...Beowulf: The Mother Poem Beowulf is an important work of the Anglo-Saxon culture. In the poem it depicts Beowulf as a famous hero, full of endless courage and infinite strength. Through his vigorous journeys, he encounters many treacherous obstacles and monsters, but never feels distress. As leader of the Geats, he shows superb leadership skills, taking pride in both his and his peoples’ name. Nonetheless, he boasts about his achievements and heroic battles that he has encountered. The author’s style differs from that of any other due to the unique kennings being used throughout the poem. The tone interchanges throughout the entire work; gives countless numbers of kennings, and has graphic imagery. Beowulf, the “mother poem” of England, explains the import values of diction, tone, imagery, and style, it also informs us about the Geat culture and characteristics of honor, kinship, and courage....
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...The Many Battles of Beowulf An epic is a poem written in the form of a poem that usually contains most, if not all, of the heroic requirements to be considered an epic. Beowulf encloses many of the traits, but most prevalent are: the hero has supernatural abilities, characters deliver long speeches, and the actions of the hero determine the fate of a nation or group. The Danes struggle with Grendel’s terrorizing on Herot nightly for twelve winters. The Danes were so petrified of Grendel that they abandoned the great hall for the time that Grendel reigned terror on them. Beowulf hears about the complications the Danes are having and sets out on a voyage across the sea to profit from the fame and fortune for his people. Beowulf slaughters Grendel and Grendel’s mother before returning to his homeland; Geatland, where he resides until he is crowned the king. Fifty years later, a dragon plagues the Geats when a cup is stolen from his lair and given to Beowulf. He kills the dragon at the expense of his own life. These all assist to deem this poem as one of epic tendencies and lead on to the conclusion of Beowulf being the greatest epic ever written. The superhero qualities present themselves in many ways. One of the broadest honorary elements is when Beowulf shows off greater endurance than any other human as he “Swam along / The sea paths” (lines 514-515) against Brecca while “Crea / tures / [sic] Who sleep deep in sea stirred / into life.” The most challenging part...
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...A number of topics present themselves as themes in the text, Beowulf. The role of a theme in a text more often than not is to assist in bringing out the underlying message and consequent value of any piece of literary work. This is notwithstanding whether it is ancient or not. Furthermore, this serves to enhance acute comprehension of a text in a multi-faceted way that ensures total appreciation and due association. The themes in the text, Beowulf include, among others, courage, mortality, the supernatural feat, religion, traditions, identity establishment and customs and good vs. evil. Nevertheless, the most dominant theme is the war/combat as presented throughout the whole text, Beowulf and is undeniably a focal point of concern. Hence; it is in light of this that this essay looks at the topic of war/combat as evidenced in the text....
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...In the epic poem “Beowulf”, the author ”Rafael”, uses literary devices such as diction, allusion, and imagery to juxtapose between good versus evil. Initially, Rafael uses the literary device diction, in order to juxtapose good versus evil. Moreover, throughout the story, the author uses diction for the purpose of highlighting the antagonist Grendel. For instance, Rafael uses particular words in order to display Grendel’s evil. “No savage assault could quench his lust for evil” (Beowulf pg 14 line 74-75). Clearly, “savage assault, quench, and lust for evil” are particular words which help to emphasize Grendel's evil. In context to the quote, Grendel is opposed to God, therefore; he goes around killing the king's men. The significance of demonstrating Grendel evil through diction, and demonstrating why he does his evil action, depicts the juxtaposition between God who is good, and Grendel who is evil. In like manner to the literary device diction, allusion is another literary device which the author uses to juxtapose between good versus evil. Furthermore, throughout the story, the author uses allusion in order to demonstrate how Grendel is evil. In particular, Rafael reference Cain, a Biblical story in the Bible to further validate how Grendel is evil....
