Beowulf: a man, nothing but a man, with a man's courage. Or is he? Can a man really be as almighty as he? Can a monster such as Grendel even exist? How about an evil dragon? Yes. And these very characters alone token the attitudes and ideals of a people, the Anglo-Saxon, no matter how realistically or fictionally depicted. Not only do the characters act as thematic archetypes or symbols, but also as many elements as plot, setting, diction, organizational syntax, etc. But, to not get carried away, let us point out the thematic developments that can be objectified by such factors as characters and setting. Within the epic poem Beowulf, both universal and Anglo-Saxon themes are embodied by the protagonists' individual struggles, internal and external. Beginning with the man himself: Beowulf, the personification of might, prowess, raised to such level as to be superhuman. But demigod or not, he himself symbolizes the Anglo-Saxon perseverance and proficiency at battle. By being exalted and bestowed by such powers as he is, the author, in turn, also presents the Anglo-Saxon society as being everlastingly tough. A subdued aspect of Beowulf's character, however, is the denomination of his almost arrogant might as a form of fighting an external battle that he cannot fight within, or an insecurity. Yet outdoing himself never seemed to be a problem, and whatever his own reasons were do not debase his thematic portrayal of the Anglo-Saxon culture as warlike. More than the dragon, though, Grendel is depicted as Beowulf's foil, with his apparent humanity only adding to the validity of the parallel. Were he to be a complete monster, of absolute evil, like the dragon, he could not be looked upon at the same level as Beowulf. Whereas Grendel is the fallen angel, Beowulf is the pure angel, here to rid the world of evil. Grendel himself thematically represents the inhumane aspect of society, contrasting, and fighting against Herot. Herot, in turn, is an archetypal sanctuary, appealing to universal themes, and representing the good of society; a good which may have initially have cast away those of Grendel's kind, yet this nothing more than a speculation. Hrothgar, however, as a structurally weak character, is not developed enough to be able to represent a fact to the extremes of, "Anglo-Saxon leaders were flimsy old men with poor leadership skills." The fact that Beowulf himself does rise to the top to take Hrothgar's throne, however, does portray a touch of Darwinism, showing how the Anglo-Saxon society selected its leaders from proclaimed warriors; or more generally than that, how a specific group of people comes to be led by he (or she) who best embodies those ideals of the group. Unferth as well is a detrimental character to the Herot hall, as he embodies a thematic envy that can be harmful to any society. Luckily, though, his persona is not as cunning as his speech makes it seem, and is easily subdued by Beowulf. Lastly, and completing the list of flat characters, is the Dragon, who represents an external evil acting upon a group, namely the Anglo-Saxon. They had many dragons whom they fought daily, as we do to this day, and the Dragon himself embodies this theme of pure evil versus pure good. As glorified as Beowulf's final battle is, it also represents a natural equilibrium, whereas both good-- Beowulf-- and evil-- the Dragon-- perish, symbolizing the fact that a struggle of such magnitude as this cannot be overcome even by the mighty Beowulf; and so other ultimate powers of good and evil will arise. Throughout the epic poem Beowulf we find such themes as a warlike race, an arrogance which is in essence the impetus to fight evil, and constant internal and external struggles, which can be attributed to the Anglo-Saxon culture. More broad and universally thematic concepts are presented, though, such as survival of the fittest, the fight of good and evil, the importance of efficient leadership. All these combined build a rich epic of a man, nothing but a man, with a man's courage, who could have very well have lived in 999 as in 1999.
I found this essay to be intriguing, when the author points out that Beowulf not only represents Anglo-Saxon culture, but universal themes also. Personally, I thought Grendel might have been some character added to prove that "Yes good does triumph over evil," or "The divine power of god delivered a smiting blow to the demon" but pointing out that Grendel represents, "...the inhumane aspect of society, contrasting, and fighting against Herot." I agree with all the author's points: Darwinism, social representation, natural equilibrium, and the clues to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
I agree with the authors historical respones.Through out the story of Beowulf the Angelo-Saxon culture appears through in the description of the characters,actions of the characters and the characters religon.
With so many randomized and different aspects of this criticism, it is hard to find exactly what the author is trying to say. I beleive the major theme is the authors beleif that the Anglo-Saxon culture is evident throughout the story, and I agree.
I like how this author tried to pick up on the case of grendel being a "fallen Angel" and how Grendel, but not the dragon can be compared to Beowulf. All in all the author seems to ramble quite a great deal, i would label this more of a "reader response" rather than any kind of factual criticism.
This article discusses the possibility that Beowulf was more then a mere story but based on actual events. I think this is an interesting idea, we will never know if Beowulf was a real man or if dragons and monsters ever existed. The likelihood of monsters, dragons, and trolls existing however is very slim. We would have historical evidence and not just fantasies and imaginative stories.
It is hard to know the truth behind the real story of Beowulf. Was he real or was it just a story. The author was unknon and some believe the author may have even based the story off factual events.
I agree with this author. I like how the beginning starts with questions that are probably on everyones mind when, during and after reading Beowulf. And the fact the author proves it makes it all the better.
