The theology of The Dream of The Rood
Abstract
The Dream of the Rood, the first dream-vision poem in
English, is acclaimed as one of the finest renderings in
Christian literature. The purpose of this paper is to
examine the work within the context of the pagan concepts
of the cult of the cross and tree veneration to prove that
the work accurately reflects the theology and doctrne of
the period and provides a theological understanding of the
cross as a religious symbol. This thesis surveys the
scholarship of the work and presents relevant historical
information, reviews early Christian doctrine, provides a
rhetorical analysis, and presents a personal translation
of the poem. Major sources of data include criticisms of
The Dream poem and historical information concerning Old
Enclish poetry, Christian doctrine, and theology.
Research proves that the poem combines pagan practices and
early Christian symbols intricately woven together to
provide an expanded theological understanding of the cross
as a religious symbol of crucifixion and resurrection.