Textuality » 3A Interacting

VLepre - Epic Poetry. Beowulf (2)
by VLepre - (2012-01-19)
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EXTRACT OF BEOWULF- ANALYSIS
The objective of the extract is to communicate the narrator's positive judgment of Beowulf. The characterization of the hero starts with reference to the settings, so that the reader can immediately understand where the protagonist comes from. Also his position in the hierarchy of the kingdom is immediately communicated: he's a thane, that is a royal vassal of some importance. Hygelac was the king of the Geats and Beowulf's feudal lord and uncle. Right from the start of the extract the narrator tries to draw the reader's attention and curiosity quoting Grendel. As a result the reader is curious to find out about him. It appears immediately that the strategy used by the narrator to develop Beowulf's characterization is to immediately juxtapose the monster and the hero. The strategy is also that of keeping the attention alert. The extract tells about the moment when Beowulf decided to help the country that was raided by Grendel, the monster. The reader is not free to make up his own mind about the character because all the information is filtered by the narrator's point of view. The narrator gives positive judgments and introduces the hero's characterization with reference to his superlative powers as the intelligent reader can see considering "no one else like him". The phrase "no one else" underline the character uniqueness. In addition, the adjective alive seem to suggest that only Beowulf was able to remain alive even if he had to face very difficult tests. Therefore an atmosphere of greatness is immediately created by the narrator, immediately reinforced by the use of the superlative adjective "the mightiest". It follows that right from the fourth line of the extract Beowulf is represented as a god-like figure. Indeed the expression "on earth" in the same line makes him seem a wonder in comparison to other people living on earth and connects him with the divine world. The idea of a past time to create the dimension of a life when strength and courage were human qualities is conveyed by the time reference "in his day", that is set in key position, at the beginning of the line. Beowulf is also said to be high-born, that is coming from a very important family according to the social organization of Anglo-Saxon society.

 

The extract proceeds stating Beowulf's enterprise; only a few moments after he came to know the facts, he has already made a strategy. Hence, the protagonist appears brave, determined and impulsive. In these lines, through the phrase "it would ply the waves", the narrator underlines also Beowulf's skills as sailor and the urgency of the intervention. Furthermore, Beowulf is respected not only by his inferiors, but also by the old people, as stated in the tenth line; indeed, they put themselves on use of him and spurred him to go. This feature in the Anglo-Saxon society was rather rare and demonstrates the great authority of the character. Afterwards the narrator tells the reader about Beowulf's leadership using a comparison between the present and the past, which communicates the natural aptitude for leading of the character. Before leaving, "the mightiest" hero looks for "the best" men: this demonstrates his conviction and the care in preparing the expedition. Once they have heaved out, Beowulf is described also as "canny", adjective which recalls the cleverness of other heroes such as Ulysses of the Odyssey. Moreover, in the 23th line, the narrator highlights Beowulf's and his crew's will of arriving in Heorot. They are depicted as fearless, ambitious and ready to risk their lives in order to rescue the king. However, they are also cautious, since they seek a secure landfall. The protagonist is also pious to God and after the landing, he thanks Him for the easy voyage. All these traits identify Beowulf as the perfect hero and the reader can easily understand he will be destined to great deeds.
The settings of the extract are Geatland, Beowulf's home, and the sea between Sweden and northern Denmark. They are and dangerous places and so underline Beowulf's ambition and courage. Nevertheless, their voyage is very easy and fast; this may demonstrate they are under the protection of God. The course is described for the first time through the kenning "the swan's road"; the poet draws on the metaphor later and compare Beowulf's boat as a bird.
The extracts brings out many of the Anglo-Saxon values: courage, ambition, leadership, power (to defend themselves from dangers of nature and of incursions), respect for the elders, cleverness, solidarity, loyalty, fidelity to the chiefs, in this case even to foreign kings.