CAN SOMEONE HELP ME IN STARTING A NARRATIVE POEM IN THE ANGLO-SAXON STYLE OF BEOWULF?
The narrative style in that poem is the story teller was all knowing, even knowing things the characters did not know. Narrative poems have a plot.
http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/beowulf2.htm
See the narration by the all knowing?
Now read The Raven, by Poe. http://www.heise.de/ix/raven/Literature/Lore/TheRaven.html
Almost the same style.
So outline a plot in your mind, and start to write.
Of course! I'd be happy to help you start a narrative poem in the Anglo-Saxon style of Beowulf. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Understand the Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Before you begin, it's important to familiarize yourself with the key features of Anglo-Saxon poetry. Some characteristics include alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds), caesura (a pause or break in the middle of a line), and kennings (metaphorical descriptions).
2. Choose a Subject: Think about the theme or story you'd like to explore in your poem. It could be a heroic adventure, a battle, or any topic that fits the epic tradition of Beowulf.
3. Plan Your Structure: Anglo-Saxon poetry typically follows a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables arranged in lines with a specific number of beats. Research the various traditional forms, such as the alliterative long line, to find a suitable structure for your poem.
4. Begin with an Invocation: Start your poem with a powerful opening that establishes the epic tone. This can be an invocation to a deity or a grand description of the world you're about to explore.
5. Introduce Your Hero: The protagonist is crucial in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Describe your hero with vivid imagery and use kennings to create metaphoric descriptions. Focus on their noble qualities and heroic deeds.
6. Set the Stage: Establish the setting of your narrative. Describe the landscape, the time period, and any relevant details that contribute to the atmosphere of adventure and peril.
7. Outline the Conflict: Present the central conflict or challenge that your hero will face. This could be a battle against a monster, a quest for a valuable artifact, or any other dramatic situation.
8. Build Tension: Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to build anticipation and tension as your hero faces the challenges ahead. Employ alliteration to create musicality and rhythm in your lines.
9. Resolve the Conflict: Describe how your hero confronts and overcomes the obstacle. Highlight their bravery, skill, and determination, and deliver a satisfying resolution.
10. Conclude with a Moral or Reflection: Wrap up your poem by reflecting on the lessons learned or the significance of the hero's actions. End with a memorable phrase or an invocation that echoes the opening lines.
Remember, the key to capturing the Anglo-Saxon style of Beowulf lies in the use of strong imagery, alliteration, kennings, and a rhythmic structure. Be creative and have fun as you bring your narrative poem to life!