Correction of the class test

The text that I’m going to analyse is an extract from the epic poem Beowulf.The layout allows the reader to understand that is a poem; the text is organized into a single pattern. The text deals with the voyage made by Beowulf and his men to help King Hrothgar who needed to defeat his kingdom.                                                                                                                                                                            The first line presents Beowulf with his social status, according to the Anglo Saxon social organization; he is a “Hygelac’s thane”. In addition, the narrator who is a 3^rd person narrator tells about Beowulf’s origins. He came from Geatland. The phrase “there was no one else like him” is a judgement of the narrator (line 3). It expresses that Beowulf was unique, and the strategic position of the word “alive” reveals that he was able to survive and he was powerful and strong. In the 4 and 5 lines the narrator gives other information about Beowulf. The superlative “mightiest”(in line 4) which is usually used for immortal gods, now is used for Beowulf. So he seems not to be a common human being but he has divine qualities. Beowulf was high born, so he came from a rich and powerful family, and he was also powerful. From line 5 to line 10 Beowulf announces his plan; to sail the swan’s road and search out King Hrothgar who needed help. Beowulf was able to think about other people before himself. Nobody tried to keep him from going because he was a leader. People trusted him and embraced his ideas. After Beowulf’s decisions, people inspected omens to see if the future events will be good or bad. Then, they spurred Beowulf’s ambition to go.                                      The narrator gives other information about Beowulf; he was an intelligent leader and generous. He found the best fourteen warriors and boarded them on board. Beowulf was the captain of the boat and he gave orders to his men. From line 17 the narrator tells about the voyage. The adverb “eagerly” (in line 19) shows that the men were eager to go and help. The men prepared the boat; they climbed up the gangplank and loaded a cargo of weapons in the vessel’s hold. In line 24 the vessel is personified of a woman. The “curved prow” (line 26)is one expression that belong to the body of a woman. The scene is set in a marine setting by the use of the semantic field of the sea. The ship is also personified of a bird. The ship flies over the waves. The semantic field of the bird connotes a dynamic scene. The bird’s flight makes the reader think about speed. The phrase “On the following day, at the due hour”(line 27) shows Beowulf’s organizational skills. He was able to project and plan the voyage. The description of the land sighted by the seafarers makes the reader or listener think about the dangers of the land. The scene is set in “sunlit cliffs, sheer crags” that create an image of a difficult place to live. When they finally arrived, first of all the Geats thanked God. They were praised for the easy crossing on a calm sea.                                                                                                                                                                              In the extract the Anglo Saxon values are underlined. The most important value is loyalty to one’s king or neighbour. Beowulf is loyal to King Hrothgar. He wanted to help his kingdomand he risked his life. So Beowulf has a high reputation. He is a positive model. The extract tells about a warrior’s society; Beowulf is intelligent, instinctive and a good warrior. The narrator doesn’t say Beowulf’s name in the text. He characterizes him through his actions, his behaviour and his way of living. He raises the curiosity of the reader because the reader wanted to know more about Beowulf.