Discribe the features of Anglo-Saxon Poetry in detail.

The poetry of the Anglo-Saxons is defined by the following
characteristics:

1. Anglo-Saxon poetry is written in blank
verse. The term blank verse means that there is no end rhyme occurring from line to
line.

2. Anglo-Saxon poetry typically depicts the problems
which arise as the theology of the Church (Christianity) and the theology of the Pagan
world are played off of, and against, each other.

3. The
use of caesura (a pause in the middle of a line of poetry- like taking a breath) is very
common. Given that during this period there was no written common written language, the
poetry of the Anglo's was sung by scops. The caesura allowed for the scop to breathe
while reciting long and detailed poems and epics. The caesura was typically placed after
the second foot in the line of poetry. There were four feet in each line and the breath
allowed for a pause to happen in the middle of each
line.

4. A commonly used poetic device was alliteration.
Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound within a line of poetry. This added
to the sing-song effect of the time.

5. Kennings were
another poetic device commonly used in Anglo poety. The Kenning is a metaphorical phrase
used to compare a figurative description to something less elegant in regards to
verbiage. An example of this would be "battle sweat". Battle sweat is a kenning for
blood.

6. Like many of the epics during this time, the
poetry of the Anglos was meant to be a moral lesson to those listening. A sort of fable,
the poems taught lessons on life and righteousness.