The Theme Of Mortality In Beowulf

The grand story of Beowulf is challenged by Tolkien in his scholarly literary criticism, in to which he goes into substantial depth of the overall poem and its meaning. His literary criticism is the epitome of criticisms as he provides details to all of his claims, and shows an obvious understanding of the novel Beowulf and its background information. Tolkien provides the readers with his view of the book and its literary significance while making a thoughtful idea that revolves around the theme of mortality in Beowulf. In Tolkien’s literary criticism, he comments about Beowulf and how it is a poem more than it is a historical content. He suggests that, although the book is historically accurate not and can serve as a learning device, Beowulf should be viewed as more of

This is probably the most accurate statement Tolkien makes throughout the whole essay because the original author of Beowulf wants to constantly remind the reader of the theme of mortality. Throughout the story, many “kings who ruled” the Spear-Danes “had courage and greatness,” and a bit after the author would speak of their illustrious careers, he would quickly speak of the rulers’ death (2). The author must have done this to prove that; no matter what happens, death is inevitable. It is a continued cycle that no one will ever be able to get out of, not even the great Beowulf. All of the monsters included in the story have importance because the main ones are defeated by Beowulf, making him stand out amongst his peers as a superhuman. There seems to be no imperfection about him, though the inevitable truth comes back again, as even Beowulf is classified as mortal. Therefore, the author incorporates the theme of death and mortality quickly, and establishes this every so often throughout the