Analysis Of The Poem ' Beowulf '
This essay offers literary analysis of Beowulf, the oldest epic poem that has survived in English literature. It is also widely known as the earliest surviving piece of literatures in vernacular European Literature. The language of this poem is Old English, spoken by Saxon people. This poem depicts a traditional story that is a part of oral Germanic tradition. As per experts, this is work of a single poet and was composed in then England. It has been determined by the scholars that this poem was written between 8th and 11th century. The value of this poem in English literature can be compared with value of Iliad and Odyssey in Greek literature. Beowulf, one of the oldest poems in existence, offers a glimpse of the world that had a heroic code of honor. It was also inhabited by various kinds of monsters.
This story is set in Scandinavia and tells the story of Beowulf and his heroic deeds and records the culture as well as values of the bygone era. This story is about prince of Geats, Beowulf, whose kingdom is at Southern Sweden. He gets the message that a terrible monster, Grendel is terrorizing Denmark and its king, Hrothgar's fabulous hall Heorot. He visits and stays in this place, One night, when Grendel comes back, Beowulf wounds the creature mortally, who flees and goes back to swamp to die. On next night, Grendel's mother visits the fabled hall to get revenge for her son's death. Beowulf pursues her back to swamp and kills her in underwater fight. He goes back to hall
Beowulf Analysis
Beowulf was an outstanding literary piece of work that incorporated many different aspects of life including those of a warrior. The main character Beowulf was portrayed as a strong man that fought for glory, his king, and God. While he fought valiantly to protect people he did have some shortcomings. He was not suited to rule anyone yet due to his renowned fighting skills people put him in positions of power. While he managed to portrayed himself as a successful leader he only helped his people temporarily. He was able to protect others while he was alive, but he did not prepare for the future and when he died he left a power gap no one could fill. He was successful in his youth when he could win almost any fight, but with age he starts to show his flaws. Beowulf was a charismatic leader who could rally people behind him, yet he was not capable of leading them off the battlefield. First I will address how Beowulf won the people's support through battle and how that potentially negatively impacted the characters in the long run. He was the perfect warrior and since monsters and battles are common in this story he was incredibly influential. Beowulf first learned camaraderie and bravery by fighting with other men. In battles one had to be able to rely on the others fighting with him in order to win everyone had to fight to their fullest. "In brief, feedback was swift, and a warrior band consisting of cowardly warriors would not"¹ That is why Beowulf became so well known and
Beowulf Analysis
Throughout this semester, I read much reading that had to do with English1302, but most of them haven't caught my attention at all except Beowulf. This reading is most philosophical than other to me. In this paper. I ponder the story that makes it a more philosophical about the perusing than the majority of alternate readings are going to be the genuine and how the story is composed by the writer. On the off chance that the perusing has an awesome storyline then it will emerge to the readers. The story instructs a ton about writing to the understudies or any other individual that understands it and along these lines, it assumes a major part in the English classes we take today and is a noteworthy story that is read all over in the United States....show more content...
The Old English Saxons esteemed dauntlessness, chivalry, quality, devotion, popularity through transcendent deeds and they want to battle malicious. Their pioneers were their best warriors. Beowulf himself epitomizes these characteristics, and you can discover cases of these all through the content. He is the most grounded and best warrior in his nation and after he vanquishes Grendel and his mom, he turns into the king. Wiglaf, who turns into Beowulf's successor, likewise exemplifies these trails. At the point when the greater part of alternate fighters surrenders Beowulf in his deadly fight against the monster, Wiglaf remains on his side. He demonstrates fearlessness and devotion in helping Beowulf vanquish the mythical beast. which is the reason he is named the following ruler. In observing his landmark, future ages will recollect Beowulf and the characteristics he typifies, reminding them to battle detestable powers with boldness and quality and to dependably be faithful to his kin. Anglo Saxon culture did not esteem mankind. Beowulf could hugely affect the readers since it shows us about writing and just by the way the story is composed, I surmise that the readers will have a superior comprehension about future readings and furthermore open up to individuals who need to end up writers later on if they want to by this
Beowulf Analytical Essay
"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil." – Ayn Rand. To fully understand the complex world and culture of the Anglo–Saxons, one must examine the only form of historical evidence available – texts. One particular great work from this time period is often underrated and overshadowed in modern society by many other ancient works such as Iliad or Oedipus Rex. The epic poem, Beowulf, was sung by multiple unknown Anglo–Saxon poets four centuries before the Norman Conquest. The theme of good versus evil was constantly reappearing throughout the storyline, the portrayal of evil and its downfall initially shaped the poem's plot, and illustrates an alien presence; something that...show more content...
