Examples Of Motifs In Beowulf

Motifs:

In classic versions of literature there are often tracks of literary devices that enhance the structure of reading for readers. Often, the reader will identify certain aspects in the literature because of humor, drama or many other genres to life. In a narrative poem a motif stands for an object or idea that has the potential to repeat itself throughout a literary work. In a literary work, a motif can also been seen as an image, sound or any other figure that has symbolic significance that contributes toward the development of the theme. In the epic tale, Beowulf, many motifs bring together the theme and mood implied throughout the story. Consequently, three significant motifs in the epic poem Beowulf that enhances the theme are loyalty,

Birth defects were thought as to be signs from god warning the bad things that could possibly come. Grendel, the descendent from Cain is thought to symbolize the evil in the society. On the other hand, the dragon is interpreted as a symbol of sin because he embodies the malice that must be taken in order to prove a hero’s “fate and goodness.” Having this said, the motif sets a certain example throughout the novel in biblical terms for readers. Grendel is portrayed as a character that lacks wealth and honor and is interpreted as a character with destructive corruption. The Christian themes have added a very important aspect in the element of depth that wouldn’t be possible in modern times. For example the monsters illustrated all showed a balance between the Christianity development and the common good vs. evil battle. The traditional figure shown in all the monsters represent the epic poems plot and show an inhuman presence in a

Throughout the entire poem Beowulf has the mindset to gain revenge on the people who has done him wrong. In the literary work Beowulf gains revenge by defeating monsters that has caused problem. Considering that the epic story is driven by the characters needs to defend by killing. The cycle of revenge is taken when the first monster was killed. Grendel was a descendant from Cain, the first murderer who killed his brother out of revenge because he was not favored by god. Grendel has hatred for the mead hall that the Danes, favored by God, sing and party all night to. This leads to Grendel taking his revenge out by terrorizing the Danes. Beowulf then is needed for help and seeks the challenge by offering to fight Grendel to let the Danes seek their revenge against Grendel. Beowulf defeats Grendel and has taken the fame for defeating a monster that has caused disturbance to the society. Grendel’s mother, however, is so disturbed by her son’s death that she takes her own revenge by killing the thane and dear friend of the king. The cycle of revenge is then put to an end when Beowulf takes out Grendel’s mother and puts an end to the revenge. The cycle then renews years later when a thief decides to steal a piece of treasure from a dragon that has protected his wealth for centuries. The dragon then regains his revenge by burning down the countryside in search of the thief. In this process, part of the Danes kingdom is