The Literature course is filled with essays on classical books that help to understand the specific period of time better. Beowulf essay is among them because without this Old English epic story you will hardly explore the classics of the literature in a full. Samples of the essays on Beowulf...aren’t rare inhabitants of the internet which makes it easy for you to create the outline, introduction and conclusion of the papers.
The power of the main character, Beowulf, is constantly emphasized in the text. The passage I have selected depicts a scene in which he is praised like a demigod and shows his ability to triumph in adverse circumstances while a suspenseful build up intentionally leaves...
Traditionally, light means good and dark means evil. This assumption is proven in many instances of Beowulf, though in all three battles we also see contradictions to this assumption. Sometimes, what we see or assume may not always be just that. The light and dark...
Beowulf In the Anglo-Saxon literary work, Beowulf, heroic culture is presented in the values that heroes should possess and is one of the most prominent themes presented throughout the work. The values that the heroes should possess include bravery, strength, loyalty, and honor. The author...
The story of Beowulf shows the effect of the spread of Christianity in the early Danish paganistic society that values heroic deeds and bravery above all else. The mythical creatures that Beowulf kills with his supernatural strength make the story into an epic celebrating the...
Beowulf: Written Oral Literature Beowulf, transcribed by Christian monks around the eighth century, is originally an oral piece of literature meant to be performed. To keep the listener interested in the piece and to make it easier to remember and retell, Beowulf uses the conventions...
“In peaceful times the warlike man sets upon himself.” The poem “Beowulf” illustrates the violent, primitive reality of the truth in Nietszche’s aphorism. The monster Grendel plays a symbolic role as the primordial, inalienable instincts that exist on the fringes of human civilization whose existence...
“So that troubled time continued, woe that never stopped…” (Beowulf 38) In the epic poem Beowulf, the relation of aggression and heroism is complicated and challenging, especially when a contemporary reader is introduced to views expressed from the perspective of the Anglo-Saxon culture base. The...
Beowulf’s fight with Grendel proves his heroic credentials and strength. Grendel, the unstoppable demonic troll, all but surrenders at Beowulf’s squashing grip. The bone-crushing grab, however, raises a crux debated by Beowulf scholars: Does Beowulf make the first move and put the death clamp on...
Beowulf is an epic tale of a hero seeking out fame and fortune. Beowulf is a young, strong and prideful man who wants to prove himself as the greatest person, and ultimately gain kingship in his own land. Thomas Foster’s chapter, “Every Trip is a...
Within the Old English epic poem entitled ‘Beowulf,’ one theme dominates: to overcome chaos and establish order, a fearless individual must continually fight the force of evil. Even after the poem’s protagonist, Beowulf, victoriously destroys Grendel, the personification of chaos and evil, Beowulf’s battles are...
James Earl argued that Beowulf should be read in context of historical and external knowledge. He calls this method intertextuality, whose benefits are unlimited. Intertextuality gives the reader a heightened sense of genre, theme, and even “arbitrary details” (Earl 290). While Earl argues that outside...
Beowulf, as a character, is often described as the original model for the hero found in literature from antiquity to the modern day. New interpretations of the text, however, focus more on Beowulf the man rather than Beowulf the hero of Heorot. If we focus...
“Once upon a time, someone decided that we were the losers. But there are two sides to every story. And our side has not been told!” says Prince Charming to a room full of “villains” who are left to rot after their adversaries were given...
Victorious Pagan Beliefs British poet Percy Bysshe Shelley once remarked that “Revenge is the naked idol of the worship of a semi-barbarous age.” Though not referring to Old English poetry, Shelley’s acclamation is illustrated in the epic poem Beowulf, a heroic expedition written anonymously sometime...
In Beowulf and Beroul’s The Romance of Tristan, the heroes Beowulf and Tristan are magnificent fighters. Their numerous victories against seemingly insurmountable odds and powerful enemies are testaments to their battle-talents. Yet the two heroes employ violence in their exploits for different reasons and for...
Rings are to medieval lords and retainers as medals are to athletes: a reward that is earned through hard work and dedication to a cause that makes them feel both empowered and worthwhile, while at the same time reminding them to work harder and strive...
When one considers the criticism of Beowulf, from the beginnings to more recent writings the early lack of interest in Grendel’s mother is very apparent. In 1936 J. R. R. Tolkien dismissed her as a secondary figure to her son. Major feminist criticism also seemed...
Culture and language have always been, by their very nature, intertwined. Neither can exist without the other. As the world shifts perspectives and culture evolves, so must language evolve with it. Old tales become wordy and dated, hardly seeming relevant in modern society. In a...
Beowulf opens with the story of the ancient king, Shield Sheafson, in order to establish a discussion on kingship, and to begin building a definition of what constitutes a “good king”. Once this definition has been established, the text uses it to evaluate the other...
In the late 700’s, the Vikings began their raids in England. Their excursions first targeted monasteries on the coast and slowly spread across the nation until the English and Nordic cultures blended into one. The history of the invasion is well documented in historical texts...
