The two poems in The Exeter Book that depict exiles are "The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer." Both poems share similarities in terms of their themes and motifs, but also differ in the characters' perspectives and experiences of exile.
Similarities:
1. Themes of exile: Both poems revolve around the central theme of exile and the speakers' longing for their previous lives. In "The Wanderer," the speaker reflects on his exile after his lord's death, expressing his sorrow and loneliness. Similarly, in "The Seafarer," the speaker discusses his years of wandering on the sea, emphasizing the hardships of exile and the longing for stability.
2. Sense of isolation: Both speakers in "The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer" describe a profound sense of solitude and seclusion. In "The Wanderer," the speaker states, "Often at dawn I wander ... / by myself, after my sorrow has become strong"; and in "The Seafarer," the speaker exclaims, "No man is blessed with much / wisdom before he experience / many winters in this world." These lines highlight the solitary nature of their exiles and the feeling of being isolated from society.
Differences:
1. Causes of exile: The speakers in the two poems experience exile for different reasons. In "The Wanderer," the speaker's exile is forced upon him due to the death of his lord, which results in the dissolution of his community and loss of purpose. On the other hand, "The Seafarer" describes the speaker's voluntary decision to embark on a life at sea, driven by a personal desire for adventure and exploration.
2. Perspectives on exile: The speakers in the poems have different attitudes towards their exiles. In "The Wanderer," the speaker expresses a deep sense of grief and despair, mourning the loss of his lord and the security of his former life. In contrast, the speaker in "The Seafarer" has a more philosophical mindset, viewing the hardships of exile as a necessary part of life's journey and emphasizing the importance of enduring and seeking wisdom.
In conclusion, although both "The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer" depict the themes of exile and share a sense of isolation, they differ in the causes of exile and the speakers' perspectives on their exiles. Their experiences of exile, as portrayed in the poems, highlight the complex emotions and various ways in which individuals may respond to the challenges of being separated from their communities.
How are the exiles of the two speakers in the poems from The Exeter Book similar and different? use text evidence
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make the answer shorter but still with text evidence
"The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer," both poems in The Exeter Book, share similarities in themes of exile and isolation. In "The Wanderer," the speaker reflects on his forced exile and expresses grief: "Often at dawn I wander...by myself, after my sorrow has become strong" (lines 4-5). In "The Seafarer," the speaker voluntarily embraces a life at sea, acknowledging the hardships of exile: "No man is blessed with much wisdom before he experience many winters in this world" (lines 1-3). While both poems depict exiles, the causes and perspectives on exile differ: the speaker in "The Wanderer" mourns the loss of his lord, while the speaker in "The Seafarer" views exile as a part of life's journey.
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