Cynewulf Poems · English Literature

Which of the following is a major stylistic difference between the 'Cædmonian' and 'Cynewulfian' schools of poetry?

  1. Cynewulfian poetry uses end-rhyme rather than alliteration
  2. Cynewulfian poetry is more personal, scholarly, and hagiographic
  3. Caedmonian poetry bears signed authorship while Cynewulfian does not
  4. Caedmonian poetry avoids kennings and formulaic compounds entirely
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Correct answer: Cynewulfian poetry is more personal, scholarly, and hagiographic

Cynewulfian poems are characterized by a sophisticated, literate style drawing on Latin sources and focused on saints' lives, in contrast to the simpler biblical paraphrases of the Caedmonian school.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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