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Among the few manuscripts containing Old English verse that have survived the ravages of time, The Exeter Book seems to contain the most famous Old English works known today. It is this Exeter Manuscript that contains the two compositions, namely “The Wanderer” and “The Wife’s Lament” that I find of particular interest. The respective narrators of these two compositions are both in a state of exile. The way the poet of each composition explains …

…of their environments which apparently enhance the emotions that are welling up inside them. Loneliness and depressive moods appear to be their constant companions. They both give an impression of absolute loyalty and affection to each of their lost loved ones and fervently desire their return. Thus even though the two characters are of opposite sexes, their relations with their lords and friends and the way they perceive their mutually wild environments are fascinatingly comparable.