Textuality » 3A Interacting
"Beowulf"
Analysis of the 1st stanza (1-16)
Beowulf is the most important epic poem of the Anglo - Saxon culture. It was written in the 7th century and it was handed down orally. It is very difficult to understand for us today because it is written in Old-English or Anglo-Saxon language. Itwas only translated into modern English in 2000 by Seamus Heaney. The language is not ordinary: the text presents lots of pictures and descriptive words.
The first part introduces the content and Beowulf, the hero appearson the scene. A monster called Grendel attacked Denmark. Beowulf, the nephew of the king of the Geats, decides to cross the sea and go to Denmark to help Hrothgar, the king of the Danes. Beowulf is described by the narrator in such way to underline the qualities on which Anglo-Saxon society was founded. The narrator does not describe the character directly but he characterizes him with his actions.
The narrator said that Beowulf was "the mightiest man", "high-born and powerful" and there was nobody like him. The writer continued saying that Beowulf had ordered a boat and he had announced his plan: he wanted to cross the swan's rood and to find that famous king.
Beowulf is a very strong man, he helps people in danger and he is courageous. He represents the typical values of a military tribes: power, courage, loyalty and generosity. But Beowulf becomes a hero only when he dies.
The 1st stanza is made up by sixteen lines. The first part of the stanza has an introductory function to characterize the protagonist. Its characterization does not resort to physical appearences, but it is refers to Beowulf's reputation and skills:
"There was no one else like him alive";
"he was the mightiest men on earth";
"high-born and powerful".
After that the narrator speaks about his actions : he ordered a boat and he announced his plane. At line nine the reader can understand the relationship between the people of the tribes.
The use the comparative "elder" is important to underline that old people were important in society. If we consider the sound aspect we can notice that lines do not rhyme. From reading this stanza the most important qualities provided about Beowulf are generosity, bravery, and loyalty to his family.