Textuality » 3A Interacting
Beowulf is an epic poem of the Anglo-Saxon tradition. It tells about the deeds of an hero, who is the main character of the poem; his name is Beowulf. Now I am going to analyse an extract from the poem: the first sixteen lines.
In the part of analysing text, Beowulf is described like the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful so the reader becomes acquainted with the perfect nature of the character. It means that Beowulf has got a god-like nature.
About him it is also said that there was no one else like him alive, this phrase means that the unique person who has got all the values on earth was Beowulf.
In the following lines it is also said that nobody tried to keep him from going: it means that he was respected from his people and nobody could go against him. Close this phrase it is also said no elder denied him: people considered him a guide, so what he says is true and unquestionable because he is like a divinity. These remarks are reaffirmed some lines after: like the leader he was; as captain; a canny pilot; it is sure he is a leader to follow.
After the analysis of the consideration of Beowulf in Anglo-Saxon society, I analyse the extract under another point of view.
In the text they are described the actions which the hero does: he ordered a boat that would ply the waves; he announced his plan; the warrior boarded the boat as captain, a canny pilot along coast and currents. These quotations reveals the Beowulf's gifts, so we know that he has got a strategic mentality, he was a determinate man and we can say he was a generous and in agreement man.