Textuality » 3A Interacting
Now we are going to analyze the characterization of Beowulf, starting from the extract's 1st stanza of the epic poem "Beowulf".
The characterization is made up by comparisons, superlatives, behaviour, social relationships and historical information. The narrator ,using a positive connotation, describes Beowulf and he tells us what people think of him:
a)"there was no one else him alive". That's a positive connotation and a superlative expression: it was better than the other people.
b)"he was the mightiest man on earth". He attributes it to Beowulf almost a God - like nature.
c)"high-born". He came from one of the most important families in the tribe.
d)"powerful" is a climatic tension: the characterization reaches the climax. He was respected by the people because he was a thane, a very important royal vassal.
e)"dear as he was to them" . Beowulf was helpful and kind with the people and as a result people liked him and appreciated his generosity.
f)"his ambition" . He was ambitious like all heroes.
g)"like the leader he was". Beowulf had got good skill in leadership.
The categories used by the poet to create the characterization are:
1) Hierarchy
2) Hometown
3) Reputation
4) Solidarity
5) Generosity
6) Strategic mentality
7) Skill in leadership. He is authoritative.
The reader uses pieces of information to create in his mind the idea of a positive character. The description of that hero is based on reputation, not on a physical description.
Beowulf embodies the typical values of Anglo - Saxon culture.