beowulf theme analysis essay

• Literature Notes
• Major Themes in Beowulf
• Poem Summary
• About Beowulf
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Lines 1-193
• Lines 194-606
• Lines 607-836
• Lines 837-1062
• Lines 1063-1250
• Lines 1251-1491
• Lines 1492-1650
• Lines 1651-1887
• Lines 1888-2199
• Lines 2200-2400
• Lines 2401-2630
• Lines 2631-2820
• Lines 2821-3182
• Character Analysis
• Grendel's Mother
• Character Map
• The Beowulf Poet
• The Beowulf Manuscript
• Critical Essays
• Major Symbols in Beowulf
• Famous Quotes from Beowulf
• Film Versions of Beowulf
• Full Glossary for Beowulf
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Major Themes in Beowulf

A theme in a literary work is a recurring, unifying subject or idea, a motif that allows us to understand more deeply the character and their world. In Beowulf, the major themes reflect the values and the motivations of the characters.

One of the central themes of Beowulf, embodied by its title character, is loyalty. At every step of his career, loyalty is Beowulf's guiding virtue.

Beowulf comes to the assistance of the Danes (Scyldings) for complicated reasons. Certainly he is interested in increasing his reputation and gaining honor and payment for his own king back in Geatland. However, we soon learn that a major motivation is a family debt that Beowulf owes to Hrothgar. The young Geat is devoted to the old king because Hrothgar came to the assistance of Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, years before. Now deceased, Ecgtheow had killed a leader of another tribe in a blood feud. When the tribe sought vengeance, Hrothgar, then a young king, sheltered Beowulf's father and settled the feud by paying tribute (wergild) in the form of "fine old treasures" (472) to Ecgtheow's enemies. Hrothgar even remembers Beowulf as a child. The tie between the families goes back many years, and Beowulf is proud to be able to lend his loyal services to Hrothgar.

When the hero returns to Geatland, he continues his loyalty to his uncle and king, Hygelac, risking his life even when the tactics of the ruler are not the best. After Hygelac is killed in an ill-advised raid on Frisia, Beowulf makes a heroic escape (2359 ff.) back to Geatland. Beowulf could become king then but is more loyal than ambitious. Queen Hygd offers Beowulf the throne after her husband dies, thinking that her young son (Heardred) is unable to protect the kingdom; Beowulf refuses and serves the young king faithfully. After Heardred is killed, Beowulf does become king and rules with honor and fidelity to his office and his people for 50 years. In his final test, the burden of loyalty will rest on other, younger shoulders.

Preparing for his last battle, with the fiery dragon, Beowulf puts his trust in 11 of his finest men, retainers who have vowed to fight to the death for him. Although the now elderly king insists on taking on the dragon alone, he brings along the 11 in case he needs them. When it is apparent that Beowulf is losing the battle to the dragon, however, all but one of his men run and hide in the woods. Only Wiglaf, an inexperienced thane who has great respect for his king, remains loyal. Wiglaf calls to the others in vain. Realizing that they will be no help and that his king is about to be killed, he stands beside the old man to fight to the death — theirs or the dragon's. For Beowulf, sadly, it is the end. Although he and Wiglaf kill the dragon, the king dies. As he dies, Beowulf passes the kingdom on to the brave and loyal Wiglaf.

Another motivating factor for Beowulf — and a central theme in the epic — is reputation. From the beginning, Beowulf is rightly concerned about how the rest of the world will see him. He introduces himself to the Scyldings by citing achievements that gained honor for him and his king. When a drunken Unferth verbally assaults Beowulf at the first banquet, at issue is the hero's reputation. Unferth's slur is the worst kind of insult for Beowulf because his reputation is his most valuable possession. Reputation is also the single quality that endures after death, his one key to immortality. That's why Beowulf later leaves the gold in the cave beneath the mere, after defeating the mother, preferring to return with Grendel's head and the magic sword's hilt rather than treasure. He has and continues to amass treasures; his intent now is in building his fame.

Unferth's slur accuses Beowulf of foolishly engaging in a seven-day swimming contest on the open sea, as a youth, and losing. If Beowulf can't win a match like that, Unferth asserts, he surely can't defeat Grendel. Beowulf defends his reputation with such grace and persuasion that he wins the confidence of King Hrothgar and the rest of the Danes. He points out that he swam with Breca for five nights, not wanting to abandon the weaker boy. Rough seas then drove them apart, and Beowulf had to kill nine sea monsters before going ashore in the morning. His reputation intact, Beowulf prepares to meet Grendel and further enhance his fame.

As he discusses Beowulf's later years, the poet lists the virtues (2177 ff.) leading to the great man's fine reputation. Beowulf is courageous and famous for his performance in battle but equally well known for his good deeds. Although aggressive in war, Beowulf has "no savage mind" (2180) and never kills his comrades when drinking, an important quality in the heroic world of the mead-hall. Beowulf respects the gifts of strength and leadership that he possesses.

As he prepares to meet the dragon, near the end of the poem, now King Beowulf again considers his reputation. He insists on facing the dragon alone despite the fact that his death will leave his people in jeopardy. Hrothgar's Sermon warned Beowulf of the dangers of pride, and some critics have accused the great warrior of excessive pride (hubris) in the defense of his reputation. A more considerate judgment might be that Beowulf is an old man with little time left and deserves the right to die as a warrior. The final words of the poem, stating that Beowulf was "most eager for fame' (3182), might be best understood by a modern audience by remembering that, in Beowulf's world, fame is synonymous with reputation.

Generosity and Hospitality

The Scyldings' King Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow embody the themes of generosity and hospitality. The code of the comitatus is at the heart of the Beowulf epic. In this system, the king or feudal lord provides land, weapons, and a share of treasure to his warriors (called thanes or retainers) in return for their support of the leader in battle. The leader's generosity is one of his highest qualities. There are more than 30 different terms for "king" in the poem, and many of them have to do with this role as provider. He is the "ring-giver' (35) or the "treasure-giver" (607); his seat of power is the "gift-throne" (168).

When booty is seized from an enemy in battle, everything goes to the king. He then allots treasure to each warrior according to the man's achievements as a soldier. When Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother, he expects and receives great riches as his reward, including a golden banner, helmet, and mail-shirt, as well as a jeweled sword, magnificent horses with golden trappings that hang to the ground, a gem-studded saddle, and a golden collar. Such generosity is emblematic of Hrothgar's character. In turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his own king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts. Propriety/generosity is, thus, a crucial part of the political, military, social, and economic structure of the culture.

Wealhtheow shares in the gift giving and is the perfect hostess. When she serves mead in Heorot, it is an act of propriety and diplomacy, attending first to her king and then to various guests, paying special attention to Beowulf. An improper queen would be one like Modthrytho (1931 ff.) who was so inhospitable as to have her own warriors executed for the offense of merely looking into her eyes.

Hospitality is such an established part of the culture that the poet feels free to refer to it with casual humor. When Beowulf reports to Hrothgar on his victory over Grendel (957 ff.), he ironically speaks in terms of hospitality. He tried, he says, to "welcome my enemy" (969) with a firm handshake but was disappointed when he received only a "visitor's token" (971), Grendel's giant claw, "that dear [meaning 'precious'] gift" (973), a kind of macabre gratuity for services rendered. Beowulf had, ironically speaking, tried to be the perfect host; but he wanted the entire ogre body as his tip . Grendel left only his claw as a cheap compensation.

