ANALYSIS: EXTRACT OF BEOWULF

Beowulf is a long epic poem probably composed during the 7^th century and it is written in Old English (a series of Germanic dialects). It recounts the deeds and legends of Germanic tribes.

The title refers to the name of a Scandinavian hero, Beowulf. Beowulf is hero expressing the typical values of Anglo-Saxons culture: loyalty and fidelity to the king, courage, cleverness, strength, solidarity and generosity.

The poem tells the deeds of Beowulf. One day he goes to help Hygelac, king of Denmark, to fight and kill supernatural monstrous creatures- the monster Grendel and his mother- who threaten the king's hall at night and kills his thanes. Back home in Geatland, Beowulf succeeds the king at his death. When the country was plagued by a dragon, the hero slays the enemy but is also mortally wounded.

The poet introduces immediately from the first line the central character, Beowulf. Indeed, right from the start the narrator wants to convey a positive idea of the character. He doesn't describe the physical aspect of Beowulf but his qualities.* The characterization is made up by comparisons, reputation, behaviour and social relationship.

He resorts Beowulf's social position in political hierarchy (he‘s a thane, that is a royal vassal of some importance), even before telling the reader about his origins (hometown), and namely he comes from Geatland (Southern Sweden).

The extract tells about the moment when Beowulf decided to help the country that was raided by Grendel, the monster.

The narrator uses positive connotations to describe the protagonist and he tell us what people think of him.

He gives positive judgments and introduces hero's characterization with reference to his superlative powers; for example with the phrase "no one else like him alive": "no one else" underlines the character uniqueness and "alive" seems to suggest that only Beowulf was able to remain alive even if he had to face very difficult tests. The superlative adjective "the mightiest" attributes a God-like figure to protagonist. Beowulf is also said to be "high-born", that is coming from a very important family. The narrator continues with a list of positive and strategic qualities.

What really makes Beowulf a relevant character in society is, not only his qualities and features, but also his reputation (that is what other people think of him). Beowulf was helpful and kind with the people and as a result people liked him and appreciated his generosity. Indeed, the meaning of "ordered" and "announced" underlines the qualities of a leader. The expression "the swan's road" is a kenning to represent the sea. (The kennings was meant to reach even the less cultured people using a very concrete language). The generosity of the protagonist is underlined by the phrase "needed defenders"; and the expression "ply the waves" describes Beowulf's ability, that is he had got good skills in leadership. The protagonist is an instinctive character, able to make immediate decisions, and that everybody surrounding him trust him. Old people also respected him!

Let's analyze the text from the moment Beowulf decided to go to his voyage. Before taking the sea, Beowulf's men analyze the omens. They were ready to leave their land and to face several dangers. In this section the poet focus the attention about the description of places, landscapes and important actions. The protagonist made a list of the best men he find because he was a leader, he was able to guide and lead his men. Beowulf was very good at selection. All of them were sailors but also warriors and the protagonist bordered as a captain. He is described as "a canny pilot", adjective which recalls the cleverness and helps to create an atmosphere of intelligence and reliability. He was not only a good leader but he was very skilled because he could sail and lead the boat along coast and currents. His ability permits to choose the right boat and the right time. Also informs his people of his plane, his strategy to carry out his actions of solidarity. His attitude shows that he wanted to keep positive relationship with countries close to him. Everybody were agreed because they thought he was a reliable person.

The adventure is described with quick and fast rhythm that communicates the speed of the voyage. Open vowel sounds convey the idea of a large dimension so that the reader can understand the position of the little and small boat on the huge sea. The adverb "eagerly" underlines Beowulf's men's motivation to climb the boat. Beowulf's men are ready to fight and therefore they get their weapons ready; so they were well-organized ("shining war-gear").

The poet compares the ship to a bird fight. It means the ship is so quick that does not touch the water.

At last Beowulf and his crew comes to the end of their voyage after a "easy crossing on a calm sea", that is they do not find in serious dangers. They moor the ship and thank God for the easy and fast voyage. So the reader can understand they are religious people and are under the protection of the God.

*It may mean that for Anglo-Saxons appearance was not as important as it is today. Now people consider appearance really important.