Literature Analysis of Beowulf - Paper Example

In the story, Beowulf heroism is amongst the prominent characteristic, and it is also presented throughout the work playing a very vital role. In the story of Beowulf, heroism is displayed in the following ways; according to Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, a warrior got regarded as a hero. This meant that a hero had to possess significant strength, courage and intelligence. The warriors were to be ready to encounter anything unpleasing and be aggressive to engage in a fight to death battle for the glory of his people. The hero was to indulge in all these aspects but remain kind and humble.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Beowulf in the literature, literary serves as a prolific example of such a quintessential hero based on the prompts of his actions. Additionally, he is much more honourable and humble as compared to his corrupt counterparts. He also possesses exceptional courage and strength. In the story, an Anglo-Saxon warrior had to maintain vital physical appearance and the strength to be essential. Beowulf is said to possess the strength of thirty men only in one of his arms. On his first arrival in the land of Danes, when coastguard puts his eyes on him he asserts I have never seen a mightier warrior on earth than is one of you, a man in battle-dress. (Gummere et al., 7). In the poem, strength and courage are crucially based on Beowulf conversation with Unferth, Hrothgar and Danes.

Ibn Fadlan also displays heroism characteristics just as Beowulf and besides he displays some heroic traits of todays heroes such as intelligence when he learns the Anglo-Saxon language within a very short duration. The same way Buliwyf learns writing of sounds" within the shortest period and all these aspects serves as roles heroism. Furthermore, the earth Walker the Wanderer also outlines an Anglo- Saxon hero in conjunction to the portrayal of Christ as fighter and saviour to his people as seen in the Dream of the Rood is a proficient picture of a knight and a hero. (Gummere et al. 19). The heroes tend to be energetic, tactful, intelligent, willing to sacrifice for their people and also courageous just as stipulated by todays heroes. In Beowulf, heroic traits of the characters, Dream of the Rood, the wanderer and the 13th Warrior, all define the standards set for the hero of Anglo-Saxon.

Elements of alliteration

In Beowulf literature alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds in two or more words is subtle and nearly in every line utilises the alliteration for example;

Then as dawn brightened and the day broke- line 126

The storied leader, sat stricken and helpless- line 130

Elements of Christianity in Beowulf

Additionally, to Beowulf offering his thanks to God for the successes he has achieved, some referenes are available that are biblical in the story. Grendel is regarded as Cains descendant, who is also the son of Eve and Adam, the someone who killed Abel, his brother. Critics claims that the story was composed on the haft of the giants sword which is a referred to Noah and the flood. After the defeat of Grendels mother by Beowulf, Hrothgar advises him on a fatherly manner which if regarded as the Christs Sermon on the Mount. Besides, the betrayal of Beowulfs Thanes while fighting the dragon and the 13th Warrior is ascertained to be similar to the betrayal of Jesus Christ before his death by Judas during the last supper. Diving of Beowulf into the mere is often compared to Christs Harrowing of Hell. (Gummere et al. 32).

Elements of metaphor

There is also a greater utilisation of metaphors in Beowulf poem. Metaphors which are figurative literature devices usually compound expression used to replace noun and names for example in the following lines in Beowulfs story;

Dark death-shadow, this word was used to describe Grendels origin. It was used to show that death and Grendel were inseparable.

Stout-hearted men, this phrase was used to referring to Scaldings, and it means the people were courageous.

Work Cited

Gummere, Francis B, and Tad E. Beowulf. 2016.