Here are a few ideas on this poem that will give you an
overview. First of all it is important to remember that it was likely written in the 8th century
when life was very hard and dangerous for men and women. In this poem, the wife is lamenting his
missing husband who has gone and left her alone in a land where she feels like an exiled
stranger. Her concern and pain are amplified by the fact that she hasn't heard anything from him
or about him and is left to worry. She is concerned that he is involved in something dangerous
that may go wrong.
She is also upset over the miserable dwelling
where she is lives. It is gloomy and scary and only serves to intesify her fears and her woe.
She can't help but think of all the lovers in the world who are together and free to love one
another. These thoughts only intensify her feelings of despair as she is separated from her
true love and left to worry about his safety at sea while she is alone and longing for his safe
return.
You can find out more about poems from this period in the
website below. "The Wife's Lament" is one of the poems found in The Exeter
Book.
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