...reader was on the evident themes portrayed in the novels Beowulf and Grendel. These themes were seen in a variety of methods used by the author point of view, purpose, style of the text, persuasiveness, beauty of the text, and a number of other ways. Major themes seen in both of these stories are search for identity and violence. These themes are in both these stories and are what bring power and uniqueness to the style of the writing. Beowulf and Grendel are both very well known for displaying what a true epic hero was and showed the flaws every epic hero had as well. In both Grendel and Beowulf, a strong theme seen the author’s point of view is a search for identity. It is not just Beowulf and Grendel...
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...Beowulf essay In Beowulf one if the main themes is revenge, this is shown many ways during the story. Beowulf is our main character in the story , also we have the king that he will help known as King Hrothgar. Beowulf will face many creatures in his journey during this story the important ones are Grendel followed by his mother then finally the dragon. One of the very first times we see the theme is when Grendel comes up for revenge on the King Hrothgar’s people. The next timers when Grendel's mother comes up from her swamp to seek revenge. Finally the last major time the theme comes up is when the dragons reign of terroir will be put to rest. Beowulf is called upon by King Hrothgar when Grendel kills many of his me (lines 35-39). The reason Grendel was so angry with them was because they were singing joyful songs about God. This made Grendel boil with hate so he took action seeking revenge on the king's people. Grendel was mad...
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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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...The plots of Beowulf reveal how society changes culturally as time progresses. The epic poem initially begins as a story symbolizing Pagan ideas and beliefs. As time advances, the epic poem gradually evolves into a story involving Christianity. The latest variation of Beowulf tackled various issues society encounters in our modern world. Overall, Beowulf is an ever-changing epic. Elements of Paganism is seen numerous times throughout the epic poem. Many examples of Paganism is seen in Beowulf’s character. Beowulf’s character is written as a hero. In Pagan society, heroes fight or go to war for fame or to be remembered when they meet their death. This was Beowulf’s purpose for volunteering to leave Geatland to venture to Denmark to end evil. Many characters possess superhuman strength. Beowulf and Grendel are prime examples of characters with superhuman strength. Beowulf displays his abilities when he swims underwater for hours without gasping or oxygen. Grendel displays his superhuman abilities with his incredible strength as he murders Danish soldiers. The symbolism of Good vs Evil displays with Grendel and Beowulf’s gruesome duel. Within the many examples of Paganism, Christian aspects also appear in Beowulf. An example of Christian faith in the poem is when Beowulf and his troops arrive in Denmark to battle Grendel, the group thank God for the safe ride to Denmark. A major example is Beowulf’s character. Beowulf’s heroic personality and decisions consider him to be a God-like...
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...In the poem “Beowulf” written by an unknown author and created around the 8th century, there is a major presence partially hidden through the whole poem which is Death and it presents itself numerous times during major moments, mostly fights that always end up in the demise of the enemy and later the hero himself demonstrating a major theme in the story that fate cannot be avoided. To start with, Beowulf is a poem that is already filled with glorious epic battles, descriptive violence, and seemingly invincible monster capable of great destruction that must be defeated by the incredibly strong hero; so unsurprisingly death is not a particularly strange occurrence, in fact the poem actually mentions that it can’t neither be controlled nor halted. For example in line 440-441 there is a brief sentence that goes as, “Whichever one death fells must deem it a just Judgment by God”, this quote even gives more insight in the subject of fate and religion impact in the poem by saying that God is the only...
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...Old and Middle English Literature In many works from the Old English period, which was approximately between 600-1100, there were many distinguishing characteristics, which included heroism, a strict class system, religion, and teachings of moral behavior. Some different characteristics of Old English literature, which is a language derived from Old German, include a strong belief in fate in a very poetry dominated era. Many of the poems are called elegies of that time, which were sorrowful poems, such as “The Wanderer.” Another large characteristic of Old English literature is that of praising or honoring heroes of any kind, especially ones that prevail in battle. Some of these include the Cross from, “Dream of the Rood,” Beowulf from Beowulf, the lost hero in “The Wanderer,” Judith from “Judith,” and the biggest hero who is included in almost all poems and pieces of Old English literature, Christ. Many of these works express much religious faith having to do with Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon people also had a very strict class system. Going along with the faith they believed in the Great Chain of Being, which said that when God made the entire world each creature was put in their position. God made a monarchy and put the members of that high status position there for a reason and did the same for a person who was a slave, God made them that and put them in that position in society. The people on the top of the chain are supposed to help the others on the lower end...
