this case‚ the epic poem Beowulf would be an example of a literary work that has left various interpretations for the readers. In Burton Raffel’s translation of the poem‚ the final line states Beowulf as “deserving of praise”. However‚ in other translations‚ the final line states Beowulf as desiring of praise. Although these are two differing characterizations of Beowulf‚ they also reveal the aspects and interpretations of the title hero. The best characterization of Beowulf would be that he is deserving
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The Concept of Wyrd in Beowulf In the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture‚ there existed the belief in Wyrd. Wyrd is most easily described as continuous events happening around those that believe. It is also understood that the notion of wyrd meant that all of the events that occured in one’s life affected the others [events]. Throughout the epic‚ Beowulf‚ wyrd appears to be a great influence. In some aspects wyrd is slightly similar to fate or destiny and incorporates free will‚ but the concept‚ as a
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Beowulf: Themes The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is the most important work of Old English literature‚ and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story of a hero‚ a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf‚ who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel‚ a descendent of Cain‚ and of his exploits fighting Grendel ’s mother and a Dragon. Throughout the epic‚ the Anglo-Saxon story teller uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. Just a few of the important character elements
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Literary Merit and Its Significance to Beowulf Any acceptable novel has some type of significance enclosed in the structure of its story. So just what establishes this? These thoughts‚ expressions and meanings the author hopes to accomplish should always contain sophisticated literary merit. Well known epic poem‚ Beowulf‚ accomplishes its merit through masterfully infused figurative language‚ two of which are most common‚ alliteration and kennings. Beowulf is largely constructed around the monsters
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From the beginning of Beowulf we are able to understand and see the central themes and points that are being focused on. From the assigned readings of Beowulf and after finishing the entire piece I found it stuck with its major theme in which we are given from the prologue of the story. From the start of the story we are able to identify with Scyld Scefing and his role as king and leader. Power plays a major role and theme throughout the entire story which allows the story to flow well and keep the
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Epics exhibit qualities that make them distinct when compared to other genres of literature. Beowulf exhibits characteristics that allows the piece of literature to remain an epic of great proportions. The poem exhibits the epic characteristics of supernatural force‚ superhuman courage‚ and the hero is a figure of great national importance. Beowulf meets the requirements for an epic poem through the exhibition of supernatural force. In the poem‚ the power of God is sometimes present; meaning
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Joe Rosa 11/02/10 Prof. Thompson Hist. 3127 Beowulf and the Bible Throughout the epic poem‚ Beowulf‚ our main hero puts others before himself. Over the many years of research and analysis of the poem‚ scholars came to the conjuncture that the author of Beowulf was indeed Christian. However‚ we know so little of the author that one could not even attach a name to this medieval poem. So the presumption of the academic authority is really all we have to go by‚ other than the reader’s own
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Beowulf John Meister 9\21\96 The early English epic Beowulf is filled with a marvelous hero ‚ ghastly villains ‚ far off lands ‚ and deeds of great valor. These are some of the reasons why Beowulf is a great example of an early English epic. Beowulf is an epic because it has action that consists of deeds of great valor ‚ the setting of Beowulf is in vast scope covering great lands and far off places ‚ and the hero of the story ‚ Beowulf ‚ is of imposing stature of international
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The Epic‚ Beowulf‚ depicts a typical Anglo-Saxon hero; strong intelligent and courageous‚ who defeats terrific monsters. While some heroic principles remain the same‚ over the last few thousand years‚ the definition of a hero has changed. Now‚ a hero is selfless‚ respectful‚ and helps others regardless of if they’ll get something out of it. In today’s eyes‚ Beowulf seems to be more self-righteous and self-oriented than a typical hero. He seeks only for fame‚ and to be remembered‚ through the defeat
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Beowulf Paper Beowulf is a story about a hero who does great things‚ like fighting monsters and dragons. Beowulf has specific changes from childhood‚ to adulthood‚ to an old man through his battles. When Beowulf was a child‚ nobody thought he would amount to anything‚ but he became strong and proved he could fight by defeating Grendel and his mom. Beowulf proved himself as an adult when he won the war against the Swedes for the Geats. Beowulf battled again‚ as an old man‚ with the dragon. As
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