Despite Unferth's jealous rant at the first banquet, the most serious embodiment of envy in the poem is Grendel. The ogre who has menaced Hrothgar's people for 12 years is envious of the Danes because he can never share in mankind's hope or joy. The monster's motivation is one of the few undeniably Christian influences in the epic. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, the biblical son of Adam and Eve who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4). The legend is that the monsters of the earth are Cain's descendants and eternally damned. Grendel resents men because God blesses them but will never bless him. The bright lights and sounds of joy emanating from Hrothgar's magnificent mead-hall, Heorot, especially annoy the ogre.

The scop 's "Song of Creation" angers Grendel because it reminds him of the light and hope of God's creation and the loss he suffers because of Cain's sin. Grendel stomps up from the mere to devour Danes and rule nightly over Heorot as a form of revenge stemming from this envy.

Revenge serves as a motivating factor for several characters throughout the poem, initially stirring Grendel and his mother. Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. He delights in raiding Heorot because it is the symbol of everything that he detests about men: their success, joy, glory, and favor in the eyes of God. Grendel's mother's revenge is more specific. She attacks Heorot because someone there killed her son. Although she is smaller and less powerful than Grendel, she is motivated by a mother's fury. When Beowulf goes after her in the mere, she has the added advantage of fighting him in her own territory. As she drags him into her cave beneath the lake, her revenge peaks because this is the very man who killed her son. Only Beowulf's amazing abilities as a warrior and the intervention of God or magic can defeat her.

Revenge also motivates the many feuds that the poet refers to and is a way of life — and death — for the Germanic tribes. Old enmities die hard and often disrupt attempts at peace, as the poet recognizes. Upon his return to Geatland, Beowulf (2020 ff.) speculates about a feud between Hrothgar's Scyldings and the Heathobards, a tribe in southern Denmark with whom Hrothgar hopes to make peace through the marriage of his daughter. Beowulf is skeptical, envisioning a renewal of hostilities. In fact, the Heathobards do later burn Heorot in events not covered by the poem but probably familiar to its audience. Another example of revenge overcoming peace occurs in the Finnsburh section (1068-1159).

Beowulf's final battle is the result of vengeance. A dangerous fire-dragon seeks revenge because a fugitive slave has stolen a valuable cup from the monster's treasure-hoard. His raids across the countryside include the burning of Beowulf's home. Beowulf then seeks his own revenge by going after the dragon.

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Beowulf Themes

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Beowulf: Introduction

Beowulf: plot summary, beowulf: detailed summary & analysis, beowulf: themes, beowulf: quotes, beowulf: characters, beowulf: symbols, beowulf: theme wheel, brief biography of anonymous.

Historical Context of Beowulf

Other books related to beowulf.

• Full Title: Beowulf
• When Published: Beowulf exists in a single damaged manuscript in the British Library. The manuscript was probably written in England in the early eleventh century, though the poem itself was probably first written down in the eighth century, and was passed on orally before that.
• Literary Period: Medieval; Anglo-Saxon
• Genre: Epic poem
• Setting: Northern Europe, especially Denmark and Sweden, around the sixth century
• Climax: Beowulf's final fight with a dragon
• Point of View: The unnamed speaker of the poem

Extra Credit for Beowulf

Old English Style. Beowulf is the longest poem written in Old English. Old English poetry uses alliterative meter, meaning that the stressed words in a line begin with the same sound. A line of Old English poetry has two halves, with a brief pause, called a caesura, in the middle of the line. The two halves of a line are linked by the alliteration (repetition of an initial consonant); at least three words in a line alliterate. Old English poetry also uses kennings , compressed metaphors like "heaven's candle" for the sun, or "whale's road" for the sea, or calling a woman married in an effort to gain peace a "peace weaver."

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Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis

Beowulf, an iconic piece of Old English literature, transcends time with its gripping narrative and profound themes. Journey through the legendary tale as we dissect its summary, explore its characters, and delve deep into its analysis.

Table of Contents

The Epic Saga Unveiled

A hero’s journey.

Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis begins with the valiant hero Beowulf, who sets out on a perilous journey to rid the Danish kingdom of the menacing monster Grendel.

The Arrival of Beowulf

In this gripping chapter of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, we witness Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark and his bold proclamation to King Hrothgar.

Exploring the Poem’s Depths

Rich symbolism.

Within Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis lies a tapestry of rich symbolism, woven through its poetic verses. Explore the depths of its allegorical significance and unravel its hidden meanings.

Themes of Good vs. Evil

Delve into the heart of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis as we dissect the timeless battle between good and evil depicted in its verses.

Characters: Heroes and Villains

Beowulf: the heroic protagonist.

Meet Beowulf, the epitome of heroism and valor. Explore his character arc and delve into the depths of his noble deeds in Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

Grendel: The Malevolent Menace

In this chapter of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, we encounter the nefarious Grendel, a formidable foe who terrorizes the Danish kingdom.

Confronting the Monstrous Challenge

Battle with grendel.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping encounter between Beowulf and Grendel as we dissect this pivotal moment in Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

The Wrath of Grendel’s Mother

In this thrilling segment of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, witness Beowulf’s epic confrontation with the vengeful Grendel’s mother.

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Analyzing the Epic Tale

Literary analysis.

Embark on a journey of literary exploration as we analyze the themes, motifs, and stylistic elements of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

Historical Context

Delve into the historical backdrop of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, and gain insights into its significance in the context of Old English literature.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the central theme of beowulf.

The central theme of Beowulf revolves around the timeless battle between good and evil, valor, and heroism.

Who is the author of Beowulf?

The authorship of Beowulf remains a subject of scholarly debate, with no definitive answer.

What role does Grendel play in Beowulf?

Grendel serves as the primary antagonist in Beowulf, symbolizing the embodiment of evil and chaos.

Is Beowulf based on true events?

While Beowulf is a work of fiction, it is believed to be inspired by historical events and figures.

What is the significance of Beowulf in literature?

Beowulf holds immense significance in the realm of literature, serving as a cornerstone of Old English poetry and a timeless exploration of heroism and valor.

How does Beowulf reflect Anglo-Saxon culture?

Beowulf reflects various aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture, including its emphasis on bravery, loyalty, and the heroic code.

In conclusion, Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis stands as a timeless masterpiece, captivating readers with its epic narrative and profound themes. Dive into this legendary tale, unravel its mysteries, and discover the essence of heroism and valor.

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What is Beowulf ?

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Beowulf is a heroic poem, considered the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. It deals with events of the early 6th century CE and is believed to have been composed between 700 and 750. Although originally untitled, it was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme.

Where does Beowulf take place?

Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia , primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden .

Who was Beowulf written by?

The author of Beowulf is unknown. It is possible that the poem was composed by and transmitted between several different poets before it was preserved in a single manuscript that dates to about 1000.

What does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?

Upon his return to Heorot, Beowulf presents to King Hrothgar Grendel ’s decapitated head and the jeweled hilt of the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

Was Beowulf real?

There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but other characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. For example, the poem’s Danish King Hrothgar and his nephew Hrothulf are generally believed to have been based on historical figures.

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Beowulf , heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic . The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it was written in the 8th century. Although originally untitled, the poem was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme. There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but some characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. The poem did not appear in print until 1815. It is preserved in a single manuscript that dates to circa 1000 and is known as the Beowulf manuscript (Cotton MS Vitellius A XV) .

