What type of literary work is "The Dream of the Rood"?

"The Dream of the Rood" is classified as an epic poem, which is a lengthy narrative work that often explores grand themes, heroic deeds, and significant cultural events. This poem is notable for its rich imagery and complex symbolism, particularly in its portrayal of the crucifixion from the perspective of the cross itself, which personifies the Rood. The merging of religious themes with the aesthetic qualities of an epic allows it to be both a spiritual meditation and a significant literary achievement of the Anglo-Saxon period.

In contrast, drama refers to works written for performance that emphasize dialogue and action, while a lyric poem typically expresses personal thoughts or emotions and is often shorter and more focused on individual experience. Narrative poetry incorporates storytelling but does not necessarily reach the epic scale or thematic depth present in "The Dream of the Rood." Hence, the classification as an epic poem is appropriate due to its substantial narrative structure and its engagement with larger themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the human experience in relation to divinity.