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...Authors use a wide variety of literary devices to enhance the reader’s perspective of their writing.Diction is one of the many that authors use as it can be used to convey words in a more detailed way.In Beowulf the author utilizes diction to create more descriptive phrases that shows the juxtaposition between good and evil. In view of authors,there are many thoughts that come to mind that have a part in the expression of their theme.To interpret their views many different styles are used,with a big one being literary devices,through The use of literary devices the author can provide a more powerful insight of their theme.Diction is one of the ways the author can use to express their message by their choice of words which establishes imagery into their writing.In Beowulf the author utilizes diction to emphasize the imagery and to convey the meaning behind the text. The quote “A powerful...
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...epic heroes, supernatural elements, vivid descriptions, strong use of literary elements (alliteration, assonance, consonance, imagery, etc.), poetry, ballads, and plays. • The only four Anglo-Saxon works include Beowulf, A History of the English Church and People, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and The Exeter Book. • Important Medieval works include Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Le Morte D’Arthur, Everyman, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and ballads (“Get Up and Bar the Door”, “Sir Patrick Spens”, “Bonny Barbara Allan”). What essential question(s) will be considered? • What are the elements of Anglo-Saxon and Medieval literature? What key...
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...Though Beowulf can be read in multiple formats and through various translators, the version in the Norton Anthology was much easier to read than anticipated. There are several things to note about the story of Beowulf, from its comparisons and differences among other works of literature to its references of God Christianity. Having read many pieces of literature from Ancient Greek to Modern American, Beowulf carries many similarities and differences. For example, many of the Greek dramas focused on a protagonist who was often a tragic hero, believed in the Gods who had above human powers, who usually had some special skill of their own, and overcame unspeakable obstacles. In Beowulf, there is no Greek or Roman Gods per se, but there are monsters that exist and are difficult to beat. Beowulf is exceptionally strong, agile, and intelligent. He overcomes many obstacles such as killing Grendel and his mother or the others in the sea. Even the vast character list and meaningful names is parallel to those of other types of literature of the early eras. One part of the story that is interesting to ponder is the easiness in which the people assume Grendel is dead. Who knows what these creatures are really capable of? Perhaps Grendel can re-grow his arm and live a long and murderous life. They also never appeared to consider the possibility that if there was one monster, there may be more. The fact that these people, warriors or not, continued to sleep in the mead-hall, thinking that...
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...was the most exciting. During this underwater fight, the second of his three fights, Beowulf and his adversary continually battle throughout her home. Although the conflict seems unrealistic because of the location, it makes the battle even more thrilling and suspenseful. For this and several more reasons, the battle between Beowulf and Grendal's mother is the most exciting episode in this brilliant epic. The battle begins when Beowulf travels for many hours underwater to take revenge against Grendal's mother the day after she carried of one of Hrothgar's men. Beowulf and she proceed to fight until her miserable death in her own home. When Beowulf was almost to the point of death, he grabbed a giant sword of the wall and slew Grendal's mother. To me, this entire fight is very unrealistic. The sword, supposedly a massive sword created by giants, could never have been lifted by a normal person. The fact that he took several hours to get to the bottom of the lake makes the episode seem very unlikely, but it is also very useful in creating suspense in this poem. This entire episode is filled with excitement, suspense, and imagery. Suspense and imagery were hand-in-hand during this fight. Not only did suspense keep the reader's attention; it also created the mood of this episode. The most exciting point was when Beowulf took the giants' sword off the wall and killed Grendal's mother. When Beowulf took the sword down, I could actually see the sword in my head. As I thought of it...
