BEUWULF'S FUNERAL

The text is an extract from the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beuwulf, composed along the 11th century by a single Christian author.

The extract is made of a single section composed by 36 lines.

It is characterized by the constant use of alliteration, the most used figure of speech used by the Anglo-Saxons. The alliteration's use is due to the typical oral text of the Anglo-Saxon civilization, indeed alliteration helped the listener to memorize the poem.

The reader can notice that the object of analysis of the unique section is Beuwulf: at line 1the text focuses on Beuwlf's importance and heroic attitude, putting the word Beuwulf at the end of the line and celebrating his role as a icon of the civilization, indeed they burn his body in a huge funeral pyre. The pyre's size suggests Beuwulf's greatness .

To convey Beuwulf's greatness, the composer suggests his uniqueness and importance: he uses a superlative form recalling his role as a leader and his superiority against others.  The composer also let the reader make a visual scene of  buildings to convey the Beuwulf's power.

From line 12 to line 19 the composer underlines people feeling: they were hurt and is noticeable his pain.

At the next lines the narrator remembers Beuwulf's greatest deeds.