Correction 2nd Class Test 2nd Term

The extract is taken from the epic poem Beowulf. It is composed of three stanzas. In the original text the three parts aren’t placed one after the other but they correspond to lines 738-753, 793-804 and 814-827. The lines describe the various stages of the conflict between the hero (Beowulf) and the monster (Grendel). Each stanza has a different length and makes for a function.
The first stanza is about Grendel’s arrival at Hrothgar’s fort, the murder of a men by the monster, the awakening of Beowulf and his counter offensive. In the second section the action of Beowulf’s warriors in defense of their leader are described. The last stanza describes the end of the fight between the hero and the monster.
This deals with the general understanding of the unfolding of the events described in the excerpts from the poem. But the text can be analyzed on different levels.

The first section is very interesting to bring to surface the narrative strategy adopted by the narrator to make the reader see the monster’s features and attitude. He is immediate, fast, sudden, voracious, predator and, last but not least, greedy. All that is suggested by the language used: alliterative form of lines connect different parts of narration highlighting certain aspect. Alliteration (help memory of bards) can be sound in the first stanza exactly on lines 739, 741, 750 and 753. The first case: the repetition of sound “s” ( struck – suddenly – started) is used to complete the description of the monster. The second occurs with the repetition of sound “b” ( bit – bone – bolted – blood) used by the narrator to mark the noise produced by Grendel in the act of devouring a man.
Differently  the sound “ha” ( handgrip – harder) is used to highlight the strength of the hero; while the resumption of the sound “b” (bone – body) underlines bones breaking of the body of Grendel under Beowulf’s blows.
Besides, the accuracy of the description of the wounds inflicted by Grendel to the man and the monster’s bone breaking seems to bring some enjoyment to the action. This tell the reader that violence was the practice praised and was also seen as a form of entertainment.

Also in the second stanza the use of alliteration is present particularly in lines 794, 795 and 801. The first two repetitions of sound “w” (warriors – worked) and of sound “l” ( lord’s – life – lying), underline the immediate Beowul’s warrior immediate reaction in aid of their lord in danger.
Moreover the blade of the sword coming into contact with Grendel’s blood they disappear, increases the power of Beowulf’s courage and loyalty.

The final stanza of the extract presents the same characteristics of the previous ones, but with the addition of some longer . this could be a strategy to make the reader understand that the battle is over. Also an alliteration is present, it is characterized by the repetition of sound “s” ( shoulder – sinews – split) it seems useful to describe the sound produced by the rupture of the tendons of the monster.
The conclusion underlines the differences between the joy experienced by Beowulf’s men after the killing of the monster and the condition of demon himself. This contrast is brought out by the narrator by …….. lines closely to …….. glory and desolate.