The Finn Episode in Beowulf: An Essay in Interpretation

Originally published in 1924, this volume attempts to provide an interpretation of the ‘Finn Episode’ in Beowulf through the rigorous application of a unified critical method. The main focus is on the difficulties imposed by the allusive and incomplete nature of the Episode, this lack of clarity is based on the assumption of contextual knowledge regarding the events and relationships described. Through weighing up the various probabilities attached to ambiguous statements, the author attempts to formulate a more complete perspective on the text. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Beowulf, Old English, and the history of literary criticism.