Original Old English:
> *Wandrænde wæs | wælstowe gehwær*
Modern English Translation:
> *The wanderer was | everywhere in the place of slaughter*
The caesura, marked by the vertical bar, occurs after "wælstowe". This creates a pause in the line, dividing it into two distinct units. This pause is often indicated by a slight hesitation in the reading of the line.
How Caesura Functions in *The Wanderer*
Caesura is a key feature of Old English poetry, and it serves several purposes:
* Rhythm and Flow: It creates a distinct rhythm by breaking up the line into smaller units, giving the poem a more measured pace.
* Emphasis: The pause created by the caesura can highlight certain words or phrases, drawing the reader's attention to them.
* Meaning: It often divides the line in a way that emphasizes the relationship between the two halves.
In this example:
The caesura emphasizes the "wanderer" as a figure moving through spaces of destruction. The second half of the line then expands upon this image by specifying the "place of slaughter" that is the wanderer's domain.
This is just one example of caesura in *The Wanderer*. The poem is filled with examples of this technique, contributing significantly to its unique style and impact.