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...and His Greatest Enemy Beowulf is an epic poem created by the the ancient Anglo-Saxons of Britain. For a poem to be an epic, it has six requirements: long and narrative, involves a long journey for the hero, the hero must overcome obstacles, long prideful speeches, the poem takes place over a long period of time, and the hero reflects the culture from which he comes. The poem was recited as early as the sixth century when stories were passed along orally by scops who were traveling storytellers. Since stories were passed on orally, the authors of many Anglo-Saxon poems are unknown. Beowulf was passed on orally for centuries until the eleventh century, it was finally written down by scholars. Since then the story about the mighty Beowulf has become a polyglot epic poem translated by hundreds of people such as Burton Raffel who translated the poem into modern day English. The poem grew from past traditions such as the monsters, loyalty to the chief, and the decent to unknown regions of the earth were familiar element of Celtic and Scandinavian folk tales. By combining different traditions and later adding Christian ideas into one story, scops created a cultural reference point for Anglo-Saxons to learn from. Since there are various traditions blended into Beowulf, there are underlying themes such as heritage, pride, respect, gifting, good versus evil, strength, and customs. A major theme of the poem is pride. One can believe that the pride of Beowulf led him to his own downfall...
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...Modern Relevance of Beowulf The epic “Beowulf” tells of a courageous Geat warrior who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, King of the Danes, when his people are plagued by two demons from the Cain ancestry line. With his courage and strength, Beowulf defeats the two evils that cause terror and destruction among the townspeople. Several years later, Beowulf, now king of his people, must put an end to the fire-spewing dragon that has taken refuge on his land. The intense battle between Beowulf and the dragon end in the death of both opponents. Beowulf left behind a long and great legacy that leaves his people speechless and heart-broken for their fallen hero. Even though this Anglo-Saxon epic was written between the fifth and seventh century, it carries many similarities to modern day society. The similarities can be seen in modern literature and pop culture, the comitatus, the various struggles that occur, and the qualities that make up a great leader. The poem epic has left a huge print on modern day writers and pop culture. Its influence can be seen in many modern fantasies from J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy “Lord of the Rings” and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. J. R. R. has been known to be one of the few scholars that have seriously contributed his works to Beowulf. In “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” he states how Anglo-Saxon literature had a long-lasting effect on present thoughts. Similarities between the Anglo-Saxon themes and ideas can be found throughout the...
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...Moore Professor Graham EN 231 July 27, 2016 Beowulf the Legend The action packed, fantasy film Beowulf, released in 2007 is an animated 3D film inspired by the fictional old English epic poem Beowulf. The film was directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis, and contains an all-star cast including, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Ray Winstone, Jon Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brenden Gleeson, Crispin Glover and Alison Lohman. The film is a loose adaption of the epic poem Beowulf, and the screenwriters, Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary have weaved various tidbits of differences throughout the film, adding a touch of “Hollywood” to the story. Avary is a Hollywood screenwriter, and Gaiman is a well-accomplished author across a huge number of...
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...not dilute the over whelming sensation of sorrow and loss in Anglo-Saxon literature. It only provides a way of coping with it. Death is a complex subject in Anglo-Saxon culture. It is highlighted quite nicely in the epic poem, Beowulf. Beowulf is the strongest of men. Hrothgar describes him as “that in the grasp of his hand that man renowned in battle has the might of thirty men” (Beowulf 333-335). He has risked his life multiple times to show how truly noble and courageous a man he can be, but the thanes still thought, “Not one of them believed he would see / day dawn, or ever return to his family / and friends, and the place where he was born; / they well knew that in recent days / far to many Danish men had come to bloody ends in that hall (Beowulf 602-608).” Even in the presence of the greatest of warriors, the people still fear Grendel and believe Beowulf will just become another meal for this ferocious beast. The details in this passage drive home the point that these people live a dismal life. In addition, it portrays a mood of despair. The word "bloody" highlights the passage because these Danish men didn't just die. They meet a bloody end in a place of joy and comradery. "The Wife’s Complaint" portrays the mood differently. In Beowulf, the characters could often find...
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...In the poem Beowulf the idea of warrior culture is described through literary, poetic and real life situations. Beowulf is an epic poem about a hero who sparks up an old rooted allegiance to help save the Danish people from a terror far greater than anyone has ever seen. However, this is only the beginning of his journey as he ends up defeating the monster and later dies in his old age fighting off a dragon in his last breathe. The journey itself is one that displays the warrior culture that lives within the Anglo-Saxon period and through the lenses of literary, poetic and real life situations the reader is shown how society was built and society had valued. From the very beginning of the poem we see that weapons and gifts are a big part of the warrior culture, they represent honor, glory, pride and status within a society. Anglo-Saxon society in literary terms was centered on a warrior chieftain and his retinue of loyal followers who were expected to defend him to the death. Loyalty is essential and is rewarded by the chief's generosity...
