Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay
L.C
M.K
English II Pre-AP
4 May 2014
Beowulf: Looking Glass into The Past Anonymously written some time between the 7th and 8th century, Beowulf captures cultural, historical and literary worth of ancient life expressed through the original author’s viewpoint on what happened around him and his society. Although Beowulf was a highly embellished epic that gave the people of the time period something to clutch onto when “terror was everywhere and myths were few” (A Quick Guide to Beowulf), it has provided society today with rich information pertaining to the early life of the Anglo-Saxon’s.
Divisions Within Beowulf Cultural Significance. The palpable implication of the Anglo-Saxon culture has become more explicable due to the many references made in the poem. For example, when Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s kingdom being terrorized by Grendel every night, he is inspired by the challenge. Beowulf, “exclaimed: ‘Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword…’’ (Raffel 677-678). Beowulf is bragging about his future deeds that he is about to …show more content…
complete, and is proving to appear brave and strong. While Beowulf slays Grendel, “the tears torn out of Grendels taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms of him who of all men on earth was the strongest” (Raffel 787-790). As portrayed within the beginnings of the epic, Beowulf embodies what every Anglo-Saxon strived to be in their lifetime and reflects the values of their society. Historical significance. Of the many historical theories pertaining to Beowulf, the most significant examples seem to be obviously portrayed within the story that lead historians to believe that some events in Beowulf seemed to have actually happened. According to the Sutton Hoo Society, “archaeological evidence from this site provides the launch pad for extending skills and understanding, and for using historical and literary sources such as...‘Beowulf.’” For example, the burial of Beowulf himself exhibits similarities with the burial site of Sutton Hoo. “They buried torques in the barrow, and jewels And a trove of such things as trespassing men Had once dared to drag from the hoard. They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, Gold under gravel, gone to earth, As useless men now as it ever was" (Raffel 3163-3168). These lines in the poem display the two burials and give clues to the Anglo-Saxon belief concerning treasure and the afterlife. Moreover, due to recent archaeological discoveries and historical investigation, Beowulf is leading the way to becoming the relevant and engaging topics in society today. Nevertheless, another site found in the Danish countryside shows evidence of an actual Danish hall that is shown to have belonged to a powerful king, such as King Hrothgar’s Heorot Hall in Beowulf. Literary Significance.
Overall, it’s the dynamic theme of good and evil that keeps Beowulf alive and thriving in literature’s graces. Man’s struggle to overcome evil with good is as old as time itself and will continue to be a universal literary theme. Beowulf’s bravery amidst arduous trials and his ebullient strength makes him the modern superhero, with his victory over Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. This short description of Beowulf seems to give a just a taste of the greatness Beowulf holds. “Donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; His mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail Would soon meet with the menace underwater" (Raffel 1442-1444). There is truly little difference between what an Anglo-Saxon society desired in an epic poem and what our modern day society desires. Overall, the heroism of Beowulf will never refrain from attracting readers to its timeless theme of good and
evil.
Conclusion
Beowulf proves to be an expansive epic poem that withholds cultural, historical, and literary worth that tie back into our own society today. Not to mention, the plethora of biblical allusions blended in. Beowulf is endless and can be interpreted many different way and can hint many different clues to new information on things like the Anglo-Saxon culture. The link between Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon life has not only transformed a society that used to be shrouded in total obscurity, into a society that now withholds enlightened scholars, but still continues to be an inspiration to scholars for generations to come.
Works Cited
Anonymous. Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Heaney. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006.
Frassetto, Michael. “Anglo-Saxons.” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC- CLIO, 2014.1. Web.
Greenfield, Stanley B. A Readable Beowulf. Illinois. Congress Cataloging, 1982. Print.
Lee, Michelle. “Beowulf.” Poetry Criticism. 5 May 2014. 1-179. Web.
M.K
English II Pre-AP
4 May 2014
Beowulf: Looking Glass into The Past Anonymously written some time between the 7th and 8th century, Beowulf captures cultural, historical and literary worth of ancient life expressed through the original author’s viewpoint on what happened around him and his society. Although Beowulf was a highly embellished epic that gave the people of the time period something to clutch onto when “terror was everywhere and myths were few” (A Quick Guide to Beowulf), it has provided society today with rich information pertaining to the early life of the Anglo-Saxon’s.
Divisions Within Beowulf Cultural Significance. The palpable implication of the Anglo-Saxon culture has become more explicable due to the many references made in the poem. For example, when Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s kingdom being terrorized by Grendel every night, he is inspired by the challenge. Beowulf, “exclaimed: ‘Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword…’’ (Raffel 677-678). Beowulf is bragging about his future deeds that he is about to …show more content…
complete, and is proving to appear brave and strong. While Beowulf slays Grendel, “the tears torn out of Grendels taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms of him who of all men on earth was the strongest” (Raffel 787-790). As portrayed within the beginnings of the epic, Beowulf embodies what every Anglo-Saxon strived to be in their lifetime and reflects the values of their society. Historical significance. Of the many historical theories pertaining to Beowulf, the most significant examples seem to be obviously portrayed within the story that lead historians to believe that some events in Beowulf seemed to have actually happened. According to the Sutton Hoo Society, “archaeological evidence from this site provides the launch pad for extending skills and understanding, and for using historical and literary sources such as...‘Beowulf.’” For example, the burial of Beowulf himself exhibits similarities with the burial site of Sutton Hoo. “They buried torques in the barrow, and jewels And a trove of such things as trespassing men Had once dared to drag from the hoard. They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, Gold under gravel, gone to earth, As useless men now as it ever was" (Raffel 3163-3168). These lines in the poem display the two burials and give clues to the Anglo-Saxon belief concerning treasure and the afterlife. Moreover, due to recent archaeological discoveries and historical investigation, Beowulf is leading the way to becoming the relevant and engaging topics in society today. Nevertheless, another site found in the Danish countryside shows evidence of an actual Danish hall that is shown to have belonged to a powerful king, such as King Hrothgar’s Heorot Hall in Beowulf. Literary Significance.
Overall, it’s the dynamic theme of good and evil that keeps Beowulf alive and thriving in literature’s graces. Man’s struggle to overcome evil with good is as old as time itself and will continue to be a universal literary theme. Beowulf’s bravery amidst arduous trials and his ebullient strength makes him the modern superhero, with his victory over Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. This short description of Beowulf seems to give a just a taste of the greatness Beowulf holds. “Donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; His mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail Would soon meet with the menace underwater" (Raffel 1442-1444). There is truly little difference between what an Anglo-Saxon society desired in an epic poem and what our modern day society desires. Overall, the heroism of Beowulf will never refrain from attracting readers to its timeless theme of good and
evil.
Conclusion
Beowulf proves to be an expansive epic poem that withholds cultural, historical, and literary worth that tie back into our own society today. Not to mention, the plethora of biblical allusions blended in. Beowulf is endless and can be interpreted many different way and can hint many different clues to new information on things like the Anglo-Saxon culture. The link between Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon life has not only transformed a society that used to be shrouded in total obscurity, into a society that now withholds enlightened scholars, but still continues to be an inspiration to scholars for generations to come.
Works Cited
Anonymous. Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Heaney. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006.
Frassetto, Michael. “Anglo-Saxons.” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC- CLIO, 2014.1. Web.
Greenfield, Stanley B. A Readable Beowulf. Illinois. Congress Cataloging, 1982. Print.
Lee, Michelle. “Beowulf.” Poetry Criticism. 5 May 2014. 1-179. Web.