On Ælfric and Old English Metrical Theory
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Keywords

Ælfric
Old English metre
Old English prose

How to Cite

Pascual, R. J. (2025). On Ælfric and Old English Metrical Theory. SELIM. Journal of the Spanish Society for Medieval English Language and Literature, 30(1), 181–88. https://doi.org/10.17811/selim.30.2025.181-88

Abstract

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.

https://doi.org/10.17811/selim.30.2025.181-88
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References

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Pascual, Rafael J. 2017a. “Manuscript Evidence and Metrical Authenticity: A Response to Seiichi Suzuki.” Journal of Germanic Linguistics 29: 85–99. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1470542716000209.

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