Grendel's Mother's Attack In Beowulf, we see a number of elements throughout the poem. First, we see a pagan warrior society. In this society the relationship between a king and his thanes is key. It is a symbiotic relationship in which the thanes defend the king and his land and fight his wars. In return, the king provides for his men. He offers them such items as mailcoats, swords, helmets, gold rings, mead, beer, shelter and companionship. This society also places great value on kinship. If one's kin is killed, it is the remaining relative's duty to make the killer pay for the death, either with his own life or the payment of wergild (the "man price"). Finally, we see the recurrence of the pagan ideas of fate and courage. Men believe that fate controls their lives. Beowulf constantly tests fate and believes that through courage he can live on in the memory of those who will live after him.
In the section of the poem dealing with Grendel's Mother's attack, we see the warriors settling down to sleep in Heorot after the huge celebration of Beowulf's victory over Grendel. They seem unaware of the fact that Grendel has kin who may come to avenge his death. Grendel's mother appears on the scene, snatches a man away and hurries back to the mere. When it is discovered a man is dead, sorrow is renewed. There is no more joy at Heorot, now that the she-monster has sought "payment" for the death of her son. Yet since she and her son are monsters, the thanes feel little sympathy.
In this scene we also see the pointlessness of the blood feuds, especially in the line, "This was not a good bargain, that on both sides they had to pay with the lives of friends." (Norton, page 44.) For twelve long years Hrothgar's men were murdered. Beowulf put a stop to the madness when he killed Grendel. But no one has thought about Grendel's kin. When Grendel's mother seeks revenge, it is a different story. If it weren't for the fact that there are only two monsters in the mere, this blood feud could have gone on for ages.
Hrothgar summons Beowulf and tells him that the dead man is Aeschere, his dearest advisor. He begs Beowulf for help once more, and Beowulf agrees saying, "It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much mourn." (Norton, page 45.) It is here that we see Hrothgar contrasted with Beowulf. Hrothgar is described as "the hoary warrior"; he seems old, tired, and out of control. His thanes may be good at boasting, but they are unable to protect his kingdom. Beowulf, on the other hand, is young, strong, and courageous. He believes that "Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good." (Norton, page 34.)
We see a similar contrast of age and fighting ability later in the poem when Beowulf is an old man and goes to slay the dragon. In that scene, Beowulf's age is contrasted with Wiglaf's youth. The big difference between these two scenes of the poem is that throughout his life, Beowulf does not fear going into battle for his people, but Hrothgar avoids it. Beowulf fights the dragon even if it means his own death.
Beowulf: Good vs. Evil Beowulf is one of the oldest existing poems in the English Language. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem, which portrays a story of an epic hero destined to defeat a ferocious monster in order to save a kingdom from destruction and death. The major theme in this epic was the theme of good versus evil. The theme of good versus evil was portrayed through the people and things that represented good and evil, which helped portray the theme throughout that novel, and explained the overall effect of this theme on the poem as a piece of literature. There are many symbols that represent good in Beowulf. Beowulf himself is a symbol of good in this epic. Beowulf is tamed and civilized which are the characteristics of goodness and purity. 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 enemy Grendel. This serves as a symbol of Beowulf's Goodness. Another symbol of goodness is light. Light symbolizes day and rejoicing. When light, such as the sun and moon, are showing it gives people a sense of comfort and t
. . . Therefore, this symbolized another good versus evil battle. " In this description of Herot after Grendel's massacres, Hrothgar describes the mead-hall as "glittering, with new light” which would be drenched with blood. hey don’t seem to be scared of daylight. So, in the end of this final battle, it was good and evil that perished. But as his shield was melting, the dragon injected poison into Beowulf’s neck, which injected him with poison, thus killing Beowulf. Everything went well for fifty years, until a stranger stole a chastise from a dragon’s lair. But when Beowulf came to Herot there was more goodness. Therefore, the good overcame the evil. As a result, he killed the dragon but also died in the process. So Beowulf, still feeling triumphant about killing Grendel, set off for Grendel’s mother. And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering, with new light would be drenched with blood, the benches, stained red, the floors, all wet from that fiend's savage assault-and my soldiers would be fewer still death taking more and more. Wiglaf showed goodness by helping Beowulf defeat the dragon when the others would not. So when Grendel attacked Herot that night, it was Beowulf and Grendel fighting it off. Then all of the people in the kingdom of Herot danced, feasted, and rejoiced for the rest of the night.
In Beowulf, the theme of good versus evil was used widely throughout the epic poem.
