On Ælfric and Old English Metrical Theory

In 2016, Thomas A. Bredehoft wrote a reply to my criticism of his theory of Old English metre, according to which Ælfric's rhythmical compositions ought to be considered verse rather than prose. Here, I provide an answer to some of the points and some of the objections raised in his 2016 essay...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rafael
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ediuno. Ediciones de la Universidad de Oviedo 2025-07-01
Series:SELIM
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Online Access:https://reunido.uniovi.es/index.php/SELIM/article/view/21515
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Summary:In 2016, Thomas A. Bredehoft wrote a reply to my criticism of his theory of Old English metre, according to which Ælfric's rhythmical compositions ought to be considered verse rather than prose. Here, I provide an answer to some of the points and some of the objections raised in his 2016 essay. I conclude that Bredehoft's criticism of traditional Old English metrical theory is unwarranted, and that Ælfric appears to have regarded his rhythmical style as a special manner of prose composition. The piece ends in a positive note, commending Bredehoft for his work on Laȝamon's Brut and Chronicle verse.
ISSN:1132-631X
2792-3878