Grendel's invasion of Herot symbolizes the destruction of peace and safety, and the imperfections within the society. The twelve years Grendel had haunted Herot, "Herot stood empty, and stayed deserted for years" (145–146) were also the twelve years Hrothgar and his kingdom suffered. Nevertheless, when Beowulf finally eliminated Grendel, readers see a different side of Herot, "Golden tapestries were lined along the walls, for a host of visitors to see and take pleasure in" (995–996), the glory and grandeur was restored, all with the slaying of Grendel – an outcast of society. The rigid and confined society of the Danes also shaped the way its people think and act, but also influenced greatly on the writings. Given the fact that metaphors and kennings are common in Old English literature; the representation of "evil" is also something not to be taken on a literal level. "Edgetho had begun a bitter feud / Killing Hathlaf, a Wulfing warrior" (459–460), inter–tribal feuds, therefore, are also a destroyer of peace. Grendel takes on a form that is left uncertain; its real meaning hidden behind the metaphorical mask of a monster, is the never–ending battles between tribal armies (namely, the Danes, Geats, Frisians, and the Swedes) that had disturbed the tranquility people had longed for. It is almost a barrier of peacekeeping, hider of hope. Hence, it is represented by Grendel, a great evil hated by many, whom
Beowulf Analysis
The epic poem Beowulf, may be hundreds of years old but the life lessons still apply to our own lives. Many life lessons can be found in the text, like being selfless or brave. Personally, the most important life lesson that I learned from the poem was loyalty. Loyalty is defined as a strong feeling of support or allegiance to someone. Wiglaf and the army swore to be loyal to Beowulf. In the end, only Wiglaf actually helped Beowulf out or was truly loyal (108). The other army members didn't stand up to their word and did what they said they were going to do. In our own lives, it is easy to commit to something when life is easy, but when there is a really rough situation you figure out what people are truly willing to do for you. The true
Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay
Ronis Aba September 27th, 2012 Period 6th
"No better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise." This is an ultimate description of the heroic events of Beowulf, an old Anglo–Saxon poem about a warrior who battles and destroys three horrifying monsters. Although written long ago, the emotions expressed within this work, emotions of bravery, valor, and ethics still speak to us centuries later. The anonymous author of the poem convinces us through the masterful use of various literary elements that emphasize its meaning and message. Conflict, imagery and setting are three literary elements that contribute to the effectiveness of the poem. The use of conflict aids...show more content...
