparison to heavenly security and wisdom. The author points out that symbolism presented in this poem all contributes greatly in supporting its central idea of achievement of wisdom and its various themes of exile, loneliness and religion. The paper states that this poem depends heavily on allegories and symbolism using Biblical images to put forth its ideas thus making the poem slightly difficult to understand on both the literal and figurative levels. Quotations are in Old English.

From the Paper:

"The second half of the poem stresses the process of the achievement of wisdom through the wanderer's reflection and meditation. Initially the wanderer is a solitary exile, well aware of the hardships he has to face and has already faced. He prays to God in despair for mercy, and during the prayers he realizes that a man indulging in self-pity was not worthy of God's grace, and he recalls that suffering is a virtue. The concept of the Day of Judgment and resurrection is highlighted and the ending narration endorses the eternal existence of God and the earth as a passage through which everyone has to pass."

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