Beowulf falls into two parts. It opens in Denmark, where King Hrothgar has a splendid mead hall known as Heorot, a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel , an evil monster living in a nearby swamp. For 12 years the creature terrorizes Heorot with nightly visits in which he carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.

After learning of the Danes’ trouble, young Beowulf, a prince of the Geats in what is now southern Sweden, arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to rid Heorot of its monster. Hrothgar is astonished at the little-known hero’s daring but welcomes him. After an evening of feasting, much courtesy, and some discourtesy—at one point, one of Hrothgar’s men insults Beowulf—the king retires, leaving Beowulf in charge. During the night, Grendel comes from the moors , rips open the heavy doors, and devours one of the sleeping Geats. He then grapples with Beowulf, who refuses to use a weapon. Beowulf grips one of Grendel’s hands with such force that the monster finally wrenches himself free only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. Mortally wounded, Grendel returns to his swamp and dies. Beowulf then displays the monster’s arm in Heorot for all to see.

The next day is one of rejoicing in Heorot, and a feast is thrown in Beowulf’s honour. However, as the warriors sleep that night, Grendel’s mother, another swamp monster, comes to avenge her son’s death, and she kills one of Hrothgar’s men. In the morning Beowulf dives into her mere (lake) to search for her, and she attacks him. They struggle in her dry cave at the mere’s bottom, and Beowulf finally kills her with a sword. In the cave, Beowulf discovers Grendel’s corpse, whose head he cuts off and takes back to Heorot. The Danes rejoice once more. Hrothgar makes a farewell speech about the character of the true hero, and Beowulf, enriched with honours and princely gifts, returns home to King Hygelac of the Geats.

The second part passes rapidly over Hygelac’s subsequent death in a battle (of historical record), the death of his son, and Beowulf’s succession to the kingship and his peaceful rule of 50 years. However, the tranquility ends when a fire-breathing dragon becomes enraged after a man steals from its treasure-filled lair. The creature begins ravaging Geatland, and the brave but aging Beowulf decides to engage it, despite knowing that he will likely die. The fight is long and terrible—a painful contrast to the battles of his youth. Painful too is the desertion of all his retainers except for his young kinsman Wiglaf, who comes to his aid. They ultimately kill the venomous dragon, but Beowulf is mortally wounded from a bite in the neck. Before he dies, he names Wiglaf his successor. Beowulf is cremated on a funeral pyre, and his remains are buried in a barrow built by the sea. As his people mourn his death, they also express the fear that, without Beowulf, Geatland will be invaded by nearby tribes.

Universal Themes in Beowulf | Examples & Analysis

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What is the universal theme of Beowulf?

There are many universal themes within Beowulf, including loyalty, generosity, revenge, and reputation. Each of the universal themes of the epic poem contribute to a larger theme of identity.

What are the major themes in Beowulf?

There are many major themes in Beowulf. They include reputation, good versus evil, the heroic code, generosity, revenge, courage, and loyalty.

Table of Contents

Beowulf themes, lesson summary.

Beowulf is an epic poem that retells the deeds of the hero Beowulf . He arrives at the mead-hall called Heorot after a monster named Grendel begins terrorizing the people, killing them despite their efforts to fight back. Beowulf defeats Grendel , as well as his mother, and over time becomes the king of the Geats. Later in his life, a dragon stirs and begins terrorizing the land. Beowulf faces the dragon in combat, and despite his old age, defeats the dragon as well. However, he is mortally wounded in the encounter, and dies some time later. His legacy lives on due to his great deeds.

The epic "Beowulf" has many themes. A theme is an overarching idea or belief a story conveys. The universal themes that are present in the epic contribute to the main theme of identity in some way. There are many universal themes present in the epic, including the following: loyalty, the heroic code, good versus evil, courage, forgiveness, revenge, mortality, reputation, and generosity. A universal theme is a theme that discusses an element of the human condition or what it means to be human, such as the different psychological, emotional, and social facets of humanity. Each of the universal themes in the epic help paint a picture that illustrates what the theme of Beowulf is at its core.

Loyalty in Beowulf

In Beowulf , loyalty is a constant motivator when characters take action and is one of the aspects of the heroic code. In the beginning of the epic, Beowulf sails to Denmark to aid his friend Hrothgar when Grendel begins attacking the village. He does this because he feels a sense of loyalty to his friend, despite being from a different land. Grendel's mother seeks revenge against Beowulf for killing her son because she is loyal to her son. Later in the story, when Beowulf is king of the Geats and a dragon attacks the land, he defends them out of loyalty to his home. His friend Wiglaf rushes to help defend Beowulf during the battle because he is loyal to Beowulf, just as Beowulf was loyal to Hrothgar.

The Heroic Code

Beowulf operates on the ideals of the heroic code to define what makes a great person. These ideals are strength, courage, and loyalty. These ideals help warrior societies understand their relationship with the world around them. Beowulf is a very strong warrior capable of felling terrible monsters. Beowulf is also courageous, never once shying from a fight despite what he faces. It is his strength and courage that others value in him, as well as his sense of loyalty.

The poem also presents various tensions to this code from other value systems. One such conflict lies in the values of Christianity versus the heroic code. Christian values state that glory comes in the afterlife while the heroic code states that glory is attained through deeds during life. While Beowulf is Christian, he does not abandon the fundamental values of the story.

Good vs. Evil

Evil is easily identified in Beowulf since the monsters that Beowulf faces inflict pain and suffering. Grendel in particular is described as ''a fiend out of hell,'' (line 100). He is also a descendant of Cain, a biblical figure that murdered his own brother for selfish desires. Despite being easily identifiable, these forces of evil rarely act for the sheer purpose of evil; they often have other motivations that push them to evil deeds.

Conversely, good characters in Beowulf never pursue evil deeds. They act out of honor, as in the case of Beowulf who seeks to defend the Danes from the monsters that are committing murders in the land. Beowulf and Hrothgar are considered the poem's good characters and are connected not only with the ideas of honor but also with glory and honesty.

In the epic, Beowulf is the embodiment of courage. He always acts with confidence no matter the situation. He demonstrates his bravery through each of the battles he faces despite the fact that these monsters are fully capable of striking him down and the odds are usually against him. Even in his old age, he fearlessly faces a dragon, knowing that he will likely lose. These actions of facing monsters in the face of possible defeat further illustrate his courage throughout the story.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another theme that plays a minor role in the epic. During the feast in Heorot, another man by the name of Unferth challenges Beowulf's accomplishments , claiming they were for the sake of vanity. Despite Unferth's hostility, Beowulf does not take any action against him. He instead gives the truth of what had happened, not as boast but as fact. Beowulf forgives Unferth for his actions because there is a larger goal at hand than a small squabble between them.

Revenge is a core theme in the story as well. Following the death of her son, Grendel's mother seeks revenge against Beowulf. Beowulf sought out Grendel and killed him out of revenge for the lives that Grendel had taken. Years later, Beowulf fights against the dragon who seeks revenge because he has been driven mad over the theft of his golden cup, taken by a thief who had stumbled upon an ancient barrow mound.

Despite Beowulf's accomplishments, the poem makes his mortality clear. He falls in his fight against the dragon, though his death only contributes to his legend. Mortality is what gives meaning to the accomplishments of the epic's heroes. However, it also serves as a reminder, a memento mori; death will come, not only for individuals but also for kingdoms, nations, and eras of civilization.

