How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Ic þis giedd wrece bi me ful geomorre,
I make this song of myself, deeply sorrowing (1)
From line 1, we know this poem will be an emotional rollercoaster. With "ful geomorre," which translates roughly to absolute sadness, we can basically say goodbye to any chance of seeing sunshine and rainbows.
Quote #2
sindon dena dimme, duna uphea,
bitre burgtunas, brerum beweaxne,
wic wynna leas.
the dales are dark, the hills too high,
harsh hedges overhung with briars,
a home without joy. (30-32)
The alliteration-filled Old English creates a vivid picture of the harsh setting for the speaker's exile. These physical descriptions represent clearly her emotional state. Given her deep sorrow in isolation, this truly is a place without joy.
Quote #3
[…] sy ful wide fah
feorres folclondes, þæt min freond siteð
under stanhliþe storme behrimed,
wine werigmod, wætre beflowen
on dreorsele. Dreogeð se min wine
micle modceare;[…] let him be outlawed
in a far distant land, so that my friend sits
under stone cliffs chilled by storms,
weary-minded, surrounded by water
in a sad dreary hall! My beloved will suffer
the cares of a sorrowful mind; (46-51)
Apparently the speaker isn't the only one who feels sad. Again, the alliterative Old English paints a portrait of an unwelcoming landscape, frigid and dreary. This time, it reflects the emotional state of the exiled husband. We mean, really, where else are you going to live if your entire existence is sadness?