Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Epic of Beowulf Essay - A True Literary Epic -- Epic Beowulf essays
Beowulf : A True Literary Epic à à The Adventures of Beowulf, a rousing Old English poem of man and monster, and perhaps the earliest European vernacular epic, is rightfully considered an epic for it possesses those features which characterize epic poetry. à For example, in epic poetry the central character has heroic or superhuman qualities. In The Adventures of Beowulf, the main character, a Geat warrior named Beowulf, possesses such qualities: ââ¬Å"He was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble.â⬠à Upon spotting Beowulf approaching, the sea-guard of the Danes says, ââ¬Å"Never have I seen a greater man on earthâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ à King Hrothgar of the Danes says of Beowulf, ââ¬Å"Seafarers who took gifts to the Geats say that he has the strength of 30 men in his hand grip.â⬠Beowulf chooses to fight Grendel by himself and without shield or weapons; previously the hero slew 9 sea monsters with his sword. And he is fully willing to sacrifice his very life for this: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ I alone will fulfill the wish of your people â⬠¦ or die in the foeââ¬â¢s grasp.â⬠Beowulf consciously chooses to act in a superhuman manner: ââ¬Å"I shall perform the deeds of a hero or I have passed my last day in t his mead hall.â⬠Even Grendel recognizes the heroââ¬â¢s superior strength: ââ¬Å"The criminal knew he had not met in this middle-earth another with such a grip.â⬠Other warriors when thinking of Beowulf ââ¬Å"would quickly compose a skillful tale in words.â⬠Hrothgar refers to Beowulf as ââ¬Å"the best of warriors.â⬠à The Danish queen Wealhtheow compliments after Grendelââ¬â¢s defeat, ââ¬Å"You have earned forever the praise of men from near and far.â⬠Hrothgar expounds on good warriors: ââ¬Å"This is the best-born man ââ¬â my friend Beowulf â⬠¦ the best of warriors.â⬠When the dragon burns the mead hall of the... ...eat among his kin,â⬠ââ¬Å"war-death,â⬠ââ¬Å"held the gift-seat,â⬠ââ¬Å"a feast to ravens,â⬠ââ¬Å"old and wise,â⬠ââ¬Å"fell down battle-pale,â⬠ââ¬Å"battle-sweat,â⬠ââ¬Å"war-chief,â⬠ââ¬Å"drew his battle-knife,â⬠ââ¬Å"on his death-bed,â⬠ââ¬Å"death held him fast,â⬠ââ¬Å"feared evil days,â⬠etc. à The Adventures of Beowulf is a poem of such stature that it manifests many common characteristics of epic poetry; therefore, it can rightfully be classified as an epic poem in its own right. à BIBLIOGRAPHY à Clark, George. Beowulf. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990. à Fry, Donald K. ââ¬Å"Introduction: The Artistry of Beowulf.â⬠In TheBeowulf Poet, edited byDonald K. fry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968. à Robinson, Fred C. ââ¬Å"Apposed Word Meanings and Religious Perspectives.â⬠In Beowulf ââ¬â Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.
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