Although John the Baptist's Prayer occupies only 137 lines of alliterative verse, the content within boasts of a richly layered work of literary skill. The aim of this chapter is to investigate the poem within the context of specific themes that will enhance our understanding of the poem's main theme whilst also facilitating an appreciation of the poet's resourcefulness, imaginative power and commitment to his audience.

THE TITLE OF THE POEM

The poem has generally been known as The Descent into Hell ever since late commentators changed it from the previous English title The Harrowing of Hell. There is of course no title provided in the Exeter Book. Although there was a recognition that the name of the poem was not fitting, the new suggestion and the generally accepted title today is no more suitable than its predecessors. The issue about the title has not yet been resolved satisfactorily and the existing title of this Exeter Book poem has obviously been unsettling for more recent scholars as well. Some forty years ago, R. Trask recognized that the current title was unsuitable and suggested the title ‘Christ and John’ to replace the current one. While Trask points out that the original title hardly does the poem justice, he only alludes to the issue in passing and does not press the matter. I hope to demonstrate that the current name of the poem is unsuitable and suggest titles that would be more appropriate for it.