Similarities Between The Seafarer And The Wife's Lament
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Life is an unpredictable event that affects everyone uniquely. We see this come to fruition in the Anglo-Saxon elegies of The Seafarer, The Wanderer, and The Wife's Lament. Although the original language may have been lost throughout the centuries, their morals are still felt today. Each character in the poems face tribulations that they have to overcome through different means. The characters take a different spin on their tribulations and in turn bring a different perspective of beauty through their experience.
The character found in The Seafarer walks down a road of despair that is lonely and uneasy. He states that he has "No passion for women, (nor for) worldly pleasures.” However, instead of being discouraged about the lack of worldly needs, he realizes that there is a comfort when he goes out to the sea. The land represents the ideals of the world. The land is where all the gold and "kingdoms of earth flourished in glory" and accomplishments lie, yet that is where they remain. The seafarer realizes that there is nothing in this world that can comfort oneself, except for the hope in God. The worldly accomplishments cannot come to the grave and is left to rot on this earth. The reason the seafarer enjoys the ocean is because that is where he finds his solace,…show more content… The character in The Wanderer is alone, but not by choice. Everyone that he knows has been killed, from his family members, friends, and even his own king! He begins to search for a new master to follow a so that he "might find one who in mead-hall, might accept my affection, or on me, friendless, might wish consolation, offer me joy." This man yearns to go back to the good times and to celebrate with his comrades and family, yet becomes smacked by the reality of his actual situation, which is loneliness. However, the man realizes that hope is not lost for him, and that his Father in heaven can become his new