Summary Of Beowulf By Jr Tolkein

J. R. R. Tolkein’s criticism “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”, focuses on his thoughts and views over the well known Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, and the appalling criticism directed towards it. Tolkein’s evaluation declares that Beowulf should not be judged as a work of historical literature, but instead as a work of fine art. Tolkein develops his belief by recognizing that the poem does contain some historical significance as well as some historically correct content, but was mostly created for the purpose of poetry and not the facts revolving around the Anglo-Saxons. Moving along, Tolkein begins making his points by displaying the various critiques about Beowulf , including why he believes they are poor and incorrect judgements, and finally continues by explaining and supporting his
Over all, the critic is able to defend his opinion over the Anglo-Saxon poem, proving that Beowulf was a well written poem indeed.
Tolkein includes many ideas in the article that are debatable and intriguing, such as his comparison between Grendel and the Cyclops from the Odyssey, which was personally the most intriguing (Tolkein). In the poem Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf was highly praised and honored for saving the Danes from the atrocious monster named Grendel. When first mentioned in the poem, Grendel is harshly described as “a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark” and a “grim demon” from “Cain’s clan” (86-87, 102). His description and Grendel's savage actions as a monster, most likely lead to Tolkein’s contrast to the Cyclops in the Odyssey. In the critique, Tolkein proclaims there is a difference from “their status in the northern and southern mythologies”, referring to Beowulf and the Odyssey