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...characters who sacrifice themselves for others in order to teach a lesson. The major theme is the triumph of goodness over evil. Beowulf and King Arthur, the epic heroes of grand tales, stand out for all that is good, brave and proper, while the villains stand for evil. However during the course of the stories the two heroes die tragically in a triumphant battle over vice and evil the course of the tale. The characters only perish after the evil is vanquished and destroyed. Sir Thomas Mallory brings forth a courageous character King Arthur, utilizing weaponry and leadership, to enlighten the kingdom of the unique characteristics of a true hero While Beowulf depicts the Anglo-Saxon era to tell a story of one who fights to better society. It is a known fact that heroes over time and overseas all heroes have something in common; which is true in the case of King Arthur and Beowulf. It is obvious that they are similar in the fact that they are both heroes, but what makes them an idol of their time and in their culture are poles apart. There are many things that are different about Beowulf and King Arthur, but the ones that stand out the most are what kind of hero they are and what actions they did to make them heroic. Both heroes possess qualities that others do not have, but it is what they do with those abilities that prompts someone to write a story about them and idolize them in time. King Arthur and Beowulf are both heroes whose stories originated in the England area. They were written...
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...Dan Gallegos October 20, 2014 Ms.Delgado While the classic battle between good and evil forces is a major theme of the medieval epic Beowulf, one may question whether these good and evil forces are as black and white as they appear. Scholars such as Herbert G. Wright claim that “the dragon, like the giant Grendel, is an enemy of mankind, and the audience of Beowulf can have entertained no sympathy for either the one or the other”. However, other scholars such as Andy Orchard disagree with this claim, and believe that there is “something deeply human about the ‘monsters’”. While Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon are indeed portrayed as evil and violent foes, there are parts within Beowulf that can also lead a reader to believe that the “monsters” may not be so monstrous after all. This ultimately evokes traces of sympathy in the reader for the plight of these “monster” figures, and blurs the fine line between good and evil within the poem The first opponent Beowulf must face in the land of the Danes is Grendel, textually described as “a fiend out of hell … a grim demon / haunting the marches, / marauding round the heath / and the desolate fens” (Beowulf, line 100 – 104). The author also provides us with a moral description, explaining how Grendel is “merciless … malignant by nature, he never showed remorse” (line 135-137). As we can see here, the author’s physical and moral portrayal of Grendel is rather unforgiving. We also resent Grendel further once we learn that...
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...Heroic literary characters are often an idealistic representation of what is valued in a civilization. These characters allow insight on the standards of the time in which the works were written. By exploring such roles, one is able to reach a deeper understanding of what heroism meant to those in the past. Beowulf, a medieval epic, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a poem emerging from the mid to late 14th century, exhibit protagonists that mirror the idealistic persona of their respective ages. Beowulf, in his namesake epic, steps up to face every challenge he is presented and performs a flawless display bravery and strength. Sir Gawain is a flawed, more human character, yet continues to strive for glory and the greater good. As a reflection of the ideal hero of their periods, Beowulf and Sir Gawain differ in their values, noble qualities, and the motivations behind their achievements. Beowulf establishes a clear-cut vision of the Anglo-Saxon heroic ideals- devotion to bloodlines, demonstrating one’s valor in battle, and accepting the spoils of war with...
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...retake the dwarves’ homeland. This epic tale can be analyzed using a mythological, biographical, or historical critic’s point of view. There are also a few themes seen throughout the novel, including greed and the journey. From a mythological standpoint, one could mention the works of literature that Tolkien himself said has influenced his fantasies about the fabled land of Middle-earth: Iceland’s Poetic Edda and Beowulf. Some tales in Norse mythology can also be analyzed to apply to Tolkien’s novel. Based on a biographically and historically opinion, one might talk about the World Wars’ effect on Tolkien and his novels. Another approach that could be taken is one based on the archetypes seen in The Hobbit; the hero, Bilbo Baggins, and the villain, the dragon Smaug. One could connect the archetypes and events of The Hobbit to those of Beowulf. The Hobbit could also be seen as a novel of the genre bildungsroman, which means “coming-of-age” and focuses on the emotional and physical development of the main character. The use of mythological criticism in the analysis of J.R.R Tolkien’s first novel The Hobbit is by far the most popular among renowned literature critics – one of whom was CS Lewis, an author of children’s fantasy novels himself. It is easy to explain the story from a mythological point of view; many ancient texts have themes similar to those of The Hobbit, including those of both a physical and emotional journey. The first of many works that are said to have influenced Tolkien’s...
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