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Transcript

Good vs. Evil

Epic Hero

Background

  • The author of this poem is unknown, so we will refer to him as "the Beowulf Poet"
  • He is assumed to be Christian (England was Christianized when this was written)
  • Most likely a Christian clergyman
  • The characters in Beowulf had a stong belief in "wyrd," or "fate"
  • This is also a theme
  • The Pagan belief was that everything was fated. They believed that it was the hero warrior's wyrd that allowed them to prevail.

What other themes do we see in Beowulf?

  • Beowulf was a Geat who traveled to help the Danes
  • We can't be sure whether or not he really existed, however...
  • The characters in the poem, however, are Pagan.
  • This is how we know the poem is set during an earlier time.
  • Religion is a theme throughout the epic.
  • The values stressed are a mix between Pagan and Christian.

  • His Uncle Hygelac was a historical figure who led a military raid around 525.
  • The legend of Beowulf is supposed to have taken place not long after this.
  • Written and recited in Britain
  • About characters in Svandinavia
  • The poem was a way for Anglo-Saxons to describe their past
  • Written around 700.
  • Written in Anglo-Saxon (Old English)
  • Oldest major work of literature written in (Old) English
  • Foundational epic of English and British culture

Kennings

Terms

A kenning is a descriptive phrase or compound word that substitutes for a noun.

For example, Beowulf is referred to as "that mighty protector of men" (42)

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sound at the beginning of a series of words.

Epic

An epic is a long, narrative poem that celebrates a hero's deeds.

Recap on Characteristics:

Male, noble, historical or legendary, reflects important ideals of society, actions determine the fate of the nation, performs courageous, sometimes superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the era.

Other Characteristics of an Epic

  • Poet has formal diction and serious tone
  • Characters deliver long, formal speeches
  • Poem reflects timeless values (courage and honor) and universal themes (good and evil, life and death)
  • Plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events, and may involve a long and dangerous journey in a foreign land.
  • Setting is vast, often involving more than one nation.

A stock epithet is an adjective that points out special traits of particular persons or things.

Stock Epithets

Beowulf

Themes

Revenge

Beowulf vs. Grendel's Mother

Beowulf vs. Grendel

Revenge is also a theme in Beowulf...

Beowulf vs. the Dragon

  • Good (Beowulf) vs. Evil (Monsters)
  • Beowulf symbolizes good, while Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Dragon all symbolize evil.
  • Usually male
  • Of noble birth or high position
  • Often of great historical or legendary importance
  • Reflects the important ideals of society
  • Actions determine the nation or group's fate
  • Performs courageous, sometimes superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the era (strength, skill, prestige)

Characteristics of an Epic Hero

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