The Exeter Book · English Literature

In the Exeter Book poem 'The Phoenix,' the mythical bird is used as an allegory for which Christian concept?

  1. The Holy Trinity and its three persons
  2. Christ's Resurrection and the hope of the faithful
  3. The fall of Adam and Eve from the Garden
  4. The baptism of the Apostles at Pentecost
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Correct answer: Christ's Resurrection and the hope of the faithful

The poem adapts a Latin work by Lactantius, transforming the story of the Phoenix's death and rebirth into a Christian symbol for the resurrection. It concludes with a 'herold' section that mixes Old English and Latin words.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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