The writer of this critique is basing alot of his views from a historical standpoint when writing about the poem Beowulf. The writer uses his knowledge of paganism to justify and explain certain characteristics many of the characters possess throughout the story, such as kinship. Further down in his criticism, the writer changes his stance by criticizing the story by a readers response. I agree with the writer that many of the "blood fueds" were pointless, and the differences between Beowulf and Hrothgar, who were both heroes in their on way.
The author does use historical standpoints to get his idea across about Good vs Evil relating to Beowulf. He also uses other refences from other novels to support his views.
I agree with the writer of this essay. The author does in fact use historical evidence and also provides anglo- saxon standpoints to prove his point stating the good v. bad reoccuring theme in the story of Beowulf.
I agree with this authors views of Beowulf and his historical stand points,the author provides great evidence,"Beowulf is one of the oldest existing poems in the English Language..."Which adds too the historical outlook of Beowulf.
I agree that there is a warrior like society within Beowulf, such that the warriors will serve the king in return for neccesities and wants. I also agree that in times of need and desperaition, blood feuds and small rivalries are meaningless. The author points this out in the third paragraph.
This critic does not speak specifically as to WHY or HOW the battle of good vs. evil is represented. I do agree that the battle of good vs. evil is present.
The explanations of the presence of historical elements were well described and I agree that they are present. I also agree with the viewpoint that blood fuels were pointless, but in contrast, I believe that it was necessary for Grendel to be killed in order for the cruelties to be ended, but they should have thought it out better and realized revenge would be sought.
I think that the author swung-and-missed on a very interesting topic. they danced about the idea of "blood Feuds", however, they didn't really go into depth as to how Grendel's dam was avenging the death of her son... but then again, Grendel was the one who started the killing, yet that just has "conflicts caused by cultural differences" written all over it.
It is interesting that the oldest Anglo-saxon epic poem's main idea revolves around good vs evil. I'm guessing this idea developed from the Bible which was basically the only printed literature back then. The Bible is always about the constant battle of God vs Satan, which is good vs evil. Nobody knows the author of this great epic poem, but its pretty easy to figure out where the authors ideas are from.
The author of this article says how Beowulf failed to think of Grendel's mother before killing Grendel -- and that she may seek revenge. But Beowulf did the right thing when defeating Grendel; he was basically left no other option. Grendel's mindless violence was completely out of control, and someone had to stop it. Sometimes even the best choices may have unfortunate results, and you may have to just deal with those results to become successful.
I agree with this essay. I feel that there is a really strong anglo-saxon outlook and a lot of historical evidence. This is a very old piece of literature and does include historical references form the time period.
I agree with the author's criticism. The author uses historical elements to prove anglo-saxon stand points. its interesting how the author uses pagan beliefs to back up and give reason to the traits the characters of Beowulf hold.
Yay, something fresh! This article talks about the specific scene where Grendel's mother comes and takes Aeschere to avenge the death of her son. Hmm...should i be talking about the second comment about good and evil yet again...? Most likely. However I'm tired of reading those articles. The topic of revenge comes up in Beowulf when Grendel's mother kills Aeschere to avenge her sons death and Beowulf kills her to avenge Aeschere's death. The circle ends there. Its rather interesting...
I would also have to agree with this critism. I would also have tro agree that the author used historical events to prove alot of the anglo-anxon epics
Like all other articles, Yes, I do agree with the author that Beowulf presents the theme of good v. evil. I also find interesting is the author's example of age and bravery(fighting ability). THe author presents a good point of, the older you are, the less strength you have. Hrothgar couldnt fight off Grendel when he was old, and Beowulf could fight off the dragon without Wiglaf's help. Beowulf dies in the end, also implementing the statement "you can't win them all."
I disagree with the idea that the "blood fueds" were pointless. They were necessary to add some action to the story, otherwise it would have been quite boring.
I completely dislike the qoute " it is better for a mant to avenge his friends death than to mourn." I agree that hrothgar was contradictory and that age and fighting ability was strongly evident.
I agree that Beowulf over looked the fact that someone might seek revenge for Grendel. Also, the anglo-saxon culture is clealy shown in the text, along with evidence.
The theme of good vs. evil is very prominent in Beowulf, but I do not believe that this particular critic provides sufficient discussion/analysis of this.