Another literary element that offer meaning to the poem is imagery, by simply allowing the readers to envision the events of the story. In the first part of the story (129–134), Beowulf is described as coming over "seas beating at the sand" while "the ship foamed through the sea like a bird." This scene truly guides the readers to admire the vivid description of how proud and tough the ship looks. This ship in this case, becomes a metonymy for Beowulf himself, who is certainly proud and strong, resulting in the readers' admiration. Additional imagery is used describing the mere, or lake, discussed above, with "storms [an] waves splash[ing] towards the sky, as dark as the air as black as the rain that the heavens weep" (440–442). This clearly illustrates how dreadful Grendel and his mothers' home is. It intensely aids us to picture how grotesquely unpleasant the lake actually is. Near the end of the tale (lines 651–653], Beowulf "[strides] with his shield at his side and a mail shirt of his breast..... Toward the tower, under the rocky cliffs." While Beowulf awaits the battle, the description of his armor and the details of each entry help us to respect how ready he is for his concluding battle. Even as an elderly man, Beowulf is a hero beyond compare. In closing, the use of imagery greatly enriches the readers' experience of this heroic epic. Evidently, the setting of Beowulf helps the readers to better understand the cultures and events that occur in the
Literary Analysis Essay On Beowulf
The epic poem Beowulf follows the battles of a warrior named Beowulf. Beowulf originated during the Anglo–Saxon Period, which was also known as the Dark Ages. This time period was a preliterate society; unlike most of the poems we know today, the poems and stories of that time were orally spoken. The literature of that time focused more on the cruel lifestyle of the warriors and the unspoken rules they had to live by. In Beowulf, Beowulf, the prince of the Geats, had many devastating challenges, including battles with fearsome monsters such as Grendels and a Dragon. Throughout the poem, Beowulf shows many signs of courage and bravery while he saves his nation and his people. Beowulf is considered an epic hero because he illustrates the idea of being of noble status, showing bravery, and bringing glory to his nation and his people. Beowulf was didn't have to earn the title of a noble, because he was born as the nephew of the King. Proven by Beowulf when he introduces himself to everyone, "Hail, Hrothgar! Higlac is my cousin and my king:" (140–142) During this time he also tells everyone about the monsters he...show more content...
If weapons were useless, he'd use his hands" (487–490) , he fought both the Grendel and its mother with his bare hands. His final battle was the greatest sign of bravery any man could have given, and this was Beowulf gave up his life in order to save his kingdom and his people. While doing this he also glorified his kingdom and all the people within it by drowning them in gold and jewels, "This tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf's tower, and boats in the darkness And mist, crossing the sea, will know it." Even though it may seem like he was trying to make himself look better, in the end as he was the king and once the greatest warrior, as his name is known throughout the world, so is his
Beowulf Analysis
Beowulf is the hero in the poem by the same name. Throughout the poem Beowulf faces three battles, with Grendel, with Grendel's mother and a dragon. Beowulf is already a seasoned warrior when he encounters his first demon in the poem, and he only gains more experience as the story goes on. Beowulf faces monsters and politics throughout the story of self–preservation, revenge and learning. Though the three beasts have similarities, Beowulf's attack and battle with each of them is different. Grendel killed and destroyed in the village of Heorot. The text says "he grabbed thirty men from their resting places and rushed to his lair, flushed up and inflamed from the raid, blundering back with the butchered corpses." When morning came, the...show more content...
We see that Beowulf is smart, and has used his intelligence combined with his strength to overcome all of his previous trials and his current one. Beowulf's second battle is with Grendel's mother. Having heard of her son's death, Grendel's mother is overcome with a desire to exact revenge. She killed many, including Hrothgar's best friend. Upon hearing the news, Beowulf decides to help exact revenge. Beowulf went into the swamp to find Grendel's mother, and was given a sword to help him defeat her. The sword, Hrunting, had been used in many battles previously and had always produced a victory. Beowulf came face to face with Grendel's mother and fought her with Hrunting. The sword did not harm her, so he threw it aside. Grendel's mother landed a couple blows, hitting his shoulder through his armor. Beowulf saw a sword in her armory, he took it and used it to defeat her. Beowulf's second battle was more difficult, and he was completely alone while fighting. The second battle, like the first, was for self–preservation rather than for glory. There is symbolism in Beowulf fighting underwater, as it is similar to a baptism. Beowulf entered the water with a purpose and a tool, but while under the water he had to make a new plan because his original plan failed. He exited the water a hero with new experiences and a new trophy. After celebrating with Hrothgar and his people, Beowulf returns home. Time passes and Beowulf becomes King. Many years down the
