Beowulf Virtue And Community - 1658 Words

Beowulf: Virtue and Community Larry Chambers ENG/235 05/06/2016 Colette Wanless-Sobel Beowulf: Virtue and Community Beowulf is set against a background of feuding and warfare amongst the Danes, Frisians, Jutes, Swedes, and the Geats. Heroes the likes of Beowulf and Wiglaf stand proudly among other figures from history such as Hygelac, Hrothgar, and Ingeld. Although, in a modern sense, the poem cannot be considered historically accurate, Beowulf offers a familiar look into the feuds, truces, alliances, and political intrigue within its heroic world. It continues fascinating readers as well because of its prominent themes such as community, revenge, violence, and, religion. To start with, the central function of a clan is the relationship between the lord of the clan and his retainers. Upon the receiving gifts the bond between lord and retainer, and in return for goods received, the retainer makes a solemn oath of fealty to the lord of the clan. Multiple times throughout the poem, the poet refers to Hrothgar, Hygelac, and Beowulf (good kings) as â €Å"ring-giver,† â€Å"helmet of the Danes,† and even â€Å"giver of treasure.† The poet acknowledges Hrothgar’s success by acknowledging that he â€Å"doled out rings / and torques at the table† (ll. 80–81). This form of social commitment (or contract) solemnizes allegiance within the heroic world. The Finn digression (ll. 1069–1158) shows the consequences of a group of retainers, although shameful and tragic, who choose toShow MoreRelatedThemes In Beowulf742 Words   |  3 PagesBritish Lit Beowulf Essay In Beowulf. The Beowulf poet crafts a story in which the heroic warrior Beowulf has to neutralize three beasts, Grendel, Grendels Mom, and a gold digging dragon. Beowulf seems invincible against all these beasts as time played for him he would slay each individual to earn his spot as a lord. These were all in order to save his people and the geats. The Beowulf poet uses tone, symbol, and motifs to demonstrate the meaning of the poem. The poet uses Beowulf to symbolizeRead MoreEssay on Beowulf study guide1576 Words   |  7 Pages1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom. A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster. 2) In the beginning of â€Å"Beowulf,† King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell whyRead MoreEpic Heroism Is Epitomized By The Anglo Saxon Warrior1487 Words   |  6 Pagesthe remarkable Anglo-Saxon warrior Beowulf, the protagonist of a powerful poem named for this exemplar. True to a legendary hero, Beowulf embodies qualities of virtue and strength that are unparalleled in the common man. His youth is characterized by awesome displays of physical strength, unmatched by others. Beyond his brawny, unyielding exterior, there exists a compilation of equally mighty virtues that endure and motivate him throughout his life. Beowulf is compelled by loyalty, lineage andRead MoreReligion in Beowulf1385 Words   |  6 Pagesin Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf, the concept of religion plays a significant role. The Christianity ideology views state that man can survive and do great things through the protection of God. A strong desire of pride is also represented in the form of a hero in Beowulf, which in a sense goes against Christian morals. This clash with Christian morals in Beowulf was in the context of pride vs. humility and selfishness vs. sacrifice. In the book, Hrothgar first explained to Beowulf thatRead MoreRoles Of Religion In Beowulf1369 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout the story of Beowulf, the concept of religion plays a significant role. The Christianity ideology views state that man can survive and do great things through the protection of God. A strong desire of pride is also represented in the form of a hero in Beowulf, which in a sense goes against Christian morals. This clash with Christian morals in Beowulf was in the context of pride vs. humility and selfishness vs. sacrifice. In the b ook, Hrothgar first explained to Beowulf that pride without humilityRead MoreEpic of Beowulf Essay1106 Words   |  5 PagesThe 8th century epic poem Beowulf illustrates a loss of community, cultural values and tradition. On the other hand, an elegiac passing of an extraordinary hero and the relationship between the themes of mortality and heroism are well discussed in Beowulf. Beowulf’s character exemplifies the Germanic and the Anglo-Saxon ideals of the hero: strong, fearless, bold, loyal, and stoic in the acceptance of fate. Despite his lack of humility, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own time by hisRead MoreBeowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1499 Words   |  6 PagesIn Beowulf, and Sir Gawain, and the Green Knight, we can appreciate the significance of Beowulf and Gawain s reputations because they establish their identities in society. Reputation can be defined as an â€Å"overall quality or character as seen or judged by people† (Merriam -Webster). First, we will discuss how reputations can be interpreted according to the individual. Then we consider what if they were to fail to uphold the expectations of others, and if so, what aspects of their lives would be affectedRead MoreGrendel and Obj1412 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Comprehension The questions below refer to the selections â€Å"from Beowulf, Part One,† â€Å"from Grendel,† â€Å"Life in 999: A Grim Struggle,† and â€Å"from Beowulf, Part Two.† ____ 1. Beowulf slays Grendel in order to  Ã¢â‚¬â€ |a. |save Hrothgar and the Danes from the monster | |b. |prevent Grendel from invading theRead MoreEssay on The Changing Concept of Hero988 Words   |  4 Pagesthe enemies that are being faced, and the values of each of them. Beowulf has no known author but it is thought to be written before the Anglo-Saxon exodus is completed but after the conquest began (p.30). Also going on during this time was the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon pagans to Christianity by Saint Augustine of Canterbury’s mission. This may account for the major focus on Christian themes throughout Beowulf, while Beowulf as a character is seen as a very pagan character (Lane). For instanceRead MoreAnalysis Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1653 Words   |  7 PagesWhen reading Beowulf, there are many different passages with many different contexts. The passage I chose to analyze is from is in the lines 1384-1391 which reads â€Å"we sir, do not grieve. 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†. From a warrior’s point of view, he (Beowulf) is explaining that they