Reputation is another of the Beowulf themes. During the feast, Beowulf tells stories of his accomplishments and his reputation, stories that inspire those around him. At the end of the epic, it is Beowulf's reputation that lives on despite his passing, immortalizing him. It is reputation that is the key contributor to identity in this epic. Without Beowulf's reputation, his identity would be completely absent. Beowulf is who he is because of what he has done and because of his reputation.

The last of the universal Beowulf themes is generosity. Generosity is represented when Hrothgar invites Beowulf to feast with him and his people in Heorot Hall since he is a guest in their home. Before this, Hrothgar provides generosity to Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, by giving him refuge when he was fighting in a war with enemy tribes. In addition to this, generosity can also be seen during Beowulf's own reign as king in which he is often seen as generous, giving rewards to his thanes. Ultimately, he also gives his life at the end of the story to defend his people from the dragon.

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• 0:00 Timeless Themes
• 0:28 Good Versus Evil
• 1:17 Courage
• 1:56 Loyalty
• 2:29 Forgiveness
• 3:14 Lesson Summary

Beowulf is an epic poem about the hero Beowulf and his impressive deeds in his life. Beowulf follows a central theme of identity, with other themes regarding different aspects of the story that contribute to a larger sense of identity. A theme is an overarching idea or belief that is conveyed in a story. Many of the themes present in the story that contribute to identity are universal themes , which are themes that discuss the nature of the human condition and the various facets of humanity. Some of the themes in Beowulf include courage, good versus evil, loyalty, generosity, reputation, and the heroic code.

One of the major themes in Beowulf is courage. Beowulf is the epitome of courage, always charging into battle even though the odds are steeply against him. For example, he faces a dragon in his old age to defend his kingdom despite knowing he will likely die. Another of the main themes, loyalty, also comes to light in this situation. During the fight with the dragon, Wiglaf loyally comes to Beowulf's aid. Other examples of loyalty in the story include Beowulf's loyalty to Hrothgar because of how he helped his father, as well as the loyalty of Grendel's mother to her son following his death. The theme of forgiveness is also present in the story since Beowulf forgives Unferth after Unferth challenges his accomplishments.

Video Transcript

Timeless themes.

Even though it has been written more than 1400 years ago, Beowulf is still one of the most timeless stories that Western society has managed to produce. Themes of helping your neighbor, being brave, and firmly facing evil easily resonate down to today. In this lesson, we are going to take a look at some of these universal themes that are present in Beowulf and see just how they play out within the context of the story.

Good Versus Evil

At its very core, Beowulf is a story about good versus evil. In the first part, all of the things that are good in the world, such as fun, fellowship, and feasting in the comfort of well-armed peace, are threatened by the monster Grendel. We hear that Grendel is a direct descendant of Cain, the Western world's first murderer. Also, Grendel strikes without honor, seizing open warriors while they sleep. Beowulf arrives and defeats the monster. In the second part, when Beowulf fights Grendel's mother, we are reminded of the potency of evil in the boiling of the lake. Also of note is the sword that appears, almost as if granted by God, to finally dispatch the monster. Finally, in the fight against the dragon, we see how greed of wealth can cause an overreaction, as the dragon levels town after town in Beowulf's domain.

Now let's talk about three timeless virtues in Beowulf . The first is courage. The odds are always against our hero Beowulf. Grendel is a giant. Grendel's mother lives at the bottom of a toxic lake and the dragon is fierce, with fangs that drip venom. Yet Beowulf doesn't care. He strikes anyway, knowing that what must be done has to be done by him. He fights the monster Grendel with his bare hands, and even though he grows old, he still rises to the occasion of fighting the dragon. That theme of the importance of courage is highlighted again in the last section when only one warrior, Wiglaf, comes to help Beowulf.

Now let's talk about a second timeless virtue: loyalty. In the climax of the third part, it seems that Beowulf may soon meet his end at the hands of the dragon. However, Wiglaf rushes in while the other knights flee, guarding his liege and ultimately helping Beowulf defeat the monster. This isn't the first instance of loyalty coming into play. Grendel is not a threat to Beowulf's home, but nonetheless the hero sails to Denmark to help his friend Hrothgar. In fact, even Grendel's mother shows loyalty to her slain son by seeking to exact revenge on his killers.

Finally, let's address the theme of forgiveness. Despite his amazing feats of bravery, one might expect for Beowulf to be very full of himself about his accomplishments. He is proud, but not boastfully so. He is called out in the first section by Unferth, a jealous warrior who seeks to discredit some of Beowulf's accomplishments. Needless to say, Beowulf is not too pleased about this challenge to his reputation. However, once the verbal scuffle resolves itself, the two make amends, with Unferth offering Beowulf his sword to fight the monster. However, be careful not to get the wrong idea; Beowulf and Unferth were not friends. After all, Unferth had supposedly murdered his own brother. Still, Beowulf was willing to overlook that to instead focus on a larger goal.

Beowulf shows many themes that are central to the human existence and that still resonate today despite being more than 1400 years old. Perhaps the most important theme of the work is good versus evil, but it is by no means the only one. Loyalty and bravery are emphasized throughout, but so is the idea of forgiveness, albeit not a blind forgiveness that just forgets past misdeeds.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Beowulf — The Art of Persuasion in Beowulf: Heroism and Leadership

The Art of Persuasion in Beowulf: Heroism and Leadership

• Categories: Beowulf Heroism

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Published: Jun 6, 2024

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Introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, body paragraph 3.

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Tales of Beowulf: Theme' Analysis Essay

1. introduction.

There are many themes to the Beowulf poem, but we will address just the first three poems in the epic. The first stanza in the poem, Beowulf, tells of the founding of the Danish royal family; hence, the poem is of national interest. The first glimpse, however, actually in flashback, links to the last tale in the epic. In their role as lovers, Sigemond, the dragon-killer, and Sigemond's son embody qualities displayed (in a different way) in the love of Beowulf for his people. As Beowulf cements the Ashvins' reputation. He and Sigemond are the heroes of the lay of Sigmund's Deeds, who survive almost entirely in the form of tales which fragment Beowulf, foreshadow a future state, or 'turn and tie together' other poems. However, Dana, Hrothgar's father, appears in the last of the final successive punctuated statements, that the end of any epic or other long work necessitates. To the free hanging poem 'God's Execution' (and thus unexpectedly to the Gettysburg Vision), the poet who composed the extant Beowulf drew attention, rounding off with a resurrection of faith to an other-worldly redemptive retribution the achievement of belief in the legitimacy of the heroic code. The praises, the central scene of Beowulf and Grendel the affront he puts off Grendel, his killing of the old ladies (which is not recounted), his defeat of the mother, and his vanquishing of the dragon, restate in contrasting terms the themes of universal affinity of the central hearth legend of the epic - ultimate rebellion against monarchy, decided by the correspondence and the repeated statement of the episcopal obligations. The 'tensions' of the central scene, fulfilling the 'turning and tying of' function of old women snatched away between the dragon fight and the building of the Amsterdam Jordan stern into a close tiedemos.