26 comments:
Grendel's Mother's Attack
In Beowulf, we see a number of elements throughout the poem. First, we see a pagan warrior society. In this society the relationship between a king and his thanes is key. It is a symbiotic relationship in which the thanes defend the king and his land and fight his wars. In return, the king provides for his men. He offers them such items as mailcoats, swords, helmets, gold rings, mead, beer, shelter and companionship. This society also places great value on kinship. If one's kin is killed, it is the remaining relative's duty to make the killer pay for the death, either with his own life or the payment of wergild (the "man price"). Finally, we see the recurrence of the pagan ideas of fate and courage. Men believe that fate controls their lives. Beowulf constantly tests fate and believes that through courage he can live on in the memory of those who will live after him.
In the section of the poem dealing with Grendel's Mother's attack, we see the warriors settling down to sleep in Heorot after the huge celebration of Beowulf's victory over Grendel. They seem unaware of the fact that Grendel has kin who may come to avenge his death. Grendel's mother appears on the scene, snatches a man away and hurries back to the mere. When it is discovered a man is dead, sorrow is renewed. There is no more joy at Heorot, now that the she-monster has sought "payment" for the death of her son. Yet since she and her son are monsters, the thanes feel little sympathy.
In this scene we also see the pointlessness of the blood feuds, especially in the line, "This was not a good bargain, that on both sides they had to pay with the lives of friends." (Norton, page 44.) For twelve long years Hrothgar's men were murdered. Beowulf put a stop to the madness when he killed Grendel. But no one has thought about Grendel's kin. When Grendel's mother seeks revenge, it is a different story. If it weren't for the fact that there are only two monsters in the mere, this blood feud could have gone on for ages.
Hrothgar summons Beowulf and tells him that the dead man is Aeschere, his dearest advisor. He begs Beowulf for help once more, and Beowulf agrees saying, "It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much mourn." (Norton, page 45.) It is here that we see Hrothgar contrasted with Beowulf. Hrothgar is described as "the hoary warrior"; he seems old, tired, and out of control. His thanes may be good at boasting, but they are unable to protect his kingdom. Beowulf, on the other hand, is young, strong, and courageous. He believes that "Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good." (Norton, page 34.)
We see a similar contrast of age and fighting ability later in the poem when Beowulf is an old man and goes to slay the dragon. In that scene, Beowulf's age is contrasted with Wiglaf's youth. The big difference between these two scenes of the poem is that throughout his life, Beowulf does not fear going into battle for his people, but Hrothgar avoids it. Beowulf fights the dragon even if it means his own death.
Beowulf: Good vs. Evil
Beowulf is one of the oldest existing poems in the English Language. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem, which portrays a story of an epic hero destined to defeat a ferocious monster in order to save a kingdom from destruction and death. The major theme in this epic was the theme of good versus evil. The theme of good versus evil was portrayed through the people and things that represented good and evil, which helped portray the theme throughout that novel, and explained the overall effect of this theme on the poem as a piece of literature.
There are many symbols that represent good in Beowulf. Beowulf himself is a symbol of good in this epic. Beowulf is tamed and civilized which are the characteristics of goodness and purity. 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 enemy Grendel. This serves as a symbol of Beowulf's Goodness. Another symbol of goodness is light. Light symbolizes day and rejoicing. When light, such as the sun and moon, are showing it gives people a sense of comfort and t
. . .
Therefore, this symbolized another good versus evil battle. " In this description of Herot after Grendel's massacres, Hrothgar describes the mead-hall as "glittering, with new light” which would be drenched with blood. hey don’t seem to be scared of daylight. So, in the end of this final battle, it was good and evil that perished. But as his shield was melting, the dragon injected poison into Beowulf’s neck, which injected him with poison, thus killing Beowulf. Everything went well for fifty years, until a stranger stole a chastise from a dragon’s lair. But when Beowulf came to Herot there was more goodness. Therefore, the good overcame the evil. As a result, he killed the dragon but also died in the process. So Beowulf, still feeling triumphant about killing Grendel, set off for Grendel’s mother. And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering, with new light would be drenched with blood, the benches, stained red, the floors, all wet from that fiend's savage assault-and my soldiers would be fewer still death taking more and more. Wiglaf showed goodness by helping Beowulf defeat the dragon when the others would not. So when Grendel attacked Herot that night, it was Beowulf and Grendel fighting it off. Then all of the people in the kingdom of Herot danced, feasted, and rejoiced for the rest of the night.
In Beowulf, the theme of good versus evil was used widely throughout the epic poem.
The writer of this critique is basing alot of his views from a historical standpoint when writing about the poem Beowulf. The writer uses his knowledge of paganism to justify and explain certain characteristics many of the characters possess throughout the story, such as kinship. Further down in his criticism, the writer changes his stance by criticizing the story by a readers response. I agree with the writer that many of the "blood fueds" were pointless, and the differences between Beowulf and Hrothgar, who were both heroes in their on way.
