Beowulf Power Point # 2

Beowulf Of unknown origin In the late 900’s, two anonymous scribes wrote the story on parchment using West Saxon, a Germanic dialect dominant for literary composition in England at that time.

Beowulf Was bound together with 4 other works in Old English. The Passion of St. Christopher The Wonders of the East Alexander’s Letter to Aristotle Judith (a poem) All have the presence of monsters, so this suggests that was the common thread.

Beowulf The whereabouts of the manuscript was unknown for about 500 years. Lawrence Nowell, Dean of Litchfield, owned it in 1563. May have save the manuscript from destruction when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and broke up their libraries.

Beowulf Manuscript made its way to the famous library of Sir Robert Cotton, an Elizabethan physician. In 1731, Cotton’s library caught fire and the codex containing Beowulf was scorched. After Cotton’s death, his library collection was taken over by the Crown. Today, the manuscript is in the British Library in London.

Beowulf No one knows who “wrote” Beowulf. Oral poetry was sung by many; was performed when warriors gathered in meadhalls during celebrations. It is from this poem that we derive many of the details for the reconstruction of Anglo-Saxon social life.

Beowulf Seems to have been entirely fictional. The only historically verifiable moment in the poem: Hygelac, lord of the Geats, died in battle against the Frisians. Chronicled by historian Gregory of Tours that Chlochilaichus (Latin name of Hygelac) was killed in the year 521.

Beowulf Why has this story lasted through the ages? Interlaced with the battles of monsters are tales of human struggle. Less than exemplary people: Heremod: wicked king who hoarded people Modthryth: queen who arbitrarily executed those who displeased her Hrothulf: treacherous usurper

Beowulf Why has this story lasted through the ages? Interlaced with the battles of monsters are tales of human struggle. Good against evil Strength of heart and spirit Truth and light vs. dark powers Darkness: Grendel, a dragon, greed, treachery, pride)

Beowulf Why has this story lasted through the ages? Interlaced with the battles of monsters are tales of human struggle. Challenge is constant. Death always awaits. Victories, such as the one over Grendel, but in the end, even the hero’s strength and vitality must be extinguished by old age.

Structure of Beowulf Use of alliteration Beginning 3 or 4 words in a line with the same letter OE: “waes se grimma gaest Grendel haten” TRANS: “a horror from hell, hideous Grendel.” “Then out of the night/came the shadow-stalker, stealthy and swift“ (702-703)

Structure of Beowulf Use of kenning A specific type of compound used for stylistic effects; a compressed metaphor. “swan-road” for ocean “wave-courser” for ship “death-shadow” for Grendel

Structure of Beowulf Use of oral structure Tendency to digress into stories tangent to the action of the main plot. Contribute to artistry of broad contrasts Youth vs. age Joy vs. sorrow Good vs. bad Hrothgar’s story of King Heremod Contrast of good Queen Hygd and bad Queen Modthryth Characters occasionally deliver long speeches that review the past or predict the future.

Structure of Beowulf Use of oral structure Tendency to digress into stories tangent to the action of the main plot. Commentary from the poet

Structure of Beowulf Use of oral structure Epic form Viewing hero’s life as part of a historical pattern Iliad: Homer focuses on one sequence – the withdrawal of Achilles from the Trojan War Recalls Helen’s abduction, which started the war Looks ahead to defeat of Trojans Viewing hero’s life or segments of his life as part of a historical pattern

Structure of Beowulf Use of oral structure Epic form Viewing hero’s life as part of a historical pattern Milton’s Paradise Lost: disobedience of Adam & Eve; Enveloping action includes Earlier rebellion of Satan The creation Whole future of fallen mankind Viewing hero’s life or segments of his life as part of a historical pattern

Structure of Beowulf Use of oral structure Epic form This narrative method enables epic poet to delineate his central figure or episodes with vitality, yet at the same time to enlarge the dimensions of the poem and encompass a wider range of human experience. Poet also uses digression in a subtle way to foreshadow dark events to come. Viewing hero’s life or segments of his life as part of a historical pattern

Themes in Beowulf Identity Ancestral heritage Individual reputation Heroic acts Eloquence of speech was a highly admired quality “Beot”: tradition of boasting

Themes in Beowulf Heroic glory Characteristics of good warrior Strength Loyalty Courage Characteristics of good king Hospitality Generosity Diplomacy Social structure of the Germanic people revolved around Germanic heroic code valued Strong warrior group ruled by a good king Other WOMEN were to be ceremonious All should have a good reputation

Themes in Beowulf Distribution of treasure King rewarded strong, loyal warriors Gold Horses Armor

Themes in Beowulf Pagan vs. Christian elements Blackburn, The Christian Colouring in Beowulf: Poem was composed by a Christian who had heard the stories and used them in the material of his work. Poem was composed by a heathen from old stories. At a later date, it was revised by a Christian to include the Christian allusions.

Themes in Beowulf Pagan vs. Christian elements Blackburn Passages containing references to biblical history or allusion to scripture Passages containing disapproval of heathen ideas or pagan worship Passages containing references to distinctively Christian doctrines (heaven, hell, day of judgment) 53 cases of incidental allusions to the Christian God.