1.1. Background of Beowulf

Beowulf contains "tales of bards... songs of the ancient". Beowulf contains a myriad of different heroic, ethical, and social values. Most of these are ingeniously woven into the story by deliberation and often through a complex use of imagery. From the very outset, Beowulf is seen as a reference to King Hygelac, the "one-in-charge". To show his modesty, Beowulf gives the curator his customary gifts and thanes rewards and shares singing with him. He is able to also demonstrate his bravery when Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son, as he follows her to her lair and kills her in her own home. Furthermore, Beowulf also shows the values of bravery and heroism when he risks his own well-being to save the people of Denmark. In analyzing these heroic values, one must not overlook the elements of Beowulf that are due to chance or fate, but those that only he can and must perform to achieve his destiny. When Hrothgar's people are attacked by the monster Grendel, Beowulf, a young Geat warrior, hears of their terrible troubles. He decides to sail to Denmark with his chosen group of warriors and "Ask for". Beowulf is welcomed by the people of Denmark, and his show of humility, nobility, and courage is proof of his loyalties to his future king. Beowulf also reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxons at that time by taking pride in his ability to protect men and kingdoms and speaking of the heroic but dangerous journey that would bring success and prosperity to his kingdom. Although Beowulf is a hero and possesses all the ideal qualities of an Anglo-Saxon hero, he also has human failings.

1.2. Purpose of the Analysis

A heroine who is brave, initiative, yet wasteful, who must be tamed went beyond Northern legend. But they are not without philosophical, aesthetic and psychological interest for those who care to study them. Their value as poetry is high. Taine says: "The Greeks are spoiled children who never grew up: the Scandinavians are vigorous barbarians with the sentiments of children." The Northern myth has a rude beauty of its own, a strong pathos, and, under the rhapsodized gods, a simple psychological form. Beowulf is one piece of literature that tells of a hero who encompasses the masculine virtue together with the maternal virtue. Although masculinity and femininity are a psychological fact and the best are supposed to be able to learn anything that falls under the area of human psychology, people still consider something with masculine virtue to be for men and something with maternal virtue to be for women. This essay will show the masculine and maternal roles together in society and why a hero, like Beowulf, encompasses both these and others. There are several things that make up the masculine virtues. One of the simplest observables is using strength to further justice. Beowulf has countless feats of strength but because this fight involves the virtues of using strength to promote justice, this scene stood out the most. Not only is Beowulf fighting for justice through his strength, this is also a very serious fight for Beowulf, this is his time to become publicly recognized. It is one of the few times that he must prove his manliness. All of Beowulf’s reputations were resting solely on this one fight. It is easily stated that Beowulf is the leader of all Geats and must act as an example to his people.

2. Themes in Beowulf

Beowulf is rightfully considered as a very important work because it is a unique combination of history, biography, and saga. Even mythological figures are combined in an amusing way to give the image of a rich tradition of beliefs and culture in ancient England. The author, brought up in Christian culture, finally converted his beliefs. The French C. W. M. Grein, founder of the modern science of Germanic philology, said, "We do not delve too deeply into the philosophical depths of Beowulf, but this poem is of high importance for history, much more so than some historians think. It offers a comparison of the Teutons to other populations in battles, civil customs, and the morals of two of the three stages of human life. Some of the most essential aspects that Beowulf, as a text, presents for a 21st-century reader's perception are its construction of natural and human environments in England and the rules of behavior of the characters. This includes the morals, values, and beliefs of warrior life. We cannot adequately appreciate a book or text if we don't analyze the context of time and place. We realize that Beowulf's poem was written during the transition from Germanic pagan culture to Christian ethics. The meaning of the "clash between the two cultures" has occupied several generations of scholars, writers, and people interested in history and literature. It still demands more careful analysis and fewer faulty assessments. In short, the poem is a whole textual and discursive relationship through and about the first 11 centuries of the North Atlantic Euro and (almost) Asian world. Regarding the clash of two different religions, we understand that any society that finds itself within two different religions incorporates the values according to which it began to be accepted in its constitutive differences. It also incorporates all the hierarchical, ethical, and symbolic features of each established religion.

2.1. Heroism and Bravery

One of the first things that strikes the reader of Beowulf is the coloring of the verse. Everyone's ears have been harrowed by ill-designed alliterative verse, which is claimed as Anglo-Saxon because that is the oldest form of English verse of which we have any abundant remains. The verse of Beowulf is, however, not so arrhythmic as to transport one's mind to the lost firmament of English vowel harmony. It is as irregular in rhythmic organization as the prosody of English allows; the main feature is alliteration, sometimes ancillary to rhyme; and though all the complicated permutations of Old English alliterative verse are present in Beowulf, the reader may easily not observe them. All this contributes to the artlessness, in a noble sense, of the diction; and no doubt the great translator who first transferred Beowulf into a language descending from that in which the original was written must be thanked for not attempting a more workmanlike verse form. The language of Beowulf is formal rather than literary. This is one of its functions, to expose the conventional in the heroic which is the true and not the accidental picturesque; just as the conventions of the root tragedy, in Aeschylus and Sophocles, give to their meaning the depth and obscurity of a parable, which alone can deal with magnitudes not subject to variation with changes in mere occasions or details. The main counterpoise in the moral scale of Beowulf is heroism, an experienced man's talk proceeds very largely in praise of this virtue, and very few of the poet's colloquies forget it altogether. This is not the place to say "La gloire, c'est aussi un peu d'illusion." Indeed, heroism tending to show the director's hand rather too clearly we may well be inclined to incline the balance the other way. It is the form heroism takes that condemns all seen in Beowulf, not the essence itself. It is the heroism of an epicene, victim of "la quête du CheBreu". The only question is if the characters are intended to know it. In themselves, these heroic traits give not only the best of their dramatic value, but a clue to the casual history of the short-lived tribes in Denmark and South Sweden; both of which are the physical background of the fights with Grendel and his mother.

2.2. Fate and Destiny

The Gothic tradition in stories about heroes with a fatal destiny was also taken up by the anonymous Anglo-Saxon author of the poem Beowulf. Beowulf was a prince of the Geats, a German tribe from southern Sweden, but he gained his fame through his deeds as a warrior. During his youth, Beowulf fights a fire-breathing dragon and suffers a wound from it. Both tales can be linked to the Sigfrid's myth - Sigfrid's character is divided between two events. In the Völsunga saga, Siegfried bathes in dragon's blood and becomes invincible, and in the Nibelungenlied, he is killed by a spear-slinging jealous hero. Beowulf's part here is the invincibility from the dragon, and then death resulting from the wound. Another curious fact is that historical grammar in shifts in narrative is indicated by the use of the future passive participle (Word where to be in the future + verb in passive voice). In general, the future passive participle noun has the function of expressing an inevitable or a fated event. There are several references to the future, beginning with some demonic one. For example "scall hafa fæcne dǽd/ǽr he hine sylfne forgyldan sceall/ gifeðe ond gold" (2395b-97). In almost every reference, especially in the speeches of doom by the deserter, there is a comment on the event, using the future of the future passive participle. In others, we have the subject's vision that he retells like that before an action happens "ic ðe þæt secge" (2515). The statement with "ic" conveys a premonition and consequently he imposes his fate as inevitable. Other examples are when Beowulf asks for the response to the wife of Hroðgar, after returning from the fight with Grendel's mother. Finally, before the extraordinary battle against the dragon, it becomes even clearer how much the concept of foretelling is essential in the saga of Beowulf.

