Journal of Medieval History Pub Date : 2021-09-08 , DOI: 10.1080/03044181.2021.1974457 Christine Rauer 1
ABSTRACT
This article examines the production of prose texts in pre-Alfredian England. After reviewing conventional ideas regarding the foundational role assigned to Alfred, king of Wessex, in the creation of the Old English prose genre, the discussion turns to a quite considerable number of non-poetic texts which were demonstrably produced at an earlier time, asking whether these can be regarded as prose. Following an investigation of the medieval and modern understanding of what constitutes prose, an argument is made for a more inclusive definition of this literary genre, one that does justice to the flourishing early literary culture especially of the kingdoms of Mercia and Kent. It is argued that the ninth-century prose productions of Alfred’s circles did present some innovation, but were clearly also based on earlier traditions and may to some extent have reacted against preceding compositional techniques and literary genres.
中文翻译:
最早的英语散文
摘要
本文考察了前阿尔弗雷德英格兰的散文文本的产生。在回顾了关于威塞克斯国王阿尔弗雷德在创造古英语散文体裁中所扮演的基础角色的传统观点之后,讨论转向了相当多的非诗歌文本,这些文本显然是在较早的时间产生的,询问是否这些都可以看作是散文。在对散文构成的中世纪和现代理解进行调查之后,有人提出了对这一文学体裁的更具包容性的定义的论点,该定义对繁荣的早期文学文化,尤其是麦西亚和肯特王国的早期文学文化做出了公正的评价。有人认为,阿尔弗雷德圈子 9 世纪的散文作品确实提出了一些创新,