Asses the Contribution of Alfred, Aelfric, Wulfstan to Old English Prose.

Contribution of Alfred, Aelfric, Wulfstan to Old English Prose:

    There were few prose writings before the time of Alfred, the king of Wesex. He was the pioneer among the Anglo-Saxon prose writers. As Chaucer is called the father of English poetry and Spenser the poets poet, so is Alfred reccognised the father of English prose. Literary prose didn't begin until the 9th century when Alfred attempted to bring back to his kingdom her lost learning. The miserable condition of English learning was largely the depredations of the Danes. Even the knowledge of Latin was declining and the king attempted to educate the clergy so that they can translate the popular books like theology, history, philosophy etc. into English. And these books are his contribution to English literature. In fact, he tried to revive learning. Sometimes he translated word for word, at times freely. But those passages have great value both for the understanding the character of the king and the literary quality of his prose works. His five important translations are The Pastoral Care of Pope Gregory, The History of The World of Orosius, Bede's Ecclesiastical History, Baethius, Consolation of Philosophy, The Soliloquies of St. Augustin.

Contribution of Alfred to Old English Prose:

    The Anglo-Saxon Cronical was inspired and organized by king Alfred. It is a record of the deaths of king beginning of Caesar and the installations of Bishops. It is the oldest documents of English prose-recording the history of England from the time of Roman occupation to the middle of 12th century. In fact, after defeating the Danes king, Alfred tried to improve the lamentable state of English learning. He not only translated but also encouraged and rewarded learned man. He has become a patron of the scholar. His translation made great contribution to literature.

    In regards style, Alfred's prose style was highly Latinised. He gave English prose strength and dignity by introducing Latin elements into English prose. However, his prose style is not polished. But for the most part it is simple and straight forward. He has shown his natural ability.

Contribution of Aelfric to Old English Prose:

    Aelfrick was probably the best known writer for his grammar. He was a churchman who has become the abbot of Benedictine monastery. He wrote musical prose. Among his work the best important are The Catholic Homilies, The Lives of Saints. These are translations from the scriptures. His style is natural and easy and it has poetic quality.

Contribution of Wulfstan to Old English Prose:

    Wulfstan was the arch-bishop of York. Many of his signed homilies survived. His most famous work is Sermo Lupiad Anglos. It is important for its strength and vigour, repetition of ideas and illustrative nature of its style. Wulfstan teaches as a preacher whereas Aelfrick teaches as a teacher. Both of them use rhyme and alliteration in their works.

    It seems that Anglo-Saxon prose is more close to modern English than Anglo-Saxon poetry. Poetry was archaic and retained obsolete works. But prose was close to the speech in daily use or it was modeled on Latin which has become the universal language of educated Europe. When the revolution came in the form of Norman conquest of England, poetry suffered a lot. But prose, in-spite of the changes during three hundred years of Norman Conquest, remained recognizable and suffered no break with the past. In other words even during the Norman conquest in 1066 prose didn't show any sign of decay. Rather it influenced the literature of middle English period.