I do not agree with the author when he pointed out that A man can be almighty as Beowulf and that a Monster like Grendel exist. No man in this world can be as strong as Beowulf. A man might have a god giving strength but can never be as strong as beowul and i believe the peom Beowulf is a fictional epic
This response includes more cultural standpoints than most. It provides evidence of anglo saxon culture that is found within Beowulf including warlike race and internal and external struggles. These things inform us about the culture of the anglo saxons.
The criticism holds many cultural points. It describes how the Anglo-Saxon are tough and how they persevere in battles. Many of the critic's thoughts describe how Beowulf exhibits the traits and characteristics of Anglo-Saxons.
I also think that the author is biased towards the anglo-saxton culture. They are present throughout the entire story and the authour is trying to communicate that they are a superior culture with the best ideas.
I also agree with Jessica that the author of this is stating that the Anglo-Saxon culture is present throughout this poem, and that the author is trying to stay that it is the best, to all others.
I agree with the statements made in this response. Anglo-saxon ideals and attitudes are definitely represented within the text. Not only is the response correct in nature but it is well written and an interesting read.
Beowulf has many characteristics of Anglo-Saxon culture in it. THe author of the essay gives many characters in the book, and how they link to, what they mean to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
The author clearly identifies the theme of good vs. evil when he describes Grendel as "the fallen angel," and Beowulf as "the pure angel." While he identifies aspects of the Anglo-Saxon culture in this work, he also sees the timelessness of the theme.
"Documents the fundamental importance of estates satire to the portraits in the General Prologue. Chaucer borrows from traditional complaints against the estates, but modifies our reaction to their details through "simple, attractive similes," and a shifting, often empathetic point of view. Surprising or ambiguous contexts remind us of the relative value of words, and the "omission of victims" directs our attention to the activities of the pilgrims rather than the effects of these actions upon others. The moral relativism that results is undercut by comic irony. Extensive notes and bibliography detail pertinent Chaucer criticism as well as primary estates material from Latin, French, and English traditions."
27 comments:
Please add an article, Brandon.
Mrs. C
Beowulf
Beowulf: a man, nothing but a man, with a man's courage. Or is he? Can a man really be as almighty as he? Can a monster such as Grendel even exist? How about an evil dragon?
Yes.
And these very characters alone token the attitudes and ideals of a people, the Anglo-Saxon, no matter how realistically or fictionally depicted. Not only do the characters act as thematic archetypes or symbols, but also as many elements as plot, setting, diction, organizational syntax, etc. But, to not get carried away, let us point out the thematic developments that can be objectified by such factors as characters and setting. Within the epic poem Beowulf, both universal and Anglo-Saxon themes are embodied by the protagonists' individual struggles, internal and external.
Beginning with the man himself: Beowulf, the personification of might, prowess, raised to such level as to be superhuman. But demigod or not, he himself symbolizes the Anglo-Saxon perseverance and proficiency at battle. By being exalted and bestowed by such powers as he is, the author, in turn, also presents the Anglo-Saxon society as being everlastingly tough. A subdued aspect of Beowulf's character, however, is the denomination of his almost arrogant might as a form of fighting an external battle that he cannot fight within, or an insecurity. Yet outdoing himself never seemed to be a problem, and whatever his own reasons were do not debase his thematic portrayal of the Anglo-Saxon culture as warlike. More than the dragon, though, Grendel is depicted as Beowulf's foil, with his apparent humanity only adding to the validity of the parallel. Were he to be a complete monster, of absolute evil, like the dragon, he could not be looked upon at the same level as Beowulf. Whereas Grendel is the fallen angel, Beowulf is the pure angel, here to rid the world of evil. Grendel himself thematically represents the inhumane aspect of society, contrasting, and fighting against Herot. Herot, in turn, is an archetypal sanctuary, appealing to universal themes, and representing the good of society; a good which may have initially have cast away those of Grendel's kind, yet this nothing more than a speculation.
Hrothgar, however, as a structurally weak character, is not developed enough to be able to represent a fact to the extremes of, "Anglo-Saxon leaders were flimsy old men with poor leadership skills." The fact that Beowulf himself does rise to the top to take Hrothgar's throne, however, does portray a touch of Darwinism, showing how the Anglo-Saxon society selected its leaders from proclaimed warriors; or more generally than that, how a specific group of people comes to be led by he (or she) who best embodies those ideals of the group. Unferth as well is a detrimental character to the Herot hall, as he embodies a thematic envy that can be harmful to any society. Luckily, though, his persona is not as cunning as his speech makes it seem, and is easily subdued by Beowulf. Lastly, and completing the list of flat characters, is the Dragon, who represents an external evil acting upon a group, namely the Anglo-Saxon. They had many dragons whom they fought daily, as we do to this day, and the Dragon himself embodies this theme of pure evil versus pure good. As glorified as Beowulf's final battle is, it also represents a natural equilibrium, whereas both good-- Beowulf-- and evil-- the Dragon-- perish, symbolizing the fact that a struggle of such magnitude as this cannot be overcome even by the mighty Beowulf; and so other ultimate powers of good and evil will arise.
