Order 6045587 Write about the poem Beowulf
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Short Questions on Beowulf
Question 1: What are three reasons that the epic poem Beowulf is considered great
literature?
One of the main reasons Beowulf
is viewed as great literature is its investigation of heroic
ideals and values. The poem digs into the idea of heroism and the characteristics that characterize
a true hero. Beowulf's boldness, strength, and ability to safeguard his people epitomize the heroic
code of the time. The sonnet underscores the significance of dedication, honor, and magnanimity
despite risk. According to Cotter-Lynch (4), Beowulf's depiction of heroism mirrors the cultural
values of the Anglo- Saxons, featuring their admiration for heroic deeds and honorable ways of
behaving. Another reason Beowulf is hailed as extraordinary literature is its rich cultural and
historical setting. The poem critically offers a brief look into the society, convictions, and
customs of the Anglo-Saxon period. The detailed portrayals of Kings, heroes, and mead corridors
give bits of knowledge into the design of early middle age society. As referenced by Cotter-
Lynch (8), Beowulf fills in as a significant historical record, revealing insight into the traditions
and perspective of the past. Lastly, Beowulf's utilization of complex literary techniques adds to
its status as incredible piece of literature. The poem utilizes perplexing alliteration, kennings
(metaphorical language), and rhythm to create a hypnotizing and engaging story. These
techniques improve the poem's oral custom, making it spellbinding to audience members.
Question 2: Summarize the plot of Beowulf
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Beowulf
is an epic poem that recounts the tale of a legendary Geat hero named Beowulf.
Set in Scandinavia during the sixth century, the poem describes Beowulf's gallant adventures as
he fights different monsters and foes to safeguard his people. The account starts with Beowulf's
appearance in the Danish realm of Hrothgar, where he offers to assist with freeing the place from
a monster called Grendel, who has been threatening the King's hall, Heorot. Beowulf faces
Grendel and routs him in a savage hand-to-hand battle. However, Grendel's mom looks for
vengeance for her child's passing, driving Beowulf to venture into a treacherous submerged
sanctuary to overcome her (Beowulf). After a difficult fight, he arises triumphant and gets back
to his country as a commended hero. Many years later, Beowulf is made the king of the Geats
and faces another challenge: a fearsome dragon that stirs after a thief takes from its hoard.
Regardless of his old age, Beowulf fearlessly fights the dragon but gets mortally injured in the
fight. As a result, the poem investigates subjects of valor, loyalty, destiny, and the progression of
time. Beowulf's bravery and benevolence act as a symbol of the chivalrous and heroic goals of
the time.
Question 3: Who is Grendel?
Grendel is a fearsome beast from the legendary poem Beowulf.
He is portrayed as an
unusual creature, looking like an enormous, strong humanoid with stained skin and sharp claws.
Grendel is characterized by his severe and savage nature, frequently going after the mead hall of
the Danes, Heorot, during the night and butchering its occupants (Beowulf). He is depicted as a
relentless and malignant power, driven by a profound scorn for human delight and community. In
terms of speech, Grendel isn't depicted as having rational language, but instead transmits
frightful and brutal sounds. Metaphorically, Grendel addresses the epitome of turmoil, darkness,
and detachment. He symbolizes the primal forces of evil that undermine civilization and disturb
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the harmony of human nature. The poem describes him saying “
Grendel was the name of this
grim demon/Haunting the marches, marauding round the heath”
(Beowulf, 112-113). This quote
highlights Grendel's presence as a creature of darkness, standing out from the delight and
festivity inside Heorot. Grendel's relentless assaults and his contempt for human gatherings
feature his role as an emblematic antagonist, testing the order and security that civilization
endeavors to maintain.
Question 4: Beowulf is usually characterized as the epitome of what it means to be a hero.
Do you agree with this assessment? Beowulf is to be sure hailed as the quintessential hero in literature. He encapsulates the
virtues of fortitude, strength, and benevolence, yet his portrayal isn't without intricacies. Firstly,
Beowulf’s valiant confrontation with the beast Grendel exhibits his relentless boldness. He
energetically participates in a hazardous fight to safeguard the Danes, exhibiting his bravery.
Secondly, his defeat of Grendel's mom in her submerged sanctuary highlights his determination
and resourcefulness (Beowulf). Beowulf's readiness to confront risk in obscure regions enhances
his brave status. Lastly, his definitive fight against the dragon in advanced age highlights his
benevolence and obligation to his kin. Moreover, his sacrifice for his kingdom represents his
chivalry even notwithstanding mortality. However, while Beowulf exemplifies heroic and
chivalrous qualities, his intricacy as a character welcomes us to scrutinize the limits of courage
and the expense of such a character.
Question 5: Choose one idea, thing, custom, etc. from the poem that was new or unfamiliar
to you or different from your own experience, beliefs, ideas when you read the poem
One idea from Beowulf that was different from my own insight and convictions was the
idea of destiny and fate shaping the lives of the characters. In the poem, there is a strong
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conviction that one's life is foreordained by destiny, and that regardless of how boldly one
battles, their definitive outcome is always destined. This idea diverges from my own belief in
personal agency and the power of decisions to impact results. My initial response to this idea was
a combination of both interest and doubt. This notion of destiny controlling lives was fascinating,
as it added a layer of intricacy to the characters' inspirations and actions. However, as somebody
who esteems choice and assuming command over one's predetermination, the fatalistic
perspective appeared to be restricting. It caused me to consider how various societies and
historical periods can hold different beliefs about the idea of human existence. Overall,
encountering this idea in Beowulf
expanded my viewpoint and helped me to remember the
variety of worldviews since the beginning of time.
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Works Cited
Cotter-Lynch, Margaret. "Beowulf, Harry Potter, and Teaching the Uses of Literature."
Old
English Newsletter
45.3 (2014): 5.
Heaney, Seamus.
Beowulf a New Verse Translation Bilingual Edition
. WW Norton & Company,
2001.