Write a critical essay on the development of
Anglo-Saxon prose.
Until
the 9th century literary prose did not develop in England.
Before this Anglo – Saxon prose started in the form of some laws,
and historical records. Basically with Alfred The Great
Anglo – Saxon prose marks the true beginning. The three great prose
writers of this period are King Alfred, Aelfric and Wulfstan.
King Alfred
He is known as the
‘father of English Prose’. He became the king of Wessex in 871 A. D.
the successive raids of the Danes made the English miserable. The Danes burnt
the books, destroyed the monasteries and ever
destroyed the mental peace.
He translated the
five great works.
(A) Gregory’s – ‘Pastoral Care’ :It is
a religious works which discusses the essentials of Christianity. It
is to be noted that in the preface of it Alfred said by the laity, to know the
history of their country.
(B) Bede’s – ‘Ecclesiastical History of the England’ –
It is about the religious development in England , Here Alfred , wished his
people , not just clergy but the laity , to know the history of their country.
(C) Orosius – ‘History of the World' –
It is a study of the world from various aspects, His accounts of geography. The
language and places of Germany make the reading interesting Alfred is desire
was to see people acquainted not only with the country history but also was
that of the world beyond.
