Weaving Words and Binding Bodies: The Poetics of Human Experience in Old English Literature (Toronto Anglo-Saxon Series)

References to weaving and binding are ubiquitous in Anglo-Saxon literature. Several hundred instances of such imagery occur in the poetic corpus, invoked in connection with objects, people, elemental forces, and complex abstract concepts. "Weaving Words and Binding Bodies" presents the first comprehensive study of weaving and binding imagery through intertextual analysis and close readings of "Beowulf," riddles, the poetry of Cynewulf, and other key texts. Megan Cavell highlights the prominent use of weaving and binding in previously unrecognized formulas, collocations, and type-scenes, shedding light on important tropes such as the lord-retainer "bond" and the gendered role of "peace-weaving" in Anglo-Saxon society. Through the analysis of metrical, rhetorical, and linguistic features and canonical and neglected texts in a wide range of genres, "Weaving Words and Binding Bodies" makes an important contribution to the ongoing study of Anglo-Saxon poetics. Weaving Words And Binding Bodies Presents The First Comprehensive Study Of Weaving And Binding Imagery Through Intertextual Analysis And Close Readings Of Beowulf, Riddles, The Poetry Of Cynewulf, And Other Key Texts. Megan Cavell Highlights The Prominent Use Of Weaving And Binding In Previously Unrecognized Formulas, Collocations, And Type-scenes, Shedding Light On Important Tropes Such As The Lord-retainer Bond And The Gendered Role Of Peace-weaving In Anglo-saxon Society. Through The Analysis Of Metrical, Rhetorical, And Linguistic Features And Canonical And Neglected Texts In A Wide Range Of Genres, Weaving Words And Binding Bodies Makes An Important Contribution To The Ongoing Study Of Anglo-saxon Poetics.-- Megan Cavell. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 303-331) And Index. "Weaving Words and Binding Bodies presents the first comprehensive study of weaving and binding imagery through intertextual analysis and close readings of Beowulf, riddles, the poetry of Cynewulf, and other key texts. Megan Cavell highlights the prominent use of weaving and binding in previously unrecognized formulas, collocations, and type-scenes, shedding light on important tropes such as the lord-retainer "bond" and the gendered role of "peace-weaving" in Anglo-Saxon society. Through the analysis of metrical, rhetorical, and linguistic features and canonical and neglected texts in a wide range of genres, Weaving Words and Binding Bodies makes an important contribution to the ongoing study of Anglo-Saxon poetics."-- From publisher's website Acknowledgments vii Abbreviations ix Editions xi Construction and Constriction: Introducing Human Experience in Old English Poetry 3 Part I – Webs and Rings: Experiencing Objects 15 1. The Material Context of Weaving 17 2. The Woven Mail-Coat 47 3. The Material Context of Structural Binding 68 Part II – Fetters and Chains: Experiencing Bondage 93 4. Binding in Nature 95 5. Imprisonment and Hell 120 6. Slavery and Servitude 157 Part III – Patterns and Nets: Experiencing the Internal and the Abstract 193 7. The Body and Mind 195 8. Language and Knowledge 231 9. Creation, Magic, and Fate 251 10. Peace 280 Weaving and Binding: Conclusions on Human Experience and World View 296 Bibliography 303 Index 333