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...Assess the ways canonical texts provide insights into different contexts. In your response, discuss TWO texts from TWO different eras covered in Masters in Pieces. Beowulf, composed by an unknown author between the eight and the tenth centuries AD was an epic poem from the Medieval Era. Faustus was a play written in verse by Christopher Marlowe during the Renaissance Era between 1564-1593, both reflecting the dominant ideas and values of the context. The Medieval Era was a politically unstable time predominantly influenced by Christian culture and storytelling, where heroic tales of the noble were highly valued and as a result reflect religious ideas. The Renaissance era marked a major cultural turning point for British Culture as the philosophy of humanism emerged, which engendered literature to become increasingly vibrant and free- thinking. Both canonical texts provide significant insight into both the Medieval and Renaissance era. These concepts are explored through the principals of Christianity and the prevailing conflict during each context time. The importance of religion were relevant in both contexts, Beowulf reinforcing the beliefs of the time while Faustus indicates Britain's shift to humanist values and intensified the assertion of personal independence and individual expression. Beowulf demonstrates his trust in God easily into Christian context and repeatedly acknowledges God as his protector. “The captain of evil discovered himself in a grip harder than...
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...Paganism vs. Christianity in Beowulf Thesis Statement: “Beowulf” was written by either a Christian author or a pagan author because of the presence of several ideas involving both pagan and Christian ideologies found close together throughout the poem. Based on the elements presented in the poem, it is apparent that there are evidences that will identify the characteristics of Christianity. On the other hand, the belief of paganism was also included in the lines of the poem. There is a presumption that poem “Beowulf” is influenced by a Christian author shown by the Anglo-Saxon understanding of the concept of beauty, which begins with the story of Creation in Genesis Chapter 1 of the Bible, where God created the world in seven (7) days. The language or the text used in the poem presented the concept of “scop”, which originated from the Old English language which means to shape. God is being referred to as the Great Shaper and all the beauty seen by the Anglo-Saxon were fruits of God’s creation. The term “scop” can also represent a poet. In this poem, the Anglo-Saxons considered the fact that the author made use of beautiful words and imagery to create a poem is comparable to God’s work when he created earth. This can be read in the lines “The clear song of a skilled poet, telling with mastery man’s beginnings, how the Almighty had made the earth” (Beowulf 86-98). Another proof that the author is a Christian is when there was mention of the story of the two brothers Cain and Abel...
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...The epic story of “Beowulf” is a story about Beowulf, the man who is the true definition of bravery and heroism. This story recaptures Beowulf's quest as he destroys monsters that terrorize the kingdom of Herot and the people who subside within it. Throughout the story vivid imagery and detailed monologue help upholds the story to an epic quality. But, for for it to truly to be an epic it must have a few needed elements such as references to god and battles between good and evil. A moment in Beowulf that truly captures this epic mentality can be found near the end of the story. Beowulf is out of his youth and is living in his old age as king. He along with some of his geats are set up outside the cave, where a diabolical dragon awaits to destroy anyone in sight. Beowulf stands up and begins his great final speech to his geats, unweary what there future holds.(2510-2510) This moment adds so much momentum to the story and so the way it embodies Beowulf as a story and a character. This moment shines above the rest and fully demonstrates the elements of bravery, self-sacrifice, and overall heroism. Of all the things Beowulf is, Beowulf is the true definition of bravery. He demonstrates this in many different ways through the text but it is the most apparent in his...
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...The key character in the poem Beowulf, is a heroic and a legendary character whose actions are embodied to the Anglo-Saxon culture. As a hero he has the accepted and the most ideal characteristics that are accepted in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The tale revolves around these characteristics to make up an epic tale. Beowulf is moulded to possess the virtues, traits and beliefs that were highly respected and requires in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Therefore, is displayed to have these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances in the tale. Reading Beowulf brings out lots of similarities with many pieces of literature from the Ancient Greek and the Modern literature. The Beowulf carries is similar to many Greek dramas that focused on a protagonist who was turned out to be a tragic hero. There was an element of belief in the gods who had super- human powers and had unique and ultimate special skills of their own, and overcame unsurmountable problems. However, in Beowulf, there is no Greek or Roman gods, but there are other supernatural beings defined as monsters that exist and are difficult to win over. Beowulf is extra-ordinarily strong, agile, and super intelligent. He is portrayed as one who overcomes many obstacles and was able to kill Grendel and his mother and the others in the sea. In addition, the wide character list and meaningful names is similar to those of other types of literature of the early eras. The story of Paradise lost opens in hell. Satan...