2.3. Good vs. Evil

In the epic poem "Beowulf", there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. Both the title character and Grendel are mortal alike. But there is nevertheless a very significant difference between the two. Beowulf is a true hero, the epitome of everything good. Grendel, on the other hand, is the total opposite of Beowulf. Grendel abuses pure and unconditional love which is all that is good in the world. He envies qualities of love, harmony, and joy. These qualities are unattainable to Grendel. And because this is all Heorot represents, Grendel despises them and acts out against them. Beowulf represents the next generation of this way of thinking. He is a young warrior free from human society's struggles between good and evil-- the struggles resent in the hearts of all humanity. Beowulf has only one duty "he must fall in the place where God decides" (ll. 1845-1846). Beowulf is pure, true, and selfless. The writer never lets his readers forget this. He infuses good and evil into every line, allowing the readers to understand that most people are unable to lead a powerful, meaningful life in this world. The writer makes it clear to the readers that Beowulf is a true hero, far above any ordinary man despite his very ordinary flaws. The fight between Grendel and Beowulf is one of the first occasions that the people of Heorot are introduced to the great hero from Geatland. Beowulf, wanting to get the people's hope up, also reveals "however it turns out, my fate will be determined by an all-ruling God". This waiting for fate to come is a cornerstone in Beowulf's character that reminds readers that all humans, even the greatest of us, must at some time depart from this world. God decides the fates of time and men, Beowulf believes, and therefore every man should be as generous as his strength allows (ll. 296-378). Beowulf is unsurprised by the aging of nature, the unstable mood of the sea waves, swiftness of the falcon in flight, or the increase of the heat of the sun, thereby proving to use his understanding that he, like all humans, is controlled by the will of God.

2.4. Loyalty and Honor

Loyalty and honor are two very important themes in a warrior society. An important part of showing loyalty to the people around you is to show absolute honor to those around you. Loyalty is a very important thing in Beowulf. Not only to his family but also to his people and Hrothgar. Hrothgar is an example of the desire for loyalty. He might spend the next day without food; someone would make good any loss: life would repay his care. It is also Hrothgar's boasting and beot at the beginning of the story that he is in debt. Beowulf displays loyalty to his family when avenging his father's death. The purpose of inheritance is to keep that loyalty and inheritance in the family to avenge death and bring justice. Hygelac has faith in Beowulf's loyalty and the Geats are always loyal to each other. Honor plays a very significant part in the warrior society. To receive honor and respect was the goal. To live without honor was to suffer a fate worse than death. Every action taken had the goal of receiving the ultimate prize: honor. Nowhere in What's gone is vengeance, nor in Greet's report in the fight, is there a sword drenched in blood, any of Beowulf's killing. While Beowulf was still considered a hero in the epic, his actions stepping into a nobleman's fight were wrong for a nobleman. In the epic, it said, "His hands could bring vengeance to many a people." This was spoken when Beowulf was choosing whether to continue the fight to kill Grendel's mother after his initial attack, or flee his enemies. The epic stated, "His mind was for time fixed on the vengeance he'd yet to bring to the monsters." Nowhere is honor to be found. Beowulf was out for vengeance, not honor.

3. Analysis of Themes

During the course of three hundred years, the Scandinavians had undergone the process of religious conversion - from the worship of pagan gods to the Christianity that had arrived in Denmark during King Hrothgar's reign. The new doctrine had infiltrated the Scandinavian-roading's life and undermined the principles and faith that was its nucleus. Nonetheless, even this religious ambiguity doesn't distract the reader's attention from the driving themes in this narrative - man's acts against the enemy and the loyalty to national heritage. "Beowulf strategically overcame the dynamics of creating an intervention story, then 'reintegrate clues back into the mechanism of narration' in order to draw the reader into this missionary passage but lift a tale of tormented spirits (indeed) to new heights of dramatic power. Two other themes in the tale are also of great importance in relation to the poem, and their significance is evident in the manner Tale was written. Both bravery and the preservation of one's name, items that can't be bought, are the main focus in of Tale. The numerous characters in Beowulf who carry out the same functions are deliberate parallels; this particular kind of repetition is unique to this poem. Grendel was the first. Beowulf did so likewise, then later, Wiglaf and others as occasions arose, also at Battle's edge, fulfilling Tale. Grendel's mother was likewise renewed in these lines as well as the Dragon. These aside, the significant parallel lines, up close with the dating inconsistencies in Beowulf, have remained largely unwarranted. Feigns continue to pedal the tricks of voracity, conspiracy, or self-celebration. Only the design of the Memphis farcical wording seen by assumption among stylistic habits of Beowulf's poet sheds new insight into old puzzles. Compare the Arabic echo in the Anglo Saxon tale to the resurrection riddle in her story in other Irishness.

3.1. Heroism and Bravery in Beowulf

Out of all the important values followed by the Anglo-Saxons, heroism is a trait every individual strives to have. Heroism is apparent in the epic Beowulf in many areas. Beowulf exhibited great heroism in his fights with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. In his fight against Grendel, he showed that it doesn't matter about the size of the enemy, but what really matters in a battle is the strength and courage during it. Beowulf showed his bravery by facing the fiery dragon all by himself instead of heavily backing away and letting everyone else deal with the problem. In Anglo-Saxon times, glory was among the noble and brave, and it was achieved under great kings or princes. If an individual was not to achieve glory amongst their fellow men, they would be referred to as evil cowards. Mortality must be displayed by more than one character in the poem Beowulf. A character's value is revealed through their sacrifice and the marking of time. The theme of mortality emphasizes the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. In the poem, the characters display not only the morals of the Anglo-Saxons but also the values of humanity. In Beowulf, the theme of mortality can be seen in the reactions of the characters to the Heroism and Bravery themes. During Beowulf's last battle with the dragon, he realizes that his time is coming to an end. With that being said, he knows that in order for a true and great hero to exist, they must go down fighting and never retreat. He ultimately gave his life for the good of others. In the poem, glory is the only way to be remembered. Even so, the ultimate sacrifices are made, heroism prevails as defeated monsters lay their lives down and are recognized for their greatness.

3.2. The Role of Fate and Destiny in Beowulf

Theme is a popular literary technique. Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work, which may be stated directly or indirectly. Throughout various stories and pieces of literature, the idea of destiny and fate plays a large role in the theme. The medieval narrative of Beowulf displays this in many ways, including the idea Beowulf himself possesses of fate determining his life and his actions. Beowulf also expresses a sense of destiny, seeing it as an object to which we have little or no control over. Saxon paganism, as it is portrayed in this epic, also spoke of destiny and fate as important parts of life. Fate in Beowulf was an important part of character development as seen through Beowulf, Hygelac, and Grendel. The focus of the most important pagan concept in this poem, fate, drives such literature. None of these recorded tales would have withstood the test of time if their characters did not believe in a great power that drives their actions. This was no different in Beowulf. Beowulf believed not only in a moral and social obligatory fate that guided him to help his people, but he also believed in a more concrete, direct role of fate. The first view of this belief is clear in the opening act. Beowulf reflects on Hrothgar's difficulty with dealing with Grendel and speaks of his destiny to help the king and people of Herot. He says "but fate will often spare a man if his courage holds" (572). Beowulf later equates fate with the construction and fate of Herot, dismissing all involvement of his men, Hrothgar, and a higher power by stating "what will be, will be!" (665). These expressions of destiny and fate spoken by Beowulf are predestined throughout the text of the poem.

