Beowulf Context
Why is Grendel such a formidable opponent? What is the significance of the inability of Beowulf's men to help him?
-brute size and strength, magical abilities -Beowulf is no longer protected or aided by his soldiers
How does this scene reflect the techniques used by Anglo-Saxon poets?
-by describing the behavior of the warriors after Beowulf's victory. In these lines, the warriors weaved "a net of words for Beowulf's Victory... singing his new songs... and the old songs as well"
Hrunting
name of Beowulf's sword
similarities between Beowulf and dragon
-both urged by hearts to go to war, set on winning
When Beowulf talks about himself, which traits is he proudest of?
-bravery -I've never known fear
Dark Ages
(AKA Anglo-Saxon period) = bloody, ignorant time -Literature reflect period. Winter prevalent. People serious. Heroic struggles.
as get into middle ages still capture daily life
(Margery Kempe crisis of faith from childbirth and Margaret Paston deals with marriage)
Note where the battle takes place. How does Grendel's mother inadvertently give Beowulf an advantage?
-Beowulf is protected from the water's heat and the powerful waves , battle-hall
How does this battle differ from Beowulf's encounter with Grendel?
-Beowulf had a closer encounter with death while fighting Grendel's mother, bare hands
Explain the transformation of the lake. What has Beowulf metaphorically restored?
- the body of water became clean and peaceful -restored god
What details reinforce the idea of Grendel as a force of evil? How does this view of Grendel increase suspense? What foreshadowing is in this passage? Why does the poet include it?
- the descriptions of the monster's appearance -increase suspense by making Grendel seem worse -"never, before nor after that night, Found Herot defended so firmly" -include to engage audience
What is the significance of Beowulf's ability to wield the sword?
- the protagonist is not an average man
Explain Beowulf's reasoning behind the method he will use to fight Grendel. What does this reveal about the relationship between warrior and leader? What details reveal Beowulf's attitude toward Hrothgar? Why does he feel this way?
- with his bare hands so as to not disappoint Higlac -Beowulf's resolve to take such risks to impress Higlac highlights the loyal relationship between a warrior and his leader. -Beowulf refers to Hrothgar, as well as the loyalty the hero displays. (lord and protector of this noble place)
What details in these final lines reinforce the idea that Beowulf is superior to all others?
-"noble protector of all seamen" and "Their lord and leader"
Context of Beowulf
-500s Scandinavia Danes (denmark) vs Geates (Sweden), Beowulf returns home to succeed uncle as king of geats
monasteries
-597 Roman missionary Augustine arrived in kent Kingdom, established monastery as Canterbury -690 all britain nominally christian -monasteries only opportunity for education- translated/created books -monk Venerable Bede wrote A History of the English Church and People -Vikings almost wipe out, Christianity stays for more than thousand years
What do the setting details in this passage reveal about Anglo-Saxon civilization?
-Anglo-Saxon civilizations valued art, gold, and skillful handmanship. It is these values that result in Herot's sturdy, beautiful halls and "gold-covered boards"
epic tradition
-Anglo-Saxons wrote epic poems praising heroes, reflect brutal life -in mead halls (large wooden buildings for warriors to be safe after battle) of kings, listen to scops (AKA pro poets), harp, chant stories (history lesson, cultural pride, how heroes behave, reminded that all ambition end in death, no hope for afterlife so epic poem only way of being immortalized) -oral art form- memorized and performed, not written down -christianity = literacy = written down -Beowulf dies in end!!! Very little poetry survived
pagans
-At first, Anglo-Saxon pagan religion believed in wyrd or fate, gave admiration to warriors who fate was to prevail in battle -became agricultural, pagans said life was tough and end in death
What contrast is developed between Herot, home of the Danes, and Grendel's home? How do the biblical allusions extend this contrast? What do the hall and Grendel represent, based on their descriptions here? What conflict is foreshadowed through this contrast?
-Herot = home of God -Grendel represent Hell -The biblical allusions emphasize the varying symbolism between these two locations, extending the contrast that is developed. -Grendel is described as being "conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain" -By describing Herot and Grendel's home as incompatible, a conflict between Grendel and the residents of Herot is foreshadowed.
What details add to your understanding of the threat that Grendel poses? What does Grendel's unwillingness to accept gold or land to settle the feud mean for the Danes?
-Hrothgar's emotional response to the monster's behavior and Grendel's unquenchable thirst for blood.
How does this passage relate to the Anglo-Saxon view of immortality?
-The Anglo-Saxons believed that a person is immortalized when other individuals tell of that person's life experiences. When the soldiers converse among themselves, relating Beowulf's story, they immortalize the protagonist
What images of light are in this passage? How are they connected with Beowulf's victory? What does Beowulf cutting off Grendel's head symbolize?
-The brilliant light shone, suddenly, As though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven's Own candle" -symbolize return of God
What details and techniques does the poet use to convey the brutality of Grendel's mother's attack? What is the significance of her actions? What do they foreshadow about future events?
