Formalistic and Dialogic Analysis of The Descent of Odin

Formalistic and Dialogic Analysis of The Descent of Odin

Poems are more that words on a piece of paper, it is a grand "play" with different "characters" strewn onto the pages. "The Descent of Odin" is a poem with a story with a rich vein of conversation embedded into it. By using the formalistic and dialogic method, I plan on showing you these jewels that I found while reading this poem.

The first voice that is found in the poem is the voice of the Narrator. When using the Dialogical Method, the reader notices that the voice is obviously an older person. Now, when the poem is turned to Formalistic, see how the point of view of the Narrator is like a mediator at the beginning at the poem. There he is looking out during the vocal transitions between Odin and the Prophetess, then relays it back to the reader (HCAL, Dialogics pg 349,P.O.V. pg. 87, Voice: pg, 89). His speech is very sensual and symbolic, which adds to the darkness of the poem. The first example of this is the beginning of the poem where you can read it (HCAL pg 85). Up rose the king of men with speed, And saddled straight his coal-black steed; Down the yawning steep he rode, That leads to Hela's drear abode ("The Descent of Odin", Lines 1-4). Look the wording that he uses for the color of the steed: coal-black, the slope of the steep. It causes the reader to take another glance at the poem to visualize what is going on with their mind and imagine that they are there watching "The king of men" ride his horse to Hela's abode. The second example is found in the second paragraph. Right against the eastern gate, By the moss-grown pile he sate; Where long of yore to sleep was laid the dust of the prophetic maid ("Odin", lines 17-20).

Now we take a glance at the voice of Odin, the mighty god of war. Fix onto the lines of Odin when he first speaks. His voice is not induced with flowery language; instead it is very plain with even tones. The voice of Odin causes the reader to be pulled back to earth (HCAL pg 87). The voice seems to say, "Look at me, listen to me!” Now look at how he converses with the Prophetess: Yet a while my call obey; Prophetess awake, and say.