“resolute in his helmet, Beowulf spoke: “Greetings to Hrothgar. I am Hygelac’s kinsman, one of his hall-troop. When I was younger, I had great triumphs. Then news of Grendel, hard to ignore, reached me at home: sailors brought stories of the plight you suffer in this legendary hall, how it lies deserted, empty and useless once the evening light hides itself under heavens dome. So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength. They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a trolls nest and in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats (their enemies brought it upon themselves, I devastated them.)
In the story of Beowulf, much of what happens is because how powerful he is and the awesomeness of his strength. This is seen in the passage, and that’s only one of the reasons it is vitally important to the progression of Beowulf. It’s also full of literary devices and back round information.
Beowulf, through out the whole story, is defeating larger than life monsters. “…I battled and bound five beasts, raided a trolls nest and in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes.” Beowulf has a long history of conquering beasts, which is something one has to know before accepting how simply he destroyed the infamous Grendel and his mother. “…because all knew of my awesome strength.” Even he boasts of his power. Recognizing that Beowulf is mighty beyond all reason is essential to the story. This passage demonstrates that perfectly.
This passage provides a brief back round for Beowulf, “I am Hygelac’s kinsman, one of his hall troop. When I was younger, I had great triumphs.” And provides an explanation to why he is there. “Then news of Grendel, hard to ignore, reached me at home: sailors brought stories of the plight you suffer in this legendary hall” “So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you” This portion makes the passage vital to the story as well. Without it one has no idea where Beowulf comes from or why he has chosen to come.
This section of Beowulf is full of literary devices. The alliteration helps amplify the mood of the of the speech “in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes.” Also it helps to create a more interesting tone in this quote. “So every elder and experienced councilman” Kennings are also seen in the case of “sea-brutes.”
Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Heaney. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Beowulf LRJ#3
Alex O'Brien
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
10 December 2008
In this section of Beowulf the value of loyalty can be seen often. Loyalty is one of the strongest ideas in the story of Beowulf, valued by everyone from Beowulf to the common man. “Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.” (Heaney 2666 – 2668) This is a quote from a soldier of Beowulf’s; he is confirming his allegiance, showing how loyal he is before such a great battle. Beowulf’s great heroism brings forth the loyalty in his people. Beowulf too shows signs of the deep-seated value. “You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high born clan to their final doom.” (Heaney 2813 – 2816) This shows Beowulf in his final moments using his last breath to show his enduring faithfulness to his people, the Waegmundings.
There are many differences in "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" which separates it significantly from the others. This section reveals a side of Beowulf previously unseen, a side with weakness. “His home, the best of buildings, had been burnt to cinder” (Heaney 2325 – 2326) The dragon has destroyed Beowulf’s town and home. Something that would have never happened to the Beowulf I remember from the first two sections. This dragon is exposing his soft under belly. "His mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331 – 2333) Here Beowulf is shown experiencing the hindrances that come with defeat. Beowulf struggles though out the whole section and ultimately dies. However in this section Beowulf shows traits more regularly seen from a common man, such as dismay and fear. His power is not as awesome as it once was; this is done to allow one to relate to Beowulf most in his time of lamentation.
Even though Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon causes his death it would most definitely be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero. "... I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die." (Heaney 2795-2798) It is a very honorable thing, to die in battle. One of the things that made his dying so noble is that he deceased in battle while saving people. One can’t think of a more dignified way to perish. Beowulf was a true hero and he died like one.
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
10 December 2008
In this section of Beowulf the value of loyalty can be seen often. Loyalty is one of the strongest ideas in the story of Beowulf, valued by everyone from Beowulf to the common man. “Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.” (Heaney 2666 – 2668) This is a quote from a soldier of Beowulf’s; he is confirming his allegiance, showing how loyal he is before such a great battle. Beowulf’s great heroism brings forth the loyalty in his people. Beowulf too shows signs of the deep-seated value. “You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high born clan to their final doom.” (Heaney 2813 – 2816) This shows Beowulf in his final moments using his last breath to show his enduring faithfulness to his people, the Waegmundings.
There are many differences in "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" which separates it significantly from the others. This section reveals a side of Beowulf previously unseen, a side with weakness. “His home, the best of buildings, had been burnt to cinder” (Heaney 2325 – 2326) The dragon has destroyed Beowulf’s town and home. Something that would have never happened to the Beowulf I remember from the first two sections. This dragon is exposing his soft under belly. "His mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331 – 2333) Here Beowulf is shown experiencing the hindrances that come with defeat. Beowulf struggles though out the whole section and ultimately dies. However in this section Beowulf shows traits more regularly seen from a common man, such as dismay and fear. His power is not as awesome as it once was; this is done to allow one to relate to Beowulf most in his time of lamentation.
Even though Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon causes his death it would most definitely be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero. "... I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die." (Heaney 2795-2798) It is a very honorable thing, to die in battle. One of the things that made his dying so noble is that he deceased in battle while saving people. One can’t think of a more dignified way to perish. Beowulf was a true hero and he died like one.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Beowulf LRJ#1
In Beowulf there is a strong value of the sense community. The people of this society take great joy in celebrating together. “He handed down orders for men to work on a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever… there he would dispense his god-given goods to the young and old…” (Heaney 68-72) Hrothgar, the king, feels blessed because of his position and wealth and he feels the need to give back to the community. He shows his affection by building a great mead hall, a place for celebration and means for him to continue to give to his people.
In the tale of Beowulf alliteration is quite frequent. Alliteration brings the story to life, it draws attention to the phrase, emphasizes it. “God-given goods” (Heaney 72) This quote is referring to wealth of the king and how he attributes it all to the gods. The alliteration brings ones attention to it. Another example of alliteration in Beowulf is "...their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell." (179-180). This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel. “Away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship. Over the waves with the wind behind her” (Heaney 216-217) this passage is ridden with alliteration, it contains a ridiculous amount. It speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.
A kenning is an expression used in the place of a noun, usually for the purpose of alliteration. “Whale-road” (Heaney 10) This is a perfect example of a kenning, turning ocean into whale road. "Treasure- seat" (Heaney 168) This kenning is simply saying the throne is of great value and importance.
In the tale of Beowulf alliteration is quite frequent. Alliteration brings the story to life, it draws attention to the phrase, emphasizes it. “God-given goods” (Heaney 72) This quote is referring to wealth of the king and how he attributes it all to the gods. The alliteration brings ones attention to it. Another example of alliteration in Beowulf is "...their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell." (179-180). This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel. “Away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship. Over the waves with the wind behind her” (Heaney 216-217) this passage is ridden with alliteration, it contains a ridiculous amount. It speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.
A kenning is an expression used in the place of a noun, usually for the purpose of alliteration. “Whale-road” (Heaney 10) This is a perfect example of a kenning, turning ocean into whale road. "Treasure- seat" (Heaney 168) This kenning is simply saying the throne is of great value and importance.
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