-The poet utilizes imagery to convey the brutality of Grendel's mother's attack, describing Grendel's mother as containing claws dripping with blood -"a glorious soldier, cutting A noble life short" -Grendel's mother's decision to run off with Grendel's claw foreshadows the future battle between the mother and Beowulf.
what did wiglaf take?
-banner -given golden necklace/armor by beowulf
what happens 215-222; why important see Wiglaf's loyalty/courage
-beowulf gives wiglaf throne -we know beowulf made right choice
"word for their lords" and "war with love"
-gives fond tone -"praising him for heroic deeds"
How do the alliteration and imagery affect the impact of this part of the poem?
-highlighting the finality of Grendel's defeat. -"The water was bloody, steaming and boiling In horrible pounding waves"
epics
-long narrative poem that celebrates a hero's deeds -first were oral traditions -date back to preliterate times -based on fact, entertainment and education -all have heroes and conventions (larger-than-life events a hero may experience)
word beloved shows about relationship btwn leader and people
-mother uses it for son, shows loyalty, fondness
Hero
-of noble birth or high position, and often of historic/legendary purpose -have traits that reflect ideals of society -courageous, sometimes superhuman, deeds to reflect values -do something that determines fate of nation
how does Beowulf summarize his 50-year reign
-peace kingdom experienced -never killed family
Identify and explain the shifts in this passage. What is the intended effect of these shifts on the audience?
-plot shifts from focusing on Beowulf's experiences in the lake to Hrothgar's point of view as he stands on the shore -inform the audience of the perceived hopelessness of Beowulf's situation
Explain what Beowulf, seen in "the silvery metal of his mail shirt/Gleaming with a smith's high art," represents to the Danes. Examine what Beowulf says to Hrothgar about himself and his past deeds. Why does he appear to boast about his accomplishments?
-represents wealth and the nobly born - he has eradicated a species of giants -Beowulf hopes to prove that he has the ability to defeat Grendel
Lines 33-37: What sound is alliterated throughout these lines? How does this sound create an image of the action?
-s sound -hear splat sounds of men dying, slithering motions of beast, better able create image
Explain why "none of the wise ones regretted his going."
-since the intelligent residents realized the necessity of Beowulf's travels. The wise ones understood that Beowulf was chosen to defend Herot, especially since the omens were in Beowulf's favor
Why does Beowulf allow one of his followers to be taken by Grendel before he attacks him?
-so that Grendel will assume that Herot is as poorly defended as it has been in the past -see how Grendel works
how does wiglaf grow into position as king
-strip soldiers of power/riches (shows value of loyalty)
survivor
-surviving copy of Beowulf dates to 1000, Christian monks preserved story by rewriting in manuscripts, in British Library in London
details of setting create tension
-tells readers massive challenge Beowulf faces against the dragon
What descriptive images link Grendel's mother's home to the concepts of death and darkness? What does this lake symbolize?
-the waves are described as being the black tears that the heavens cry -lake as the slime in which Cain was punished for Abel's death, links the concept of death to the lake. -lake represents hell
What evidence supports the idea that the fight between Grendel and Beowulf is symbolic of the struggle between good and evil? How does the symbolism of Beowulf's gesture in lines 356-359 reveal a theme resulting from this conflict?
-to feud with almighty god -When Beowulf hangs Grendel's arm from the rafter in lines 356-359, it becomes evident that goodness and heaven have prevailed. Thus, the symbolic nature of Beowulf's actions highlights the themes of violence and goodness versus evil.
Lines 41-73: What is the tone of lines 44-49? What details and words help to convey the attitude of the poet? What happens to Hrothgar's hall? Why does the poet say "hate had triumphed"?
-tone=sorrow -Hrothgar's negative emotional response to Grendel's attacks and the influence Grendel maintained on Hrothgar convey the attitude of the author -forced the brave soldiers to abandon Herot -"hate has triumphed" based on the widespread control Grendel currently maintains over Herot, a place of God
Anglo-Saxons arrived
449 A.D., Britons and Arthur fought against them -Britons driven N/W/Brittany -British Isles called England, spread Old English throughout England
Vikings arrived
790s from Denmark/Norway -At first just loot/kill/burn villages. Later make camp. -Danes defeated by Alfred the Great, unified English. Anglo-Saxon Chronicle created (record of English history).
Grendel
A demon descended from Cain, Grendel preys on Hrothgar's warriors in the king's mead-hall, Heorot. Because his ruthless and miserable existence is part of the retribution exacted by God for Cain's murder of Abel, Grendel fits solidly within the ethos of vengeance that governs the world of the poem.
