Question

Read the passage from Beowulf.

"We are retainers
from Hygelac’s band. Beowulf is my name.
If your lord and master, the most renowned
son of Halfdane, will hear me out
and graciously allow me to greet him in person,
I am ready and willing to report my errand."

How did Seamus Heaney incorporate Old English poetry elements in this modern translation?

His punctuation copies the half-lines used in Old English poetry.
His capitalization style mimics Old English poetry capitalization.
He uses character names that were popular in Old English poetry.
He solely uses unstressed syllables like poets of Old English poetry.

Answer 1

Correct answer: "He uses character names that were popular in Old English poetry."

Explanation: Heaney retains the original Old English proper names (Beowulf, Hygelac, Halfdane), which preserves the poem’s historical and cultural feel. The other choices are incorrect: Old English verse is organized by half‑lines and caesuras rather than punctuation; its capitalization conventions differ from modern practice (Heaney uses normal modern capitalization); and Old English alliterative poetry emphasizes stressed syllables and alliteration, not a sole use of unstressed syllables.