Student Question
What change occurs to the cross's "clothing and hue" in Dream of the Rood?
Quick answer:
The cross in "Dream of the Rood" alternates between being adorned with gold and gemstones and being covered in blood and gore. This transformation symbolizes the duality of Jesus's crucifixion, representing both its horror and its redemptive victory. The shifting imagery aligns with the portrayal of Christ as both a suffering victim and a triumphant warrior-king, emphasizing the poem's central themes of shame, glory, and the triumph over death.
In the poem, the titular rood switches between two appearances: either it is glittering with gold and gemstones or it is covered with blood and gore. This all is naturally packed with Christian symbolism, showcasing the duality of Jesus's crucifixion. On one hand, the crucifixion is a horrible, unjust thing, but on the other hand, it represents the victory of divine love and mercy over human failings and death.
The poem's image of Christ as warrior also coincides with this dual image of the rood in shame and glory, in death and in victory over death (represented by the gold and the gemstones). Christ is alternatively a victim and a victorious warrior-king. So, the tree changes between these two appearances to showcase the themes central to the poem's narrative.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.