Ælfric, the &lt;i&gt;Maccabees&lt;/i&gt;, and the Problem of Christian Heroism
John Halbrooks
Ælfric, the Maccabees, and Problem of Christian Heroism John Halbrooks Much biblical story judas Machabeus in first book Maccabees reads like heroic literature. Like poets Beowulf The Battle Maldon, writer celebrates deeds martial prowess, praises virtue, narrates rise fall a great man direct, vivid style, which is far removed from elliptical narrative early books Old Testament gnomic passages synoptic Gospels. text offers scenes arming himself, accounts venerable swords, clarion battle speeches, stirring descriptions combat. Byrhtnoth, hero sacrifices himself to protect his people. writer's meaning never obscure, does seem invite subtle, exegetical interpretation. Indeed, at times it recalls clarity Tacitus more than mystery Genesis. Beowulf, introduces doctrine salvation or immortality soul. Upon death judas, no for him other remembrance deeds. even avoids mentioning God altogether instead concentrates on Law. not easily into Erich Auerbach's stylistic paradigm that he outlines Mimesis, imagines history Western literature as dichotomy eventually synthesis two opposing styles: classical biblical. 1 In "never there form left fragmentary [End Page 263] half-illuminated, lacuna, gap, glimpse unplumbed depths." 2 Conversely, "thoughts feeling remain unexpressed, are only suggested by silence speeches; whole, permeated with most unrelieved suspense directed toward single goal (and extent unity), remains 'fraught background.'" 3 latter style allows interpretation much greater former because its meanings obscure this obscurity suggests careful, initiated reader profound mysterious significance faithful. If we accept premise, then presents problems exegete. leaves nothing veiled truths beyond fight righteous cause. Such fit pattern what Auerbach calls "figural interpretation" part universal anticipates fulfilled Christ. an interpretive problem would have been especially difficult writing turn eleventh century, who had contend also native English ideas heroism such might invoked encouraged. uneducated take lessons unacceptable valorize prowess pride over virtues. version Ælfric responds potential misreading reshaping agenda through range rhetorical strategies. first, transforms abbreviatio using condensed elides material incorporate proper within itself. furthermore, invokes sense order redefine according ethics; specifically, implies virtue pietas, along expected virtues sapientia fortitudo. Finally, perhaps crucially, emphasizes difference between old Jewish law new law; claim physical war described prefigures spiritual Christians must now fight. Before I analyze these aspects detail, will briefly describe hagiographical tradition 264] survey use sources place tenth- eleventh-century This contextualization clarify singularity Ælfric's treatment narrative...
Studies in Philology