Caedmon and Religious Verse · English Literature

Which of these is a recurring motif in the Old English 'Exodus' that is not present in the original biblical book?

  1. A cloud-sail image for the pillar of cloud
  2. The birth of Moses
  3. The ten plagues of Egypt
  4. The building of the Ark of the Covenant
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Correct answer: A cloud-sail image for the pillar of cloud

The poet of 'Exodus' uses the 'cloud-sail' (lyft-fæt) metaphor to describe the pillar of cloud. This imagery reflects the Germanic seafaring tradition, treating the desert crossing like a sea voyage.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 20

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