Introduction
‘Christ’ is an Anglo-Saxon poem in three parts by Cynewulf (possibly the 8th century bishop Cynewulf of Lindisfarne, in the Kingdom of Northumbria). In this extract, the poet reflects on the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary, to tell her that she is to become the earthly mother of the Son of God.
See Luke 1:26-38.
YOUNG was the woman,
an untouched maid, he took for mother;
it was with no man’s caresses of love
that the bride grew great with child.
Never then, nor since, in this world
was any woman’s reward its equal;
it was Mystery, the Master’s secret.
All spiritual grace spread the earth;
at his coming many things long cloaked in darkness
were brought to light by the Lord of life:
ancient lore, the lays of prophets;
for the Creator unlocks the secrets of every prophecy
through hearts ready to praise his name.
“Curiosity makes you ask how I kept my maidenhood,
my inward hold, yet became mother
of the Measurer’s mighty Son. To that mystery
no man is party; yet Christ made known
that in David’s dear kinswoman
Eve’s offence is all effaced,
The curse lifted, the lowlier sex exalted.
Hope now springs that endless bliss awaits
both man and woman, in the world to come,
far above in angel-joy, with the Father of Truth.”
Freely translated from the Old English
Questions for Critics
1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?
2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?
3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?
Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.
Précis
Anglo-Saxon poet Cynewulf reminds us that Mary was chosen by God to be his mother even though she remained a virgin throughout. Although this is a mystery, he says, the coming of Christ itself throws light on many baffling Old Testament prophecies, and the honour paid to Mary clearly proves that women are the equal of men in God’s eyes. (60 / 60 words)
Anglo-Saxon poet Cynewulf reminds us that Mary was chosen by God to be his mother even though she remained a virgin throughout. Although this is a mystery, he says, the coming of Christ itself throws light on many baffling Old Testament prophecies, and the honour paid to Mary clearly proves that women are the equal of men in God’s eyes.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, if, just, unless, until, whereas, whether, who.
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Word Games
Spinners Find in Think and Speak
For each group of words, compose a sentence that uses all three. You can use any form of the word: for example, cat → cats, go → went, or quick → quickly, though neigh → neighbour is stretching it a bit.
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
1 Equal. Far. Young.
2 I. Bliss. Coming.
3 Cloak. Man. Woman.
Variations: 1. include direct and indirect speech 2. include one or more of these words: although, because, despite, either/or, if, unless, until, when, whether, which, who 3. use negatives (not, isn’t, neither/nor, never, nobody etc.)
Confusables Find in Think and Speak
In each group below, you will find words that are similar to one another, but not exactly the same. Compose your own sentences to bring out the similarities and differences between them, whether in meaning, grammar or use.
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
Verb and Noun Find in Think and Speak
Many words can serve as noun or verb depending on context: see if you can prove this with the examples below. Nouns go well with words such as the/a, or his/her; verbs go well after I/you/he etc..
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
1 Hold. 2 Keep. 3 Lift. 4 Light. 5 Reward. 6 Hope. 7 Make. 8 Spring. 9 Man.
Variations: 1.if possible, use your noun in the plural, e.g. cat → cats. 2.use your verb in a past form, e.g. go → went. 3.use your noun in a sentence with one of these words: any, enough, fewer, less, no, some.
Add Vowels Find in Think and Speak
Make words by adding vowels to each group of consonants below. You may add as many vowels as you like before, between or after the consonants, but you may not add any consonants or change the order of those you have been given. See if you can beat our target of common words.
rbs (6+3)
orbs. ribs. robes. robs. rubies. rubs.
airbase. rabies. rubes.
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