About... Like the Anglo-Saxon poems, Beowulf was written in the Middle Ages roughly around 1000 AD, it is Old English with a German influence. Beowulf is not like a traditional poem, in length, and because of this reasoning we call it an Epic. Though, along with the long narrative other traits of an Epic must include: attention primarily on the hero, determination of the fate of a nation(s), vast setting, supernatural features of strength, it typically will start in the middle of events, contains a catalogue, and involves a decent into the underworld. While reading Beowulf, readers will notice each of these is accomplished. Rather than a typical rhyming scheme that this generation recognizes as poetry, prosody becomes a very useful technique in Old English, as there is an abundance of alliteration; however, much of it is lost due to translations from the older to the newer English (that we will read). The style of writing is also much more paratactic, meaning shorter sentences and often lists of ideas with no conjunctions. The catalogue (beginning on line 415) that Beowulf delivers is definitely a good representation of this particular writing style.
Interesting fact, the Epic of Beowulf, was actually originally told by the pagans, later translated and written down by an unknown Roman Catholic Monk. He drastically changed it to convert pagans to Christianity a common theme many start to pick up on in the Middle Age literature. Some readers may think the monk tried too hard and forced Christianity a little too much, but others are more neutral with the idea. Pay close attention to the tension that the author is creating here. As a reader, think about what it means to be a Hero and how that may differ from what a Hero looks and acts like today – what’s similar and what is different about the hero Beowulf? What is classified as evil? Early on, readers find out that Cain (the Biblical character who kills his brother Abel) is Grendel’s kin, what do you think this says about Grendel’s bloodline – could he ever be good? Beowulf clearly establishes the fact that he has a trustful relationship with the Lord consistently relying on him, “Foe against foe, Whichever death takes / Must deem it the judgement of God” and ultimately he gives his life to God. Could it be that God is the reason behind Beowulf’s success, or is that just what the monk wants readers to take away? Also, think about the patterns that are reoccurring within the Epic, especially gift giving and funerals. Essentially, the Epic begins and ends with a funeral but they differ in several ways. The first funeral has many pagan-themed values and the second funeral has a Christian-value theme. Does it surprise you that the monk begins and ends this way? Beowulf’s life is ultimately to be an honourable hero, so when he finally passes away, it is assumed that his reward is Heaven, “That he must be let from the house of his flesh. / So the Geats mourned, his hearth companions, / The death of their lord who fell in the fight. / They said he was, among kings of this world, / The most gracious of men, the most generous, / The kindest to kin, the most keen to win honour.” Everything about the epic leading to the ending is very powerful, so it’s important to pay close attention to the details both literately and biblically. Study GuideThere's a study guide for Anlgo-Saxon poetry and Beowulf. See CSC Online to access it.
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