3.3. Exploration of Good vs. Evil in Beowulf

In the thrilling epic Beowulf, the theme exploration of good vs. evil is shared. Whereas the track of Beowulf is compared with Christ, the track of Grendel is compared with those of Satan and Cain. Also, when Beowulf fights Grendel's mother, Heaven is compared to an earthquake. The Christian author had an uphill task reconciling strong pagan dregs with his Christian belief. It is surprising how the primitive native context found its way into the Christian explanation. If the protagonist Beowulf accordingly has a Christian perspective, first he is described as a pagan hero, so the legend has a hard time assimilating two dissimilar codes of belief, one calling for peace, conformity, and faith in God, and the other plunging into brutal activities of heathenism. According to the Bible, God divides light from darkness and then sees that everything he has made "is good." So even though a positive value judgment is not made on the darkness, there is a "certain valuation of darkness against the light." In the same way, Beowulf orients himself towards the dark and unlighted, being of "heathen spirit." One basic theme in the story is the triumphing of good over evil. The concept of good and evil in Beowulf seems to have no constant relationship with the point of view. Good is consistently seen to defeat and conquer a relentless evil. In the poem, all men belong to one of the two groups, which is just the same as saying they all are either good or bad, for no human being is quite questionable. Thus the poet labels everyone; Thus, the guard who leads Beowulf and his group of warriors to the Danish shore is of a bad nature, as signifies the light of that "would lead them to the sea at Hronesness." The use of fire to express a sense of badness is densely involved. Beowulf and his followers refer to the sun to help them observe the sea-shore and so gain inspiration, while Grendel's mother dwells "in a kind of Hell."

3.4. Portrayal of Loyalty and Honor in Beowulf

Themes of loyalty and glory run throughout the tale of Beowulf. Initially, loyalty is evident due to the obligations of the thanes to their king. As the war with Grendel ensues, the unflinching loyalty of his warriors to Beowulf is observed. As the hero ventures to meet his fated end, Beowulf makes the decision to stay and fight a dragon alone. His final request is an outward projection of his wish to be remembered and an effort to preserve his honor. To properly display their loyalty to their king and preserve their own honor, Beowulf’s warriors agree to their leader’s wish. Loyalty is evident in Beowulf’s command to his warriors after his death: “Now, they are to be his mourners, the handful of loyal men who are left to bury his body on a high rock by the sea” (lines 300-310). This straightforward statement emphasizes Beowulf’s feelings and gives his warriors, his remaining family, the assignment of showing their loyalty and honor. In spite of danger, each out of their own choice, willingly agrees to perform this task out of both loyalty and honor for their late king. Therefore, an integral part of the human experience is the pursuit of glory. With their numerous references to honor (lines 177, 282, 292), the warrior society revolves its thoughts around the possibility of achieving this greatness. One gains glory by being loyal in the quest to attain an honorable reputation and can be achieved by the undertaking of great deeds. Unferth’s attempt to revive a sordid story about Beowulf’s passage of the swimming contest - suggesting Beowulf is a proud warrior among the peoples who belittles friends by spreading foolish tales and their troubles (lines 580-588) - is in order that Beowulf’s moral worth be tarnished. Lindop (2006) agrees when he asserts, “... provides a vivid exemplification of how valorous conduct becomes, especially in the communal society, the mirror of an individual’s public life”.

4. Conclusion

At the end of the story, as Beowulf is dying from his wounds, he decides to leave all the jewels and gold to his people. For fifty years, his people had lived in good times, the only way of life they knew. Everyone is terrified at the death of Beowulf because they know now that terror will return to their daily life. With the death of Beowulf comes the destruction of his people. But since Beowulf had always put his own people first, the death of his people was more than likely expected by many. Beowulf’s last act as their leader was ensuring that his people were going to be safe from any outside destruction. Once again, there is the unselfishness that heroes are supposed to have. Not once does the thought cross Beowulf’s mind of taking the treasure; his only thought was to ensure that his people were safe. It is very hard to find a hero who holds qualities so high as to be considered larger than life. Beowulf tried and portrayed a few of the qualities. But like most heroes, he was ultimately going to come to an end. Beowulf did not disappoint those over the years who believed in his heroism. Throughout the story, a theme that was easily expressed was the theme of unselfishness. At all times, the true hero knew what was best for his people, and he did everything for his people. Even when the end was coming, it did not matter, as long as the well-being of the Geats could be guaranteed after Beowulf’s breakdown.

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The Poem “Beowulf”: Prologue Analysis Essay (Critical Writing)

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The objective of a literary analysis is to study and, at times, assess a literary work or a facet of a literary piece. As with any analysis, one must disassemble the topic into its component elements. Examining the many components of a literary work is not a goal in itself, but rather a means to a greater appreciation and comprehension of the work as a whole. Any study of a poem could, for instance, focus on the many sorts of imagery or the link between tone and content. The attached extract is a piece from the Beowulf’s poem. The prologue contains extensive use of poetic elements, including imagery, alliteration, litotes, and kennings. The paper will discuss the extract’s key themes and characters, as well as its use of poetic techniques.

The prologue employs allegory to communicate a message that is not directly stated in the extract. Allegory, which comprises genres such as fable, metaphor, and apologue, may contain several layers of meaning that the reader must interpret to comprehend. 1 Essentially, literary allegories illustrate circumstances and occurrences or represent abstract concepts via tangible things, people, and activities. This prologue exemplifies the personification approach, in which a fictitious figure in this instance, Wielder of Wonder, in line 18 openly embodies an idea or a type of a strong man. 2 As in most allegories, the dramatic action “represents” something that is not explicitly expressed.

Old English literature, often known as Anglo-Saxon literature, is employed by Beowulf in the prologue. English literature for a description of this time within the context of the history of English poetry is used in the prologue. 3 This is alliterative writing; one of its characteristics is the kenning, a metaphorical word used in place of a common noun (“spear-armed Danes “for “a strong man”) in line 2 of the extract. The kenning is an essential element of Old English poetry. A kenning is a typically stereotyped representation that defines one entity in context of another; for example, in Beowulf’s preamble, the sea is referred to as the whale path (Line 10). Another example of kenning in the Beowulf ’s foreword is the phrase “mead-bench tore” (line 5), which describes a sturdy man, emulating the size of the seat at the Germanic feast.

Heroic poetry is a descriptive verse, which is exalted in tone and employs a noble, dramatic, and formal style to chronicle the exploits of magnificent warriors and kings. It is often improvised and sung or read to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. It is passed down from bard to bard verbally over decades. 4 The known corpus of heroic poetry varies from very ancient to contemporary works created over a vast geographical region (the Danes). It contains what are likely the oldest forms of this verse: panegyrics honoring a hero’s ancestry and accomplishments, as well as laments on his death as described as,” awing the earls. Since erst he lay” (line 6).

