Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

John S.P. Tatlock. "Epic Formulas, Especially in Layamon." Publications of the Modern Language Association, 38:494-529.

Sees formulas as a contribution to the "originality" of a poem, phrases which embellish a work. Believes the OE poet cultivated individuality and a "conscious Ars Poetica" (516). Illustrates the formulaic structure of the ME Brut, claiming no direct connection with oral composition.
Area: ME, OE, OF, HI, AG, CP