A quick read-through of the Old English epic poem Beowulf reveals that the text centers heavily around male characters and typically masculine themes. The main character, Beowulf, a powerful and renowned hero, sets on an epic journey to save the kingdom of Danes from the relentless...
Every act of translation is simultaneously an act of interpretation. With regard to Beowulf’s last scene and final words to the young warrior Wiglaf, an analysis of three translations of the poem, by E. Talbot Donaldson, R.M. Liuzza, and Seamus Heavey, demonstrates this general principle....
The poem Beowulf marks a period of change in the history of England, namely, the introduction of Christianity amongst the Anglo-Saxons, which led to a newfound interest in literacy. In the seventh century, Irish monks from the north were active in propagating Christianity, aided by...
Anglo-Saxons, Augustine of Hippo, Beowulf, Beowulf legend, Christian, Christian terms, Christianity, Christianity and Paganism, Christianization, Curse and mark of Cain
Within the first six hundred lines of Beowulf, the poet introduces several characters – Hrothgar, Wulfgar and Unferth – who are juxtaposed against Beowulf to not only glorify the protagonist, but also illustrate the heroic codes of the time. Hrothgar’s portrayal by the poet as...
The phrase “he was a good king” appears three times in Beowulf. The first iteration (line 11) is a homage to Shield Sheafson. By describing Sheafson in honorific terms, the poet suggests that Sneafson’s offspring are also worthy of respect. The second iteration refers to...
In the Old English poem Beowulf, the warrior culture is centered upon the heroic codes. Those who are members of Hrothgar’s court are ranked based upon the identities and reputations of their ancestors. It can be said that the armor of these warriors, as it...
The foundation text of English literature, titled Beowulf (meaning “man wolf” when translated into the modern language), presents readers with a hero named Beowulf who fights three different battles, each with its own monster. Beowulf’s first battle awaits him when he travels to present day...
What comes to mind when you hear the word, ‘hero’? Now, when most people hear that word, a variety of different images and concepts come to mind. Superman, Optimus Prime, Wolverine; the list goes on. What if I told you there are a film and...
Within the span of British literature, it should come as no surprise that the themes and motifs which appear in written works evolve in nature. Times, cultures, and peoples change, so it is only natural that the things they write down change as well. An...
Who is more heroic: Gawain or Beowulf? Hero (n): a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities (Merriam-Webster.com). While deciphering the true meaning of heroism for a few minutes something stopped me. In general opinion, most readers would consider Beowulf...
It mixes together various fictional, legendary, and fiction elements that relate to 7th century epics
Symbols/motives
Heroism, competition, faith, monsters, honor, deeds of valour, and the battles
Influence
It is a reflection of strength and coming at impossible missions by showing how supernatural powers and faith can defeat the monsters
Plot
It tells a story about Beowulf who is considered a hero of the Geats who comes to help Hrothgar, the Danish king. His great hall is affected by the monster called Grendel. As Beowulf kills Grendel without any weapon, he has to start with another mission to prove his strength.
Interesting facts
Beowulf represents the longest poem written in Old English with entire action related to Scandinavia.
It does not mention the British Isles even once although it is exactly where Old English has been in use.
The original manuscript of Beowulf was damaged on October 23, 1731 because of a fire. The original manuscript of Beowulf was damaged on October 23, 1731 because of a fire.
As the heroic poem, Beowulf implements 36 different words that all stand for "heroism", "heroic", or "hero" because of the various dialects that represented Old English.
Some scholars believe that Beowulf could be influenced by Homer since it shares similar structure and the epic element of the famous Iliad.
The author of Jurassic Park (Michael Crichton) even made a bet whether he could use Beowulf as a foundation for something entertaining and accessible. It was his Eaters of the Dead novel that was published in 1976.
When Beowulf manuscript has been discovered, archeologists were convinced that they have found the remains of the famous Heorot Hall, which has been concluded by reading the epic.
Quotes
“It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark.”
“Behaviour that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere.”
“Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.”
“And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards, in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line.”
“Death is not easily escaped, try it who will; but every living soul among the children of men dwelling upon the earth goeth of necessity unto his destined place, where the body, fast in its narrow bed, sleepeth after feast.”
Why is this topic important
The main purpose of The Beowulf is to tell a heroic story and entertain the readers since the epic poem must offer an inspiring storytelling. Since it relates to the late sixth and seventh century with the Scandinavian influences, it represents an oral tradition that has been written down. It is an important aspect for linguists and those who want to study heroic literary representations.
Why should this topic be used
As the famous Old English epic, Beowulf represents a rare heritage in terms of oral word comprehension and a linguistic structure that tells an epic story. It can be useful not only for those who study Linguistics or English literature because it also brings up the topics of courage, dedication, faith, and the responsibilities that come along with power. Some essay topics that deal with Beowulf focus on the socio-cultural aspect of relations in this important epic. Since it deals with Scandinavia, some cultural traits are studied through the lens of the Western society by comparing things to anything from the Civil War in the United States to modern society.
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