The narrative is enlivened by Beowulf’s use of poetic elements like alliteration, hyperbole, and imagery. For instance, practically every sentence of the extract has alliteration. The recurrence of a letter that resonates with the phrase guarantees that each line stimulates the creativity and feelings of the listener, ultimately increasing the listening experience. Imagery from the extract from Beowulf’s poem is challenging and usually amusing, since it appeals to the senses. Beowulf uses powerful imagery when he relates how people saw him emerge from the wars by stating, “For he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve” (Line 8). The frequent use of imagery in Beowulf’s extract also gives the epic poem vitality and zest. For example, the author compares the ocean to a whale-path (Line 10). Therefore, the inclusion of kenning enriches the epic prologue’s poem’s imagery. 5

Furthermore, the prologue from Beowulf’s poem uses exaggeration, which makes the piece more interesting, captivating, and theatrical. The prologue, for instance, exaggerates Beowulf’s powers by describing him as, “the Wielder of Wonder, with world’s renown” (Line 17). This shows that, in the contest with the enemies, the poet relates the King’s powers and strengths to his, “the prowess of people-kings” (Line 1). This is an exaggeration as there is no evidence to the readers that the King is the strongest “world’s renown” (Line 17). The prologue also employs hyperbole to indicate an exaggerated statement. For example, the poet states that the King, “…waxed under welkin…” (Line 8). This is a hyperbole as the statement meant that he not only gained fame among his people, but also he grew in fame under the eyes of the heavens. In this case, the heavens are a perception of the mind, and cannot tell the exact activities within the heavens that made the King to be famous. Therefore, using poetic techniques not only gets the reader’s imagination going, but also makes the poem interesting to read.

The prologue also employs symbolism to represent a range of concepts. For instance, the poet claims, “Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,” which is translated as the Shield Sheafson, the contemporary English connotation for the great-grandfather of Hrothgar, the King of the Danes, during Beowulf’s time. In this case, the first line of the prologue is devoted to the Scyld’s reign and to his intricate funeral. As such, Scyld Scefing is a mythical figure, meaning, Scyld was the originator of the tribe of the Scyldings long before Beowulf’s section began. Consequently, his ship funeral based on the prologue in the poem is a noteworthy ritual. Hrothgar, the aged king of the Danes, welcomes Beowulf’s support in fronting the menace of the enemy.

The title figure embodies one of the prologue’s primary ideas, which is fidelity. Beowulf is faithful throughout his whole life, which is one of the primary reasons Beowulf thrived as a king. Consequently, Beowulf felt obligated to repay charity by giving forth his son, “To him an heir was afterward born” (Line 12). Therefore, Beowulf is more devoted than driven by the virtues of the master and the lordship of the king. Allegiance to the King is also prominent in the prologue, making the rest of the Kingdom to the King’s leadership to be adored, “till before him the folk, both far and near.” To mean that the king had both friends and enemies, and in this regards, the servant leader, stays faithful to his king and aids the King in vanquishing the monster. Thus, Beowulf is more devoted than driven by the virtues of the master and the lordship of the king. Therefore, the prologue’s central topic is fidelity, loyalty and lordship.

The prologue shows that the extract is derived from an epic poem, which describes a lengthy narrative poem that designates a hero’s hardships and victories. The foreword describes Beowulf’s journey from wars to the Danes. Even the coast guard reports that in all the years he has served his King, he has never encountered a bigger and strong man in the king by claiming, “Wielder of Wonder, with world’s renown.” He has the demeanor of a magnificent leader, a champion, and maybe a prince, despite his youth by positing, “what honor the athelings won!… gave him gifts: a good king he!” The account demonstrates his extraordinary strength, bravery, and endurance. 6 As a result, he faithfully serves the King with due respect and honor. The poem is an epic because it is mostly about how brave Beowulf is.

Litote is a figure of speech and a kind of oversimplification whereby a feeling is communicated humorously by denying its opposite. When a situation is downplayed, the reader or listener may better comprehend its gravity since their perception can be more horrifying than the scenario itself. During a storm, for instance, stating “It’s not the best weather today” would be an example of litotes, conveying via sarcastic subtlety that the weather is indeed terrible. 7 In Beowulf’s prologue, the narrator uses litote in the line, “to favor the folk, feeling their woe.” In this case, it is a hyperbolical understatement to argue that the same folks that would receive favor are the same people that will be under woe, meaning distress, and sorrow. 8 As such, the reader then imagines a tense scenario since the author encourages them to do so.

In conclusion, the Beowulf’s prologue is a balance of beginnings and ends, of youth and age, with Beowulf’s youth predominating. The preface is an epic since it covers Beowulf’s life and vividly depicts his heroic and amazing actions. While the epic has historical significance, it is more engaging as a powerful piece of art. The epic also employs poetic elements to enhance the reader’s experience. The frequent use of alliteration enhances the imagination of the listener, since the sound of the words resonates with the activities described by the poet in the epic. Additionally, the use of analogies, images, and exaggeration enhances the poem’s atmosphere. Symbolism is also prevalent, and it helps readers connect the items mentioned in a prologue to what they signify. Beowulf and King Hrothgar are primarily responsible for illustrating the notion of loyalty throughout the epic. Other key themes, such as vengeance and jealousy, depict how the culture of the period exhibited these two characteristics. As the author describes how several characters in the poem exchanged gifts as a sign of gratitude, it is clear that hospitality and charity are present. The preamble is historically significant, but it is more noteworthy as a strong piece of art.

Bibliography

Arbi, Siti Angreini. “Analysis of Imagery in Five Selected Poems by Maya Angelou.” British ( Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris ) vol.7, no. 1 (2019): 43-59.

Ashurova, Shahnoza. “” Beowulf”-the largest monument of anglo-saxon epic poetry.” Chet tillarni o’qitishda dolzarb muammolar, innovatsiyalar, an’analar, yechimlar va badiiy adabiyotlar tahlili, vol. 1, no. 01 (2022): 75-78.

Buzec, Mihaela. “Functional Names in Beowulf: An Analysis.” Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai-Philologia, vol. 64, no. 4 (2019): 185-194.

Christensen, Alexander. “Beowulf and Litotes: A Pragmatic Approach.” Schwa (2020): 23.

Jenkins, Priscilla. “Conscience: The Frustration of Allegory.” In Piers Plowman, pp. 125-142. Routledge, 2019.

Park, Jong-Seong. “ What Is an Oral Heroic Epic Poetry?–Overcoming The Limit Of The Iliad .” International Journal of Korean Humanities and Social Sciences 5 (2019): 57-65. Web.

Yuan, Ying. “Litotes and Repetition.” The Routledge Handbook of Language and Persuasion (2022).

Zálešák, Ján. “ of Thesis: The Flaws of Heroism in Old English Literature .” (2022): 1-60. Web.

Jenkins, Priscilla. “Conscience: The Frustration of Allegory.” In Piers Plowman , p. 126. Routledge, 2019.

Buzec, Mihaela. “Functional Names in Beowulf: An Analysis.” Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai-Philologia 64, no. 4 (2019): 187.

Zálešák, Ján. “of Thesis: The Flaws of Heroism in Old English Literature.” (2022): 16.

PARK, Jong-Seong. “What Is an Oral Heroic Epic Poetry?–Overcoming The Limit Of The Iliad.” International Journal of Korean Humanities and Social Sciences 5 (2019): 58.

Arbi, Siti Angreini. “Analysis of Imagery in Five Selected Poems by Maya Angelou.” British (Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris) vol.7, no. 1 (2019): 44.

Ashurova, Shahnoza. “” Beowulf”-the largest monument of anglo-saxon epic poetry.” Chet tillarni o’qitishda dolzarb muammolar, innovatsiyalar, an’analar, yechimlar va badiiy adabiyotlar tahlili 1, no. 01 (2022): 75-78.

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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Beowulf / Beowulf Character Analysis

Beowulf Character Analysis

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