The Dream of the Rood

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The Dream of the Rood
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Background

• Found in the late 10th century Vercilli Book.
• Fifteen of its 156 lines can be recognized carved
  in a runic border around panels of the Ruthwell
  Cross.
• The Ruthwell cross was erected in about the year
  700 near the altar of the church at Ruthwell in
  Dumfriesshire.
• In 1642 the cross was taken down and partially
  defaced.
• In 1802, the minister Henry Duncan reconstructed
  the monument and in 1887 the monument was moved
  back into the church.
• The relationship between the poem and the cross
  is unknown.

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Images of the Ruthwell Cross
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Outline of the Poem

• I. Introduction of the Dream
• II. Speech by the Cross to the Dreamer
• III. Dreamers colloquy

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Major Characteristics of the Poem

• A dream vision
• The poet depicts Christ as an aggressive warrior
  who boldly confronts and defeats sin
• Warrior-like image of Christ portrays Jesus as
  preparing for combat rather than being lead to
  the cross
• Christ as a confident hero
• Christs triumphant victory over sin
• Christs anguish is transferred to the cross.
  The cross, rather than Christ, feels the pain of
  the crucifixion
• Christs burial is described as a monumental
  event befitting a warrior
• Optimistic tone because of the victory won by
  Christ over sin.

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Style and Structure

• Contrasts from blood to gold, torture to glory
• Form fits content
• Fusion of human and divine aspects of the
  Crucifixion
• Emotion

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