Throughout the epic poem Beowulf we find such themes as a warlike race, an arrogance which is in essence the impetus to fight evil, and constant internal and external struggles, which can be attributed to the Anglo-Saxon culture. More broad and universally thematic concepts are presented, though, such as survival of the fittest, the fight of good and evil, the importance of efficient leadership. All these combined build a rich epic of a man, nothing but a man, with a man's courage, who could have very well have lived in 999 as in 1999.
The author of this article believes that Beowulf expresses the attitudes and ideals of the Anglo-Saxon people.
The Angle-Saxon culture is present in this text. It constantly is trying to prove the piont that Anglo-Saxon culture is supior to all others.
I agree with Jessica. The Anglo-Saxon culture is present throughout the entire story trying to persuade the reader that it is the best.
I found this essay to be intriguing, when the author points out that Beowulf not only represents Anglo-Saxon culture, but universal themes also. Personally, I thought Grendel might have been some character added to prove that "Yes good does triumph over evil," or "The divine power of god delivered a smiting blow to the demon" but pointing out that Grendel represents, "...the inhumane aspect of society, contrasting, and fighting against Herot." I agree with all the author's points: Darwinism, social representation, natural equilibrium, and the clues to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
I agree with the authors historical respones.Through out the story of Beowulf the Angelo-Saxon culture appears through in the description of the characters,actions of the characters and the characters religon.
With so many randomized and different aspects of this criticism, it is hard to find exactly what the author is trying to say. I beleive the major theme is the authors beleif that the Anglo-Saxon culture is evident throughout the story, and I agree.
I like how this author tried to pick up on the case of grendel being a "fallen Angel" and how Grendel, but not the dragon can be compared to Beowulf. All in all the author seems to ramble quite a great deal, i would label this more of a "reader response" rather than any kind of factual criticism.
This article discusses the possibility that Beowulf was more then a mere story but based on actual events. I think this is an interesting idea, we will never know if Beowulf was a real man or if dragons and monsters ever existed. The likelihood of monsters, dragons, and trolls existing however is very slim. We would have historical evidence and not just fantasies and imaginative stories.
It is hard to know the truth behind the real story of Beowulf. Was he real or was it just a story. The author was unknon and some believe the author may have even based the story off factual events.
I agree with this author. I like how the beginning starts with questions that are probably on everyones mind when, during and after reading Beowulf. And the fact the author proves it makes it all the better.
I do not agree with the author when he pointed out that A man can be almighty as Beowulf and that a Monster like Grendel exist. No man in this world can be as strong as Beowulf. A man might have a god giving strength but can never be as strong as beowul and i believe the peom Beowulf is a fictional epic
I agree with the author when he says that anglo saxon culture is evident throughout the story.the story is clearly influenced by anglo saxon culture.
This response includes more cultural standpoints than most. It provides evidence of anglo saxon culture that is found within Beowulf including warlike race and internal and external struggles. These things inform us about the culture of the anglo saxons.
I agree that the Anglo-Saxon culture plays a major role in Beowulf. It is evident all throughout the text.
The criticism holds many cultural points. It describes how the Anglo-Saxon are tough and how they persevere in battles. Many of the critic's thoughts describe how Beowulf exhibits the traits and characteristics of Anglo-Saxons.
Obviously the text is biased and the author wants to persuade the audience that the Anglo-Saxon ideals are the best.
The author is bias towards the Anglo-Saxon culture. This article is syaing how it is shown through out beowulf and how it is the best.
I also think that the author is biased towards the anglo-saxton culture. They are present throughout the entire story and the authour is trying to communicate that they are a superior culture with the best ideas.
I also agree with Jessica that the author of this is stating that the Anglo-Saxon culture is present throughout this poem, and that the author is trying to stay that it is the best, to all others.
I agree with the statements made in this response. Anglo-saxon ideals and attitudes are definitely represented within the text. Not only is the response correct in nature but it is well written and an interesting read.
This article verifies that Beowulf is a great way to find out more about the Anglo-Saxons.
Beowulf has many characteristics of Anglo-Saxon culture in it. THe author of the essay gives many characters in the book, and how they link to, what they mean to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
The author clearly identifies the theme of good vs. evil when he describes Grendel as "the fallen angel," and Beowulf as "the pure angel." While he identifies aspects of the Anglo-Saxon culture in this work, he also sees the timelessness of the theme.
"Documents the fundamental importance of estates satire to the portraits in the General Prologue. Chaucer borrows from traditional complaints against the estates, but modifies our reaction to their details through "simple, attractive similes," and a shifting, often empathetic point of view. Surprising or ambiguous contexts remind us of the relative value of words, and the "omission of victims" directs our attention to the activities of the pilgrims rather than the effects of these actions upon others. The moral relativism that results is undercut by comic irony. Extensive notes and bibliography detail pertinent Chaucer criticism as well as primary estates material from Latin, French, and English traditions."
I, along witht the rest of the class, agree that Angle-Saxon culture is reprisented throughout the story of Beowulf.
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