Judith is an example of a Medieval heroic battle epic: A speaker with clear sympathies to one side relates the story of a decisive showdown in which that side triumphs against nearly impossible odds.

Though some translations of the poem divide the narrative into seven seemingly complete sections of varying length, the poem itself is considered a fragment. The poem as it was recovered in the Nowell Codex begins in the middle of a line, with ellipsis dots indicating that a portion of the original text is missing. The original manuscript version is also divided into three sections marked X, XI, and XII, corresponding to verse numbers in the Book of Judith.

Given that in the era the poem was written, poetry focused on public recitation rather than sustained, silent reading, the lines themselves vary in length to complement a public reading of the action itself: shorter lines for action and dialogue, longer lines for moments of introspective meditation and prayer.

As with other Medieval poems, Judith does not follow any rhyme pattern or rhythmic meter. Rather, as with other Medieval poets, the poet here directs the

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now