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- Title
Morris, 'The Great Story of the North', and the Barbaric Past.
- Authors
Dentith, Simon
- Abstract
The article discusses the literary genre of epic poetry through an exploration of the poem "Sigurd the Volsung" by William Morris. It argues that Morris' attempt to rewrite the ancient Icelandic epic "Völsunga Saga" in the 19th-century was a mistake due to the development of social and political thought which influenced his literary style. It discusses the attempt by Alfred Lord Tennyson to rewrite the poem "Idylls of the King," presents comments from philosopher Karl Marx regarding epic poetry, and criticizes Morris' use of alliterations, syntax, and rhythm in his version of the poem. Other topics include Norse history and barbaric violence as a theme in "Sigurd the Volsung."
- Subjects
STORY of Sigurd the Volsung, The (Book); MORRIS, William, 1834-1896; SAGAS; LITERARY style; ENGLISH epic poetry; MARX, Karl, 1818-1883; TENNYSON, Alfred Tennyson, Baron, 1809-1892; ALLITERATION; SYNTAX (Grammar); RHYTHM in literature; NORSE people; VIOLENCE in literature; HISTORY; ENGLISH translations of literature
- Publication
Journal of Victorian Culture, 2009, Vol 14, Issue 2, p238
- ISSN
1355-5502
- Publication type
Literary Criticism
- DOI
10.3366/E1355550209000812