The author does use historical standpoints to get his idea across about Good vs Evil relating to Beowulf. He also uses other refences from other novels to support his views.
I agree with the writer of this essay. The author does in fact use historical evidence and also provides anglo- saxon standpoints to prove his point stating the good v. bad reoccuring theme in the story of Beowulf.
I agree with this authors views of Beowulf and his historical stand points,the author provides great evidence,"Beowulf is one of the oldest existing poems in the English Language..."Which adds too the historical outlook of Beowulf.
I agree that there is a warrior like society within Beowulf, such that the warriors will serve the king in return for neccesities and wants. I also agree that in times of need and desperaition, blood feuds and small rivalries are meaningless. The author points this out in the third paragraph.
This critic does not speak specifically as to WHY or HOW the battle of good vs. evil is represented. I do agree that the battle of good vs. evil is present.
The explanations of the presence of historical elements were well described and I agree that they are present. I also agree with the viewpoint that blood fuels were pointless, but in contrast, I believe that it was necessary for Grendel to be killed in order for the cruelties to be ended, but they should have thought it out better and realized revenge would be sought.
I think that the author swung-and-missed on a very interesting topic. they danced about the idea of "blood Feuds", however, they didn't really go into depth as to how Grendel's dam was avenging the death of her son... but then again, Grendel was the one who started the killing, yet that just has "conflicts caused by cultural differences" written all over it.
It is interesting that the oldest Anglo-saxon epic poem's main idea revolves around good vs evil. I'm guessing this idea developed from the Bible which was basically the only printed literature back then. The Bible is always about the constant battle of God vs Satan, which is good vs evil. Nobody knows the author of this great epic poem, but its pretty easy to figure out where the authors ideas are from.
I agree with this essay. The author provides anglo-saxon standpoints and historical evidence to show the theme of good versus evil.
The author of this article says how Beowulf failed to think of Grendel's mother before killing Grendel -- and that she may seek revenge. But Beowulf did the right thing when defeating Grendel; he was basically left no other option. Grendel's mindless violence was completely out of control, and someone had to stop it. Sometimes even the best choices may have unfortunate results, and you may have to just deal with those results to become successful.
I agree with this essay. I feel that there is a really strong anglo-saxon outlook and a lot of historical evidence. This is a very old piece of literature and does include historical references form the time period.
This historical input is very agreeable. Maybe the authors historical inputs make it that way.
I agree with the author's criticism. The author uses historical elements to prove anglo-saxon stand points. its interesting how the author uses pagan beliefs to back up and give reason to the traits the characters of Beowulf hold.
Yay, something fresh!
This article talks about the specific scene where Grendel's mother comes and takes Aeschere to avenge the death of her son. Hmm...should i be talking about the second comment about good and evil yet again...? Most likely. However I'm tired of reading those articles.
The topic of revenge comes up in Beowulf when Grendel's mother kills Aeschere to avenge her sons death and Beowulf kills her to avenge Aeschere's death. The circle ends there. Its rather interesting...
I would also have to agree with this critism. I would also have tro agree that the author used historical events to prove alot of the anglo-anxon epics
Like all other articles, Yes, I do agree with the author that Beowulf presents the theme of good v. evil. I also find interesting is the author's example of age and bravery(fighting ability). THe author presents a good point of, the older you are, the less strength you have. Hrothgar couldnt fight off Grendel when he was old, and Beowulf could fight off the dragon without Wiglaf's help. Beowulf dies in the end, also implementing the statement "you can't win them all."
THis article is from a mainly historical standpoint and is supported by facts. Its interesting how the author makes Hrothgar a hero too.
I disagree with the idea that the "blood fueds" were pointless. They were necessary to add some action to the story, otherwise it would have been quite boring.
I completely dislike the qoute " it is better for a mant to avenge his friends death than to mourn." I agree that hrothgar was contradictory and that age and fighting ability was strongly evident.
I disagree with the acticle saying that the "blood fueds" were pointless. Without those the story would have been extremely lame.
The author uses evidence from history and also provides Anglo- Saxon viewpoints to prove his point that good vs evil is a reoccuring theme in beowulf.
I agree that Beowulf over looked the fact that someone might seek revenge for Grendel. Also, the anglo-saxon culture is clealy shown in the text, along with evidence.
The theme of good vs. evil is very prominent in Beowulf, but I do not believe that this particular critic provides sufficient discussion/analysis of this.
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