ANALYSIS OF THE EXTRACT FROM BEOWULF

This extract describes the moment when Beowulf decides to go and help the king of Denmark defeat the monster, Grendel, and his mother. Right from the start, the narrator opposes the monster and the hero, to elicit the reader's
attention and curiosity.

In the following four lines, there is a deep presentation of the protagonist, describing his social role, his homeland and his qualities. He is a vassal of the king of Geatland, where he lives.

Right from the start the narrator creates an almost magical atmosphere around him. He is described to be unique and powerful. We understand it by expressions like "there was no one else like him alive" and "he was the mightiest man on Earth". The narrator tells the reader he was the only person who had been able to survive to the challenges he had faced, and so he was almost god-like. Moreover the narrator places the story in the past, with the time reference "in his day".

Then the action catches on. Beowulf demonstrate to also have the qualities of a leader: he "ordered" and "announced". But his decisions are not made for his own interests. He wants to defend a king of a foreign land. So the reader understand Beowulf is also generous, he doesn't mind to risk his life to help who is in danger.

The narrator tells us he has great reputation also among his people. The elders are fond of him, but knowing how he is like, they spur and help him. Moreover it means his decision is appreciated by the elders, who consider him also very wise. He enlist fourteen men, who decide to go with him. He chooses the best men of his land, people who have his same ideals. They prepare their vessel with weapons and they are all eager to go.

They heave out, Beowulf is the captain and the narrator tell us he is also a very expert pilot. He sails close the cliffs and against the current without any problem. Also the weather conditions are perfect. There is sun and wind, and at the due day they reach land. So the narrator demonstrates the hero could also choose the perfect period to leave. The voyage is narrated with many details as the direction of the wind, or the sensation of the foam on the skin, which make the reader shares the adventure.

Also their landing is described with many details, the sound of their mail and gears, the landscape and the sand, to keep the attention of the reader focused on the narration.

The narrator then ends drawing the reader's attention on Beowulf's faith, who is thankful to God for his easy voyage.