Experience of Education in Anglo-Saxon Literature

Anglo-Saxons valued education, but fear, desire, and memory could both support and undermine it. Early medieval writers used fictional representations of education to explore the relationship between teacher and student, highlighting the challenges of teaching and learning such as curiosity, pride, forgetfulness, and despair. These difficulties were seen as part of the dynamic process of pedagogy rather than a sign of failure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Anglo-Saxons placed great value on education, recognizing its potential for both growth and peril. Fear, desire, and memory played a pivotal role in shaping their understanding of education, sometimes bolstering it and other times undermining it. While they expressed their appreciation for their teachers in official writing, they also composed and translated scenes of instruction that delved into the emotional and cognitive intricacies of learning.

In her insightful exploration, Irina Dumitrescu examines how early medieval writers employed fictional representations of education to delve into the complex relationship between teachers and students. These texts offer glimpses into the challenges faced by educators, including curiosity, pride, forgetfulness, inattention, and despair. However, it is important to note that these difficulties are not seen as a sign of pedagogy's failure but rather as an integral part of the dynamic educational process.

Throughout Old English and Latin poems, hagiographies, histories, and schoolbooks, Anglo-Saxon authors consistently demonstrated their enduring concern for learning. They sought to explore the various aspects of education, from its theoretical foundations to its practical applications, and to provide insights into the art of teaching and the process of learning.

By examining these texts, we gain a deeper understanding of the Anglo-Saxon worldview and their approach to education. It highlights their recognition of the importance of knowledge, their commitment to fostering intellectual growth, and their understanding of the complexities involved in the educational journey.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108403368