Author: Heyworth, Melanie

Source: Neophilologus, Volume 91, Number 1, January 2007 , pp. 175-196(22)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

A satisfactory and accepted solution to Riddle 4 in the vernacular collection of riddles in the Exeter Book has not yet been made and Riddle 4 remains one of the most puzzling riddles in the collection. However, detailed analysis of the semantic range of the language in Riddle 4 reveals that its language is found primarily in the particular religious contexts of the penitentials and homilies. These contexts direct the Riddle's audience to a specific reading, and thus solution, of its clues. It is argued in this paper that the Riddle's solution is a devil and that consequently the purpose of the Riddle is to remind Christians of the pervasive threat of the devil and of the need for continual vigilance against devilish temptation.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11061-006-9012-1

Affiliations: 1: Email: melanie.heyworth@arts.usyd.edu.au

Publication date: 2007-01-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Literature ,  Language & Linguistics
• By this author: Heyworth, Melanie

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers