Breaking with tradition(?) : female representations of heroism in old english poetry.

Abstract

Beattie for his guidance, kind words, and historical perspective which made this a better interdisciplinary project. I would like to thank Professor Pamela Beattie, my mentor, for her constructive criticism, immense patience, thought-provoking comments, and gifting me with several interesting articles and books including Key Concepts in Medieval Literature, which was not only timely but provided the foundation for this dissertation. I am grateful to Professor Simona Bertacco, my program director, for her incredible organizational skills and her straightforward direction. Her attention to detail and expertise in translation concerns made me a better writer. I also want to thank her for introducing me to Brian Friel's Translations and Juno Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao: two unforgettable modern texts that inspired my thinking. I am also grateful to Professor Andrew Rabin, my outside reader, for his support and expertise in Anglo-Saxon studies and the Old English language. His class "Women in Medieval Literature" introduced me to a variety of female characters who appear in this dissertation. My committee has been extremely influential in my thinking and supportive during my entire tenure at the University of Louisville. I humbly thank you. I also want to thank Professor Elain Wise for her encouragement and all of her efforts on my behalf, and Professor Alan Golding for sound advice and inspiring my love v of female poets and women in poetry. I am appreciative of Brenda Mary Walker whose early and thorough investigation of the women in Anglo-Saxon literature informed my research and got me started. I am also grateful to Professor Carmen Hardin for our long conversations, her generosity, and her passion for Ecclesiastical Latin. I especially want to recognize the Anglo-Saxons and the Old English poets for their beautiful literature and language. It has been my tremendous privilege and my joy to engage with them on such an intimate level.