Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay
L.C
M.K
English II Pre-AP
4 May 2014
Beowulf: Looking Glass into The Past Anonymously written some time between the 7th and 8th century, Beowulf captures cultural, historical and literary worth of ancient life expressed through the original author’s viewpoint on what happened around him and his society. Although Beowulf was a highly embellished epic that gave the people of the time period something to clutch onto when “terror was everywhere and myths were few” (A Quick Guide to Beowulf), it has provided society today with rich information pertaining to the early life of the Anglo-Saxon’s.
Divisions Within Beowulf Cultural Significance. The palpable implication of the Anglo-Saxon culture has become more explicable due to the many references made in the poem. For example, when Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s kingdom being terrorized by Grendel every night, he is inspired by the challenge. Beowulf, “exclaimed: ‘Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword…’’ (Raffel 677-678). Beowulf is bragging about his future deeds that he is about to …show more content…
Overall, it’s the dynamic theme of good and evil that keeps Beowulf alive and thriving in literature’s graces. Man’s struggle to overcome evil with good is as old as time itself and will continue to be a universal literary theme. Beowulf’s bravery amidst arduous trials and his ebullient strength makes him the modern superhero, with his victory over Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. This short description of Beowulf seems to give a just a taste of the greatness Beowulf holds. “Donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; His mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail Would soon meet with the menace underwater" (Raffel 1442-1444). There is truly little difference between what an Anglo-Saxon society desired in an epic poem and what our modern day society desires. Overall, the heroism of Beowulf will never refrain from attracting readers to its timeless theme of good and
M.K
English II Pre-AP
4 May 2014
Beowulf: Looking Glass into The Past Anonymously written some time between the 7th and 8th century, Beowulf captures cultural, historical and literary worth of ancient life expressed through the original author’s viewpoint on what happened around him and his society. Although Beowulf was a highly embellished epic that gave the people of the time period something to clutch onto when “terror was everywhere and myths were few” (A Quick Guide to Beowulf), it has provided society today with rich information pertaining to the early life of the Anglo-Saxon’s.
Divisions Within Beowulf Cultural Significance. The palpable implication of the Anglo-Saxon culture has become more explicable due to the many references made in the poem. For example, when Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s kingdom being terrorized by Grendel every night, he is inspired by the challenge. Beowulf, “exclaimed: ‘Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword…’’ (Raffel 677-678). Beowulf is bragging about his future deeds that he is about to …show more content…
Overall, it’s the dynamic theme of good and evil that keeps Beowulf alive and thriving in literature’s graces. Man’s struggle to overcome evil with good is as old as time itself and will continue to be a universal literary theme. Beowulf’s bravery amidst arduous trials and his ebullient strength makes him the modern superhero, with his victory over Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. This short description of Beowulf seems to give a just a taste of the greatness Beowulf holds. “Donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; His mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail Would soon meet with the menace underwater" (Raffel 1442-1444). There is truly little difference between what an Anglo-Saxon society desired in an epic poem and what our modern day society desires. Overall, the heroism of Beowulf will never refrain from attracting readers to its timeless theme of good and