Beowulf Analytical Essay - 986 Words

â€Å"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil.† – Ayn Rand. To fully understand the complex world and culture of the Anglo-Saxons, one must examine the only form of historical evidence available – texts. One particular great work from this time period is often underrated and overshadowed in modern society by many other ancient works such as Iliad or Oedipus Rex. The epic poem, Beowulf, was sung by multiple unknown Anglo-Saxon poets four centuries before the Norman Conquest. The theme of good versus evil was constantly reappearing throughout the storyline, the portrayal of evil and its downfall initially shaped the poem’s plot, and illustrates an alien presence; something that†¦show more content†¦Grendel’s invasion of Herot symbolizes the destruction of peace and safety, and the imperfections within the society. The twelve years Grendel had haunted Herot, â€Å"Herot stood empty, and stayed deserted for years† (145-146) were also the twelve years Hrothgar and his kingdom suffered. Nevertheless, when Beowulf finally eliminated Grendel, readers see a different side of Herot, â€Å"Golden tapestries were lined along the walls, for a host of visitors to see and take pleasure in† (995-996), the glory and grandeur was restored, all with the slaying of Grendel – an outcast of society. The rigid and confined society of the Danes also shaped the way its people think and act, but also influenced greatly on the writings. Given the fact that metaphors and kennings are common in Old English literature; the representation of â€Å"evil† is also something not to be taken on a literal level. â€Å"Edgetho had begun a bitter feud / Killing Hathlaf, a Wulfing warrior† (459-460), inter-tribal feuds, therefore, are also a destroyer of peace. Grendel takes on a form that is left uncertain; its real meaning hidden behind the metaphorical mask of a monster, is the never-ending battles between tribal armies (namely, the Danes, Geats, Frisians, and the Swedes) that had disturbed the tranquility people had longed for. It is almost a barrier of peacekeeping, hider of hope. Hence, it is represented by Grendel, a great evil hated by many, whomShow MoreRelatedAn Analytical View of Beowulf Essays2415 Words   |  10 PagesSeamus Heaneys edition of the epic poem Beowulf all of which earn Beowulf some heroic status for saving the town from the evil antagonists that lurk, but is there a deeper meaning behind these battles than just an old tale? Is there some metaphor we are supposed to perceive? Throughout Beowulf there are a lot of different themes to pick and choose from, some interesting and more prevailing ones are that of pride vs. humility and sacrifice vs. selfishness. Beowulf for example is very proud but at theRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 Pagesattitudes emergence of ethnic writers and women writ ers Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · narratives: both fiction and nonfiction anti-heroes concern with connections between people emotion-provoking humorous irony storytelling emphasized autobiographical essays Effect: ï‚ · too soon to tell Historical Context: ï‚ · ï‚ · people beginning a new century and a new millennium media culture interprets values Analyzing Poetry: Poetry Tips Analyzing Poetry What is poetry? How is it analyzed? What areRead MoreSymbolism in English Literature2444 Words   |  10 Pagesautomatically and unconsciously effect in the reader’s mind, allowing his mind to recognize experiences, emotions, and typical patterns of behavior, establishing a â€Å"dialog† or â€Å"unconscious link† between the reader and the text. The purpose of the present essay will be to identify such archetypal characters and situations and their impact in the reader’s psyche.[4] It is possible to recognize in Nicholas’ behavior elements that match with the archetype of the â€Å"Trickster†. In mythology, and in the studyRead MoreLiterary Devices in Pride and Prejudice8198 Words   |  33 Pageswhen they read them and then described how they understood them and were affected by them. Nearly a hundred years later, this approach is still very influential in schools and universities in the western world, and give rise to the kind of critical essays where writes make a claim about what a text means, or how it affects them, and then quote (and perhaps discuss) a textual sample to illustrate the view argued for. This could perhaps be called â€Å"Claim and Quote† approach to literary criticism. But