Understanding Ted Hughes’ Volume ‘Wodwo’

The question asks about the origin of the title for Ted Hughes’ volume of poetry, essays, and plays titled ‘Wodwo’. To answer this, we need to understand where Hughes drew inspiration for this unique title.

‘Wodwo’ is a significant collection published by Ted Hughes in 1967. The title itself is not a common word in modern English. Its roots lie in medieval literature, specifically in the context of wild, untamed figures.

The Origin of the Name ‘Wodwo’

The term ‘wodwo’ (sometimes spelled ‘woodwose’, ‘wodewose’, or ‘wild man’) refers to mythical wild men of the woods who appear in medieval art and literature. One of the most famous instances of this term is found in the Middle English poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In this poem, the ‘wodwos’ are mentioned in descriptions of the untamed wilderness that Sir Gawain encounters.

Ted Hughes was known for his deep engagement with nature, myth, and the wild aspects of life and language. Choosing the title ‘Wodwo’ reflects this interest, evoking images of primal, untamed existence rooted in the natural world.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options to determine which one correctly identifies the source of the title ‘Wodwo’:

• Option 1: a volume named from the wild men of the woods of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This option directly aligns with the historical and literary origin of the term ‘wodwo’. The wild men of the woods, or wodwos, are indeed figures found in medieval tales like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and this is the source Ted Hughes used for his title.
• Option 2: a volume named after the elves of the masque of The Tempest. While Shakespeare’s The Tempest features magical creatures like spirits and sprites (often associated with elves or nature), the specific term ‘wodwo’ is not used to refer to these characters.
• Option 3: a volume named after the central character of Pearl. Pearl is another significant Middle English poem, but its central character is a visionary narrator and the lost Pearl (often interpreted symbolically). The term ‘wodwo’ is not associated with the characters in the poem Pearl.
• Option 4: a volume named after the name of the monster of Beowulf. Beowulf features famous monsters like Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. The term ‘wodwo’ does not appear in Beowulf as the name of any of its monsters.

Based on the literary origins of the term ‘wodwo’, the title of Ted Hughes’ volume is derived from the wild men described in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Conclusion on Ted Hughes's ‘Wodwo’ Title

Ted Hughes's choice of title for his 1967 collection, ‘Wodwo’, is a direct reference to the ancient concept of the wild man of the woods, as depicted in medieval literature, notably in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This choice resonates with the themes of nature, wilderness, and primal energy often present in Hughes's work.

Revision Table: Key Facts on Wodwo and Ted Hughes

Additional Information: Ted Hughes and Medievalism

Ted Hughes had a strong interest in myth, folklore, and ancient literature, including medieval texts. This interest often influenced his poetry, contributing to its unique power and connection to primal forces and the natural world. His work frequently explores themes of violence, nature's indifference, and the raw energy of life, which aligns well with the concept of the 'wodwo' figure – a creature of the wild, outside conventional society.

Understanding the sources and allusions Ted Hughes uses, such as the 'wodwo' from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, helps readers appreciate the layers of meaning and the depth of his engagement with literary history and mythological archetypes.