Beowulf Analysis
The story of Beowulf is a tale as old as time it is one of the oldest stories in the English language. It has been passed down generation to generation, being changed as time goes on. It's a story of good versus evil it's a story of how a beast named Grendel attacked men and their way of life. So a hero steps in to save the day by killing the beast that everyone was too scared to face and then the beast mother comes to avenge his death and the hero kills her off leaving the land a better place. This version of the story is one that no one has ever heard before it's one like no other it takes place on the best battlefield ever the soccer field. It was two teams that hated each other the Lady Panthers and the Vilonia Eagles. The Eagles had one girl on their team who was terrorizing all the teams in the league she was a bully. Her name was Becky, she was six foot four and towered over all the other girls she had long blond hair that she braided and used as a whip and she was two hundred and seventy five pounds of pure muscle she was a beast she would shove you and you would have to do everything you could just to stay up. Their was one team who was tired of hearing about how she is the meanest in the league and how nobody or team can beat becky and her team but the lady panthers heard of how she was acting and treating everyone so they went into battle with them. The Lady Panther were being lead by their caption Susan who chose to play in the same spot at Becky this game, she
Beowulf Analysis
Beowulf is an Anglo–Saxon epic poem that has shaped and influenced much what modern literature is today. It originated as an oral story, being spoken in communities around the Scandinavian land. The story was written around 700a.d. The setting, characters the relate to historical figures, and plot give clues as to when the action of the story occurs, which is most likely around 500a.d. The author of the original Beowulf is believed to be Christian, despite the fact that several characters in the epic poem acted contrary to how a Christian should act. In the translation of Beowulf, written by Burton Raffel (a Signet Classic), there is the usage of Christian quotes and objects of Christianity. Burton Raffel said about his translation "The translator's only hope is to re–create something roughly equivalent in the new language, something that is itself good poetry and that at the same time carries the reasonable measure of force and flavor of the original..." Beowulf is well renowned because of it has simple themes, symbols, and motifs.
In lines 175–189 there are proofs that the author may have had a Christian worldview. He talked about Heaven, Hell, and even God and Satan. It is clear that he opposes Hell and does not have a positive outlook on Hell when he said "Of Heaven and earth; their ears could not hear His praise nor know His glory." The definition of glory is high renown or honor won by notable achievements, and magnificence or great beauty. If the author did
Beowulf Character Analysis Essay
A lot of people have a routine. A pattern of events that makes their daily lives run with ease. People also have a keen eye for finding routines in the world around us. There are patterns in everything. In music, musicians tend to use the same couple of cords throughout their songs. In movies the hero usually ends up winning. This was a pattern noticed and outlined by Joseph Campbell in his book The hero with a thousand faces. The story will start with an ordinary world in which our hero's parents are odd in some way. There is a call to adventure which is often initially refused. Then our hero meets a mentor who teaches him about his power. There are some trials and tribulations until the hero overcomes a supreme ordeal. Finally the hero returns...show more content...
These may be the only steps that fit into Joseph Campbell's outline of a core story. Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel and people celebrate his victories. They even hang parts of Grendel from the rafters as proof of Beowulf's achievements (24). Overcoming a remarkable exploit is what makes an epic what it is. Without this factor, Beowulf would just be another story and not fit into most stories of Anglo–Saxon culture. It is important to know though, that every core of a story ,at some point, has to relate to another core. It must have a beginning and an end. In this situation, the Anglo–Saxon's ending core relates to that of Joseph
Beowulf Analysis
The epic poem, Beowulf, known as one of the preeminent pieces of Anglo–Saxon writing, was first written down by a Christian monk in the 8th century after being passed down orally from generation to generation. The poem conveys the ideals of heroism and kingship through the story of Beowulf, a Geat from Sweden, and his battles with monstrous Grendel, Grendel's vindictive mother, and the greedy dragon. Around the same time, the Anglo–Saxon people were beginning to be introduced to new Christian concepts by philosopher St. Augustine. The author, being a Christian monk, incorporated several Christian aspects into the original Pagan text. Therefore, Seamus Heaney's translation of the epic poem, Beowulf, consists of various Christian and Pagan undertones and themes including fate versus God's will, heaven versus hell, and good versus evil.
