Anglo-Saxon poetry are most well-known for their concern for the darkness in the world where they were written. Both “The Wanderer”, and “The Seafarer”, are both Anglo-Saxon works. They have strong literary characteristics from that time. The strong relationships between the two poems and their purpose create a polarity. The voices of the narrators also help to distinguish “The Wanderer”, from “The Seafarer”.
The Wanderer opens with a strong impression, a feeling of sadness and a sense of helplessness. He says that he believes the world is corrupt because of these on-land struggles. He believes that the world is corrupted by these land struggles. His tone is darkened and he spits hatred about the future when “warmth has died.” However, “The Seafarer” presents the same concept of the unwelcoming feeling land inhabitants feel. Only the narrator is passionate about the subject. The seafarer uses the sea to escape and finds a way to get out. His narration is full with complaints of hunger, chill and lack of shelter. However, the seafarer would rather live in the hardships on sea than in land. The changing times and the way the world has been shaped by its creators are also mentioned, which further encourages the narrator to prefer the sea. He sees the sea as a journey that could be undertaken, which would make any trouble worth it.
The narration’s perspectives are the main factor that makes the tone different. The seafarer decides to be an outcast while the wanderer is forced to make do with what he has. Because the wanderer finds himself in this situation, his story shows the emotions behind rejection, loneliness, and lackluster direction. On the other hand, the seafarer is aware of what he’s doing and chooses to live a tumultuous sea life because he wants adventure and journey that isn’t available on land.
Both poems convey a feeling both of despair and hope at various points. The theme is that society is corrupt and people, especially rulers and lords, are no longer able to help their peers or people. The corruption leads to the exile of the wanderer and the isolation of seafarers. Both the wanderer as well as the seafarer believe God to be a solid rock in a broken society. The wanderer is left with no place to go and no one to accept him. However, he trusts God to guide him and make everything work out for him. His solitude, despite his conflict with the seafarer, will not hinder his spiritual success. God is steady in spite of the turbulent waters. Both depict God as hope. Christianity is the single light that shines through the darkness of Anglo-Saxon times. It is mentioned in “The Wanderer” as well as “The Seafarer”.
The poems’ faith is interwoven with the dark settings. This is a common characteristic of AngloSaxon poetry. The poems also have the ability to relate to the struggles and conflicts of AngloSaxon poetry. Both narrators mention a decline from the “golden age”, when rulers were emperors and the world was peaceful. The challenge is to accept the change in social morals. Both speakers also realize the value of life experience. After gaining insight into their lives, the wanderer becomes more knowledgeable about what makes him wise and the seafarer discovers that Heaven will be his permanent home. Both speakers felt these growths were a result of both good-and-bad experiences.
Literature is never the same. However, “The Wanderer” (and “The Seafarer”) share many similarities in themes and purposes that are directly related to Anglo-Saxon poetry.
These poems are distinguished by subtle differences in the tones of their speakers, which allow them to be identified as distinct identities within the same category.
