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Literary and Linguistic Computing 1991 6(4):274-280; doi:10.1093/llc/6.4.274
© 1991 by Association for Literary & Linguistic Computing
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Computer Analysis of Alliteration in Beowulf Using Distinctive Feature Theory

C. R. BARQUIST and D. L. SHIE

University of the District of Columbia USA

The alliteration of Old English verse has never been analyzed using distinctive feature theory or using computers to make the millions of calculations necessary for the study of a long work. In this article we examine the phonological patterning of all parts of stressed morphs in the Beowulf manuscript and we relate these data to the subject matter of individual verses.

Surprisingly, there is a higher agreement of distinctive features in post-vocalic consonants than in initial consonants.

When the poet uses a majority of shared features the subject-matter of his verses is pleasing; verses which are obvious in their lack of shared features tend to paint a less happy picture.


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