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...• The narrator tells us that a clan called the Spear-Danes, in "days gone by" (that's the past, to you) had some awesome heroic kings. • The first of these hero-kings is Shield Sheafson, who is basically awesome because he could rampage and pillage with the best of them—both on the battlefield and in the mead hall, if you get our drift. He is an orphan, but he eventually becomes king and then subjugates other nearby clans, making them pay tribute to the Spear-Danes. • Shield's son is Beow, a wise, prudent, valiant prince who sympathizes with the hardships his people have endured. • Shield dies in the prime of his life and is buried at sea in a ship loaded with wealth and treasures, according to the custom of the Spear-Danes. It sails off and nobody knows what happens to it. • Beow becomes king and rules long and well. He is succeeded by Halfdane, a warlord who has three sons, Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga, and one daughter. Halfdane's daughter isn't given a name in the poem, although we assume that she had one, but we do learn that she marries Onela, the king of the Swedes. • Halfdane's son Hrothgar is fortunate in battle and gradually amasses the most followers and wealth of any of the princes, so he becomes king after his father. • To consolidate his power, Hrothgar builds a grand mead-hall, Heorot Hall, which does dual duty as a throne room and a hangout for the powerful members of his "court." Okay, we say court, but it's really just a bunch of tough barbarians in grimy...
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...Women in Beowulf Look especially at the role of women in the poem. Identify (try for 10) references to women--their actions, thoughts, motivation--in short, their role in the poem. Don't just identify them, however, react. Tell why these characters are important to the poem. Feel free to talk about anything else you want to about Beowulf. The role of women in Beowulf vary greatly from pedigreed hostesses to ravenous beasts, each plays a key role in not only the poem but, to mold an understanding of the culture, beliefs, and society of the time. We are introduced to several females however, most of these are minute roles within the poem, and they are usually to give the bloodline or ancestry of the character being spoken of. We are introduced to four main female characters, Wealtheow, Hygd, Hildeburh, and Grendel’s mother. Both, Wealtheow and Hygd act as hostesses within the poem. Both women are described using positive text and imagery. Wealtheow is described as “Adorned in her gold, she graciously saluted the men in the hall…“queenly and dignified, decked out in rings…”(” (43) Being adorned in gold and decked out in rings shows wealth and statute of that time which would be appropriate for a queen, yet she is described as queenly, dignified, and gracious, showing her compassion, and respect for her people. Hygd even though only introduced briefly, is described as “her mind was thoughtful and her manners sure.”(71) Again we here positive terms of thoughtful, and...
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...Looking at the Mirrors of Two Heroes Throughout each tale there has always been a hero, each completely different from another with their own flair. In the old times it was held that hero were the role models, the perfect courageous beings within their community. It’s no different that both Beowulf and Thomas Malory’s Sir Gawain were written upheld with these expectations, both deemed great heroes in these times the Angle-Saxon and Medieval period, respectfully. However, these men vary so greatly from each other especially from the attachment they have with the reader, along with their faith, traits, role in society and views. Although both males were deemed perfect by their peers and community for their deeds the characteristic shown in each occasion split them apart in traits. When the Green Knight emerged before Arthur’s court, unlike Beowulf who welcomed the task of vanquishing Grendel, Sir Gawain offers himself up because ‘his life would be least missed’ of any (Allen 231). In contrast to Beowulf, who not only gloats about his superior greatness but also has others who spoke and knew full well of his strength, having been perceived as the ‘strongest than anyone anywhere in this world’ (Allen 42). The boasting of his own feats seem to be a natural quality of a warrior, while knights were expected to excel at modesty and humility. The example of Sir Gawain’s humbleness is something the king of Geats would never present. Furthermore during the encounter...
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