MB UNIUD

We can imagine this first paragraph subdivided into two parts:

The first covers the first five lines, and its function is to describes Beowulf 's characterization.

The last one tells about Beowulf's decision to help Hrothgar, the king of Denmark, who is threatened by a monster called Grendel.

Beowulf's characterization is expressed by some linguistic devices which create a climatic tension.

These are: "Hyghelac's thane"; "There was no one else like him alive"; "The mightiest man on earth"; "High-born" and "powerful".

The categories used by the poet to create the characterization are hierarchy, hometown and reputation.

Beowulf is also solidar and generous which are the typical values of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

From the sixth line the poet tells us about Beowulf's decision to go in help to Hrothgar. The reader can understand that the protagonist has a strategic mentality and that he has an important role in the society. He is also very authoritative.

In the seventh line we find a kenning, which is like a metaphor, used to substitute base words. In this case "swan roads" indicate the sea.

In the thirteen line the reader find a simile "like the leader he was". It underlines that Beowulf was a leader, that he skills in leadership.

In the last three lines the poet tells the reader that Beowulf leave Sweden with fourteen other seamen.

In the last two lines there is an alliteration. It is useful for scops to remember easily the poem.