Similar to most Pagan–based works, Beowulf puts an emphasis on the concept of Wyrd, or fate, while also integrating the Christian notion of God's will. The Anglo–Saxons believed that every person's life would eventually conclude due to the vast array of dangers in the world and therefore, they expressed the importance of fame and reputation in order for your name to live on forever. As Beowulf states, "Fate goes ever as fate must" (Heaney 445). Beowulf was aware that his life would come to end when the time was right and he knew that he could not change the outcome. Beowulf and many other Geats and Danes have this outlook on life and they let it
Analysis of Beowulf Essay
After a long journey, you find yourself in uncharted territory. As you scout the area, you notice a small village off in the distance. Upon approaching this settlement, you are greeted by some armed townsfolk. They attack you without warning, and take you to a large hall in the center of town. There, you see many men parading around in an intoxicated stupor, showing off their trophies and talking of their success in past battles and wars. They eat with bare hands, ripping at the food and drinking until they can no longer handle themselves, finding a home on the open floor. The hall is dressed with weapons of war, from shields to swords and everything in between. The women are wrapped in chains, fulfilling their only purpose of serving the...show more content...
When describing a nation as "barbaric" or "uncivilized", there are a few key factors you search for. One of the most common factors discussed in an uncivilized nation is the over abundance of violence, most likely due to a lack of social order and control. If you were to base the idea of barbarism exclusively on violence, then the Anglo–Saxons would without doubt be considered uncivilized. The author of the poem seems to have a fascination with the violent nature of man kind. Beowulf, the main character of the poem, seems to thrash about the countryside looking for violence around every corner. For example, at the beginning of the poem, Beowulf travels to the "lord of the Danes" to "proffer [his] wholehearted help...a way to defeat [Hrothgar's] enemy and find respite..." (278–280). It seems, at least to the poet, fighting is the best way to establish favorable renown and show your power among others. The first
Beowulf Analysis
Though it is often viewed both as the archetypal Anglo–Saxon literary work and as a cornerstone of modern literature, Beowulf has a peculiar history that complicates both its historical and its canonical position in English literature. By the time the story of Beowulf was composed by an unknown Anglo–Saxon poet around 700 a.d., much of its material had been in circulation in oral narrative for many years. The Anglo–Saxon and Scandinavian peoples had invaded the island of Britain and settled there several hundred years earlier, bringing with them several closely related Germanic languages that would evolve into Old English. Elements of the Beowulf story–including its setting and characters–date back to the period before the migration. The action of the poem takes place around 500 a.d. Many of the characters in the poem–the Swedish and Danish royal family members, for example–correspond to actual historical figures. Originally pagan warriors, the Anglo–Saxon and Scandinavian invaders experienced a large–scale conversion to Christianity at the end of the sixth century. Though still an old pagan story, Beowulf thus came to be told by a Christian poet. The Beowulf poet is often at pains to attribute Christian thoughts and motives to his characters, who frequently behave in distinctly un–Christian ways. The Beowulfthat we read today is therefore probably quite unlike the Beowulf with which the first Anglo–Saxon audiences were familiar. The element of religious tension is quite
Beowulf Analysis
The epic Beowulf, over time has been interpreted many times over, and thusly misinterpreted by both critics and readers alike. For many reasons Beowulf is difficult to understand. Due mostly to the uncertainty of background and origin of the story, first time readers rely heavily on other peoples' interpretations and ideas. As a result, it is nearly impossible to have an unbiased view of the poem. This paper's purpose is to decipher between the author's true intent and the thoughts of other members of the audience. The author of Beowulf's intent in writing was to emphasize the "epic" history and "great" qualities of a civilization worth remembering. This was accomplished through the character of Beowulf who, as an epic hero, is the embodiment of all qualities viewed as admirable by the Anglo–Saxon society. What the author did not intend through the epic was to make a religious or political point. To prove this point, this paper will focus on the death of Beowulf. Throughout the poem, Beowulf is the ideal hero; however, is slain in combat with The Dragon, leaving a hopeless feeling in regards to the future of the Geats. The final section of this poem has a sort of ominous tone, as if the author truly thought of this time period as hopeless. This paper will attempt to show that Beowulf's people were not in fact left without hope, that the burial of their riches were the correct course of action, and lastly Beowulf's demise was in fact a positive thing over time. Many
Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Grendel
The Old English epic Beowulf is built around the archetype of the journeying hero. Beowulf exemplifies a classical hero, one who is not immune from hubris, but who channels his strong will into judicious endeavors. Thus, Beowulf dies with the honor and glory befitting a king. His story is one of distinct binaries between good and evil. On the side opposite to Beowulf's goodness is the gruesome Grendel. Grendel is a monster, and the original epic poem does nothing to introduce moral ambiguity that would engender any sympathy for the creature. The creature represents brute force and misanthropic evil, which Beowulf successfully vanquishes. Therefore, Beowulf is established as an existential warrior–hero whose acts of courage and bravery are not just beneficial for his ego but to all of humanity. Grendel is a one–dimensional monster; whereas Beowulf is slightly more complex due to his status and role in society. In 1971, John Gardner retells the medieval tale of Beowulf, from Grendel's point of view. In so doing, Gardner creates a new postmodern hero. Grendel is not the demon that Beowulf and the Danes thought he was; a literary technique that raises all sorts of issues related to stereotyping, discrimination, racism, imperialism, and cultural hegemony. Grendel also reworks the theme of heroism by injecting moral ambiguity into the original story. With Grendel, Gardner replaces a more realistic version of moral right and wrong for the simple dualistic worldview of Beowulf.
Beowulf Analysis
In the Anglo–Saxon epic poem Beowulf, the stupendous hero's many great deeds often appear to be for other's benefit, yet Beowulf's final conquest exposes his lust for glory and fame, thereby showing his lack of concern for anything else. This lust for immense glory and fame feeds his ego and causes his death and the imminent downfall of his great people the Geats. Throughout the poem, Beowulf's deeds seem marvelous and good, yet in the end we can see the real motive behind his actions was his lust for glory. The first indication of this occurs when Unferth interrogates Beowulf on Beowulf losing a simple race. Beowulf immediately counters this criticism with a boast stating he lost the race to save sailors, "From now on sailors would be...show more content...
Again in this fight, he only wins by finding a magic sword, but no one questions his luck and the people of Heorot celebrate his great triumphs. Thus, through his unquestioned luck, Beowulf grows immensely in fame and glory and he enjoys it. Finally, after many years, Beowulf goes on to face his final opponent; the Dragon. After the Dragon has been set on a rampage against the Geats, Beowulf declares in his last boast that, selfishly, he will defeat the Dragon alone, "Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast for the last time: I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning" (2510–14). Beowulf's emphasis in his formal boast is about "the glory of winning" instead of expressing concern for his people. Beowulf, this entire time, has not been fighting monsters for the Geats or to help others. In this formal boast he directly reveals his true intentions of gaining glory. He even states right afterwards that if he were stronger he would fight the dragon without a weapon, exactly how he had fought with Grendel, "I would rather not use a weapon if I knew any other way" (2518–19), but alas he has grown old and realizes he needs the help of a blade to slay the Dragon. Then he speaks to his comrades about the battle, stating that he alone will fight the Dragon and must either win the fight
Beowulf Analysis
Beowulf, the historical epic, has enlightened historians and captivated readers for centuries, yet along with its riveting plot and engaging heroes, therein lies one distinct blunder. Throughout the sequence of Beowulf's adventures, Beowulf himself and his companions address God and Biblical stories occasionally make their appearance. However, a brief glance at the background of Beowulf and his people would inform any onlooker of Christianity's absence during this time. This accident does not alter the plot of Beowulf significantly, nonetheless, they may irritate a well–educated historian. Yet, armed with this literary mishap one could uncover the abundant historical information, the form of the author's culture, and perhaps ponder upon how the omission of Christianity would modify the story. Thus, instead of this accident creating a negative impact it has introduced beneficial information and given a cause to exercise one's brain.