Wiglaf
A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him in the fight against the dragon while all of the other warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code better than Beowulf's other retainers, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf. -wexter's son
Grendel's mother
An unnamed swamp-hag, Grendel's mother seems to possess fewer human qualities than Grendel, although her terrorization of Heorot is explained by her desire for vengeance—a human motivation.
author of Beowulf
Anonymous- don't know who author is (lived between middle of 7th century and end of 10th)
Higlac's follower
Beowulf
lines 210-218 value important to geats
Beowulf wants to be remembered, tower boats will see
Edgetho
Beowulf's father, killed Hathlaf (wulfing warrior)
noble protector of all seamen
Beowulf, who will be buried in a tower that will serve as a navigational aid to sailors
Early Britain
Caesar first person write about England 55 b.c. -Tried to conquer Britons, Picts, Gaels in British Isles but failed -Romans returned and conquered 100 years later, push culture and technology onto British Isles -Romans left to protect home, British Isles becomes target for invasion (weak)
growth of Christianity
Christianity- said suffering of this world prelude to eternal happiness -lots of christians by 300 a.d., spread to Ireland/Scots/Picts/Angles
dialogue
Dialogue includes long speeches by major characters
Anglo-Saxons
Fifth century- Angles, Saxons, and Jutes forced to abandon homes (N Europe warfare), settled in England Anglo-Saxon civilization -spoke Old English, written after converted to christianity
boar-headed helmets
Germanic warriors often wore helmets bearing the images of wild pigs or other fierce creatures in the hope that images would increase their ferocity and protect them against enemies
What does the kenning "shadow of death" contribute to the characterization of Grendel?
The kenning "shadow of death" contributes to Grendel's characterization by contributing to the description of the monster as omnipotent and relentless.
Healfdane's son
Hrothgar
lyric poems
The Seafarer, talked of cold sailor in boat, resentment of wife who was left alone, some talk of death others of religious faith (after Christianity) -Exeter book contains many lyrics
King Hrothgar
The king of the Danes. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his realm. A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful warrior Beowulf. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king that Beowulf becomes.
Healfdane
The father of Hrothgar, Heorogar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter who married a king of the Swedes
Beowulf
The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf's boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler.
Lines 546-568: What do these lines reveal about Anglo-Saxon values?
These lines reveal that Anglo-Saxons value fame and victory more than life. When Beowulf fails to return to the shore, Hrothgar and his soldiers only think of Beowulf's lost fame
queen
Welthow, wife of Hrothgar
vane
a device that turns to show the direction of the wind, associated with luck (as changeable as winds)
Wayland
a famous blacksmith and magician
Wulfing
a member of another Germanic tribe
kenning
a metaphorical compound word or phrase substituted for a noun or a name- enhances meaning (mankind's enemy used in place of Grendel)
Caesura
a pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables; maintain rhythm of lines
heathen
pagan; non-Christian; Beowulf poet was Christian, recognized characters in poem lived before Christianity
stock epithets
adjectives that point out special traits of particular persons or Things (swift-footed in place of a person)
affliction
burden
irony of narrator's words in lines 82-91
calls warriors brave even though running in fear
shrouds
clothes in which dead bodies are wrapped
gorge
cram or stuff
his ring-marked blade
for the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf has been given an heirloom sword with an intricately etched blade
style
formal diction and a serious tone
Hrethel
former king of Geats- Higlac's father and Beowulf's grandfather
cousin
generic term for relative, Beowulf is Higlac's nephew
spawned
given birth to
plot
has supernatural beings/events, involve dangerous journey to foreign land
How does Hrothgar's speech reflect the importance of courage and community?
he focuses on these aspects while conversing on Grendel's brutality. Instead complaining about the fact that he had to flee from his home, Hrothgar instead mentions the courageous soldiers that are continuously dying while attempting to protect Herot
setting
is vast in scope, involving more than one nation
Norman Conquest
last successful invasion of England -Edward the Confessor took thrown, when died Harold chosen to take place even though Edward had promised the throne to William (Norman duke) -Harold killed at Battle of Hastings, William named king -End of Anglo-Saxon dominance, new class of nobles rose
graybears
old men
kennings
poetic synonyms found in Germanic poems; descriptive phrase that replaces noun (the Almighty's enemy in place of Grendel) -give time to think of lines, fit metrica -enhances meaning (mankind's enemy, hell forged hands)
theme
reflects timeless values (courage) and encompasses universal ideas (death)
What is the significance of the similarity between the two battles?
relied on strength to defeat both monsters. In addition, in both fights God is described as deciding in Beowulf's favor
alliteration
repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, unify the lines
linden shield
shield made with wood from a linden tree
lines 137-140 important for Geats
show how uncertain heir to throne is
sinews
tendons that connect muscle to bone
taut
tense/tightly flexed
Cain
the eldest son of Adam and Eve -murdered younger bro Abel
smith's high art
the skilled craft of a blacksmith (objects from iron)
threshold
the strip of wood or stone at the bottom of a doorway
Why does Wulfgar request that the Geats leave their weapons outside the hall?
to protect Hrothgar. Although Hrothgar is familiar with Beowulf's reputation, he and Wulfgar are still unsure as to Beowulf's motives for traveling to Herot.
scops/bards
used old songs to write new ones (make verses while saying them, repeat words)
