In Seamus Heaney's translation of “Beowulf” the author uses essential themes, meaningful symbolism and situational irony to create significant impact on the Epic Tales’ audience. Each of these literary devices were utilized throughout the entire Epic and have many pieces of evidence to support beliefs made in regards to presenting the development of the story.
To begin, one of the most important detail that had impact in “Beowulf,” would have to be the theme of morality. A very common theme in any piece of writing. In “How To Read Literature Like A Professor,” the author claims that “stories grow out of other stories, poems out of other poems,” (Foster 22) therefore stating that a similar theme can be repeated through different works. Beowulf
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In “How To Read Literature Like A Professor,” the author also states that “Everything is a symbol of something, it seems, until proven otherwise,” (Foster 3) in other words solidifying the idea that every word, every action, every decision a character makes when put through trials is some form of symbolism. Not only the character’s actions can be symbolic but the setting of the story as well. Take the Hrothgar's great mead-hall, Heorot, for example. Most only see it as a place for the soldiers to become intoxicated, but rather it should be viewed as a center of civilization. This is the place of gathering for this community of soldiers, a location where that represents the Scyldings’ achievements. In a way, this is a perfect example of the soldiers sharing communion with another though this is represented in a deeper sense, “Sometimes a meal is just a meal, and eating with others is simply eating with others. More often than not, though, it’s not.” Grendel is an outcast, a creature of darkness that is not accepted in society. As a descendant of Cain, they are viewed as dark and deceptive, complete monstrosities. The mead-hall represents light and kinship between each soldier while the cave portrays the evil home of aggrieved …show more content…
An example of verbal irony would include the fact that Grendel’s mother referred to Beowulf as her guest when in reality, he came to assassinate her. Another example would show situational irony from the Epic in the battle between Beowulf and Grendel's mother. After swearing revenge, in result of the death of Aeschere, Beowulf plans to intercede Grendel’s mother. Throughout the battle however, Beowulf realizes that with Hrunting, a sword that was given to him for his earlier achievements, was rendered useless against his opponent. Using a sword he spotted nearby, Beowulf manages to execute Grendel’s mother, yet the sword used was created by giants. The irony in this is that magic was killed by
In Beowulf, the essence left behind by a true hero is extremely important. In epics such as this one, leaders tend to have the determination and boldness of a hero. On the other hand, the main character, Beowulf, does not only display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem. There are many moments in Beowulf that manifest the many traits that a person should have. This proves how important these attributes are to the characters and the Anglo-Saxon society. Although Beowulf has no known author, it embodies many of the beliefs and morals of the early Germanic society. The author of this epic poem uses many approaches in order to demonstrate that respect and trust are fundamental characteristics of a leader and hero.
Clark, Gorge. “The Hero and the Theme.” In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.
Another literary term is irony. When Unferth gave Beowulf the sword to go kill Grendel`s mother, Unferth thought it was a good gesture and that it would help. When the fight with the mother later started, the sword became totally useless. This is an example of situational irony, because we as the reader knows of the sword, while Unferth doesn't.
Clark, Gorge. “The Hero and the Theme.” In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.
the work of Beowulf, yet has its own set of unique differences that sets it apart from the
First off, verbal irony is a figure of speech where the character says the opposite of what they mean. Some examples from the movie Labyrinth are; “How do you like my Labyrinth?” “Piece of cake.” Sarah thinks the labyrinth is not fair and difficult, When Hoggle said, “I couldn't hurt the girl,” even though he offers her the peach anyway. Hoggle as a matter of fact doesn't want to hurt Sarah, but he still has to follow Jareth’s orders, and when Hoggle said, “I don't want friends,” when he actually
Damrosch, David, and David L. Pike. “Beowulf.” The Longman Anthology of World Literature, Compact Edition. New York: Pearson, Longman, 2008. 929-970. Print.
"Beowulf." U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology. Vol. 1. Detroit: UXL, 2009. 177-182. Gale World History In Context. Web. 27 Sep. 2011.
Tolkien, J.R.R.. “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.” In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.
Abrams, M.H., ed. Beowulf: The Norton Anthology of English Literature. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2001.
Verbal irony is when a character says one thing but means the opposite. When a reader understands the irony of what a character is saying, then he can truly understand the nature and intentions of the character. An example of verbal irony is when Macbeth says to Banquo, "Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir,/ And I’ll request your presence" (Macbeth 3.1.13-14). The reader soon discovers that Banquo never makes it to the banquet because he is brutally murdered by order of Macbeth.
Unknown. "Beowulf."The Norton Anthology of English Literture. 8th Eddition. Volume 1.Eds. Stephen Greenblatt, Etal. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006
One example of dramatic irony is when Oedipus is looking for the killer of the king Laius-his father. The irony here is that he is looking for himself because he is the murder of his father. Oedipus knows that he killed someone, but what he does not know is that it was Laius, the one he murder. Oedipus wants to punish the person who killed Laius, but we, the audience know that Oedipus was the one who killed Laius. Also Oedipus married Jocasta without knowing that she is his mother. We, the audience knew that he was Jocasta's son, but he was unaware of that.
Beowulf is an interesting story in that it has a meaning that is firmly rooted in fantasy creatures based in mythical origins while providing insight into religious ideals and practices of the time. It also speaks of tradition and the struggle of man against things perceived as evil. In this tradition especially, Beowulf is an incredible allegory regarding the struggle of good and evil in the Christian tradition.
Beowulf is the single greatest story of Old English literature and one of the greatest epics of all time. Ironically, no one can lay claim to being the author of this amazing example of literature. The creator of this poem was said to be alive around 600 A.D. and the story was, since then, been passed down orally from generation to generation. When the first English monks heard the story, they took it upon themselves to write it down and add a bit of their own thoughts. Thus, a great epic and the beginning to English literature was born.