Throughout the previous years, historians have sought to satisfy their insatiable hunger for the past by the means of ancient literature. Yet, along with the plot of ancient tales, historians also search for errors in the manuscripts in order to learn the history of the author rather than the characters. To understand the mistake of the author and the situation of Beowulf's people, the Geats, one must first recognize the epic's setting: sixth century Sweden. The Norton Anthology Western Literature Vol. 1 throws light upon the fact that
Beowulf Analysis
The reference that most helped to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Beowulf was an article I found on the website CliffNotes. The article is titled "Beowulf", written by Stanley Baldwin and Elaine Strong. The article is broken down into multiple segments. Each segment discusses something different in relation to the epic poem Beowulf, all of which help to explain Beowulf even further. There are segments discussing the context of the epic poem, Beowulf's plot, the characters in the story, the symbolism within the epic poem, and much more. The website also includes a glossary full of terms in Beowulf and famous quotes and what they meant within the story.
This website goes into detail about why Beowulf is an extremely important piece of literature. Every segment is filled with information about Beowulf and about the cultures and religions surrounding the epic poem. It explains the geography surrounding the poem, and it even breaks down each and every character in the epic poem, making them easier to understand. The plot is neatly summarized and everything in the poem is put into context.
One of the biggest segments of the website is the character overview section. Each and every character in the entire epic poem is written about. The article helps to explain each character and what they are about. The characters of Beowulf can be complex, so the website provides its readers with guides on each one. The website also includes a line–by–line breakdown of the story. Each
Beowulf Analysis
Knowing Your Place
In the poem Beowulf, the author shifts from Beowulf being an orphan to being a king, by incorporating underlying themes such as strength and skill, identity, and shift in power to demonstrate the importance of social structure and the adherence to the comitatus code between noblemen and thanes. The most important literary element that the poet utilizes is strength and skill for the reason that the better you are in combat the more respected you are and the greater your rewards. One of the first examples of the comitatus code in Beowulf occurs when Beowulf responds to King Hrothgar's call for help. King Hrothgar would like peace restored to his kingdom, but thus far this has proven to be impossible. Wreaking havoc on his...show more content...
According to the comitatus code, a thane's worth is proven by their strength and skill.
As a result of Beowulf's success, the author uses the theme of identity to build on the importance of social structure and the important bond of the comitatus code. Beowulf was famous for his exploits and was seen as one of the best in the land. Threatening Beowulf's reputation, Unferth says he is too boastful and has a "worse fate" coming for him (10). Beowulf, defending his image, says that Unferth is "drunken as thou art with beer" and tells his version of the story (10). Unferth probably tried to demean Beowulf because he was jealous and felt that his own reputation as a warrior was at stake thus illustrating how important image is to the characters and how they want to be the best of their class. It is clear that strength and skill, and identity feed off of each other given that victory in battle increases the worth of one's reputation. Beowulf wages war against three monsters during this poem. After his first victory against Grendel, he proved his character while gaining popularity, respect, and treasure. The praise of King Hrothgar represents the bond of the comitatus code when he states, "Now Beowulf, best of men, I will love you in my heart like a son; keep to our new kinship from this day on" ( ). Unferth, who criticized him the day before