The extract is taken from the epic poem Beowulf.

It consist of a single section, which deals about Beowulf's voyage to help his neighbor Heorot.

It is a narrative text organized into couplets and mainly focuses on the heroes departure and communicates all the actions done and need to go to sea.

It goes without saying that it tells about Beowulf, the protagonist, providing his characterization, as well as the idea of the setting so that the intelligent reader can make up a mental picture of what is reading.

We cannot forget that the language of the extract is not the original version, but is rather a contemporary rendering of an epic poem written in old English.

Old English was a German dialect and could not be understood today.

The text opens with immediate reference to Grendel so that the reader understands who the monster is and who the protagonist Beowulf is going to fight against. The danger represented by the monster is suggested by the verb heard which comes right at the beginning of the line in an alliterative use of the language. This is done on purpose to convey its terrible reputation. Immediately after, the reader is provided with information, details about the setting, so that he can better understand where events take place, Geatland is the focus of the setting, immediately the intelligent reader understands the narrative strategy of the scoop: the narrator wants to highlight the unique qualities of the hero that may become such just because he is ready to risk his life for a good cause, showing generosity and solidarity with they who are in danger.

Beowulf is created as sort of a single personality, not as an ordinary man, “no one else” and “like him” make that clear right from the start, in addition expression like “alive” and “on earth” underline his peculiar strength and courage, suggesting that people different from him could not remain alive.

Besides reinforcing his highly-positive reputation, the narrator underlines his feasibility in doing any sort of duty.

He was “the mightiest man”, again the use of an alliteration of the sound -m anticipates other features of this character protagonist, from a prestigious family (high-born) and who has got a power that nobody wants to put into discussion.

He was a smart man, able to make the right choice at the right time. He managed to choose the most suitable boat for voyage. One “that would ply the waves”.

The author continues highlighting Beowulf’s courage and strength with the alliteration of sound “s” that confirms his value and honor; also the expression “the best he could find” underlines Beowulf powerful.

The setting chosen by the author is the sea: it means to confront something that isn't well-known, and something that could destroy anything. So the voyage could be very difficult, but Beowulf managed to traveled without difficulties. His powerful and his loyalty are known by God, who permits Beowulf’s voyage.

Despite his powerful, he attended some positive sign before sailing and so underlines Beowulf’s religious dedication .

Moreover nothing could obstruct Beowulf’s voyage, because his voyage's purpose is to help people in danger.

The alliteration of sound “w” and “s”, and the frequent run-on-line highlight the idea of voyage's fluency and naturalness; in addition the voyage is also compared with the fly of a bird by a similitude that underlines his naturalness.

Last five lines represent extract's end and confirm the previous characterization of the voyage; the Geats thanked God because hero’s power is used to goodness.