Beowulf Themes - 1038 Words

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 in Beowulf are Wealth Honor, Biblical Paganistic, and Man vs. Wild themes. Many of the characters in Beowulf are, like in most epics, defined by their status. But, in addition to status, the Anglo-Saxon culture also adds an element of†¦show more content†¦Another Biblical reference in Beowulf is shown in the tower of Herot which is very similar to the tower of Babel in the fact that it s built as a sign of superiority and accomplishment. Like Babel, though, Herot only serves as a symbol of downfall more than one of glory because it causes many deaths and the coming of Grendel. Apart from Wealth, Honor, and Paganistic vs. Biblical themes and motifs, character is also shown through a certain Man vs. Wild motif. This motif shows the difference between mankind s ways (good), and evil s wild nature (evil). Grendel for one, is totally wild and is therefore shown as evil. His wild home, Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his home in a hell not hell but earth. shows his wild, untamed, and therefor evil nature. Grendel s wilderness is countered in mankind s ways, especially Beowulf s. Beowulf is tame and civilized, the epitomy of goodness and purity. Beowulf doesn t fight evil in a wild manner, rather, as shown in his first battle with Grendel. First off, Beowulf is pure and shows this before his battle when he removes his armor and vows not to use a weapon to defeat Grendel. Defeating Grendel, he shows that man, without armor and weapons, can defeat evil in any form including that of his foe Grendel. This deed serves throughout the epic serves as a symbol of BeowulfShow MoreRelatedThemes In Beowulf1510 Words   |  7 Pagesbeginning 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 theme strongRead MoreTheme Of Death In Beowulf952 Words   |  4 Pagesimmortal is fiction. Beowulf as often as not regards himself as the one who can conquer all. Beowulf like others is ignorant towards his own mortality. 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After reading Beowulf many times, I was able to get to know the characters, as well as gain some insight of the many themes portrayed throughout the poem. The story of Beowulf is not the easiest to understand, and is also extremely complex. But, with that said, thisRead MoreWhat Is The Theme Of Beowulf1060 Words   |  5 PagesThe gripping poem of Beowulf tells the story of a young Scandinavian hero who was swept into a world of vengeance through his ancestry. The protagonist, Beowulf, resides in Geatland waiting for the perfect opportunity to show his community his worth. During the Anglo-Saxon time period in which the poem took place, lineage was a critical piece of social hierarchy. A person’s lineage determined the amount respect other warriors would treat them with, in addition to the debt owed to other tribes. YearsRead MoreHeroism Main Theme in Beowulf3076 Words   |  13 PagesThe main theme of Beowulf is heroism. This involves far more than physical courage. 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In this essay I hope to state clearly some of the popularly mentioned themes running through the poem, and to carefully delineate many aspects of the author’s style.    â€Å"Many critics feel that the speech of Hrothgar between lines 1700 and 1784 encapsulates the moral of the poem†¦.’He does not know the worse – till inside him great arrogance grows andRead More The Theme of the Epic Poem, Beowulf Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesThe Theme of Beowulf      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interpretations of Beowulf vary. In this essay I hope to state clearly some of the popularly mentioned themes running through the poem.    â€Å"Many critics feel that the speech of Hrothgar between lines 1700 and 1784 encapsulates the moral of the poem†¦.’He does not know the worse – till inside him great arrogance grows and spreads’† (Shippey 38). Hrothgar’s ominous words do come back to haunt the hero more than once. Beowulf is a braggart; he is proud, andRead MoreRevenge: A Theme in Beowulf Essay638 Words   |  3 Pages Have you ever wanted to avenge a wrong doing done unto you? Well, the characters in Beowulf will stop at nothing to achieve vengeance. Revenge is so immensely practiced that it is a common act to pay of a deed done by an offender. However, a payment or truce does not satisfy the desire for revenge in the Poem. Every time a Character precedes to make peace, it eventually falls apart by a desire to avenge loved ones. This desire is usually upheld until someone is no longer left to be avenged