Dialectical Journal For Beowulf
English
2-B
Beowulf- Journal
I think that the biggest theme in Beowulf has to be good vs. evil. This theme is stressed very much throughout the book in symbolism. Grendel represents pure evil, while Beowulf represents the exact polar opposite of the monster Grendel. In Beowulf anything evil or bad is related to hell, while anything good is because of their faith in god. The original concept of good and evil can be traced back to the sons of Adam and Eve, Cain and Able. Cain killed his brother because god favored his sacrifice more than his. Cain is the origin of evil and Able is the origin of good. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, and is pure evil he takes pleasure in causing misfortune for others. Beowulf is the definition of good …show more content…
Women in the book seem to only serve mead, provide entertainment, and serve the men. In the time Beowulf was written women had still not gained that rights they have today. They were of the seen as property rather than a person. And they were treated like so. The role of women back then was not a big one, Hrothgar’s wife was a queen! And all she did was serve mead at Heorot. I can only imagine what women who were not married to powerful men had to endure. In Beowulf I think that every man is trying to make a name for themselves. Also I feel that most of the Anglo-Saxon men tend to boast about their achievements, and maybe go as far to stretch them. But why would they do all of this boasting? I think it is because every man wants to make a name for himself. Beowulf boasts of how he and the sea monster raced and the only reason he lost was because of all the sea creatures that he had to fight. I highly doubt that that story is completely true, but the reason he claims such a story is true is to gain …show more content…
When Beowulf and his companions slayed the wretched beast Grendel he was rewarded with godly gifts. The leaders in their society hold great wealth, and they distribute this wealth to the people to keep them loyal. I think their economy revolved around giving and receiving these gifts of gold, jewelry, weapons, and armor. What I don’t understand is how they have all of these minerals and fancy things. I would think by the way they basically give away this wealth that the kings would be poor. I don’t know if they have to invade other king’s land to replenish their supply of wealth, but somehow they seem to hoard unlimited amounts of treasure.
The Anglo-Saxon culture during that time seems to be very honorable, and violent. When Beowulf fought Grendel he knew that Grendel did not fight with weapons so he fought the beast hand to hand. If one of your companions gets murdered by another man, if a price isn’t paid for his death then his companions will seek revenge. I feel that the Anglo-Saxons believed in a fair fight as shown by Beowulf’s actions. But I also think that their land was a very violent one. It seems that there are constant blood feuds and wars going on, and monsters creeping out of hell just to cause havoc in the mortal
2-B
Beowulf- Journal
I think that the biggest theme in Beowulf has to be good vs. evil. This theme is stressed very much throughout the book in symbolism. Grendel represents pure evil, while Beowulf represents the exact polar opposite of the monster Grendel. In Beowulf anything evil or bad is related to hell, while anything good is because of their faith in god. The original concept of good and evil can be traced back to the sons of Adam and Eve, Cain and Able. Cain killed his brother because god favored his sacrifice more than his. Cain is the origin of evil and Able is the origin of good. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, and is pure evil he takes pleasure in causing misfortune for others. Beowulf is the definition of good …show more content…
Women in the book seem to only serve mead, provide entertainment, and serve the men. In the time Beowulf was written women had still not gained that rights they have today. They were of the seen as property rather than a person. And they were treated like so. The role of women back then was not a big one, Hrothgar’s wife was a queen! And all she did was serve mead at Heorot. I can only imagine what women who were not married to powerful men had to endure. In Beowulf I think that every man is trying to make a name for themselves. Also I feel that most of the Anglo-Saxon men tend to boast about their achievements, and maybe go as far to stretch them. But why would they do all of this boasting? I think it is because every man wants to make a name for himself. Beowulf boasts of how he and the sea monster raced and the only reason he lost was because of all the sea creatures that he had to fight. I highly doubt that that story is completely true, but the reason he claims such a story is true is to gain …show more content…
When Beowulf and his companions slayed the wretched beast Grendel he was rewarded with godly gifts. The leaders in their society hold great wealth, and they distribute this wealth to the people to keep them loyal. I think their economy revolved around giving and receiving these gifts of gold, jewelry, weapons, and armor. What I don’t understand is how they have all of these minerals and fancy things. I would think by the way they basically give away this wealth that the kings would be poor. I don’t know if they have to invade other king’s land to replenish their supply of wealth, but somehow they seem to hoard unlimited amounts of treasure.
The Anglo-Saxon culture during that time seems to be very honorable, and violent. When Beowulf fought Grendel he knew that Grendel did not fight with weapons so he fought the beast hand to hand. If one of your companions gets murdered by another man, if a price isn’t paid for his death then his companions will seek revenge. I feel that the Anglo-Saxons believed in a fair fight as shown by Beowulf’s actions. But I also think that their land was a very violent one. It seems that there are constant blood feuds and wars going on, and monsters creeping out of hell just to cause havoc in the mortal