Beowulf LRJ#2

Many values and traditions of Anglo Saxon society can be seen in the behavior of Beowulf, a powerful soldier and this story's protagonist. One such value is avenging the death of those close to you. As Beowulf addresses his men, he tells them not to grieve for their fallen comrade, but rather to seek vengeance on Grendel's mother. "It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning." (1384). By saying this, Beowulf implies that to take time to be sad over a loved one's death is to waste time, where as taking revenge would properly resolve the issue. Another value shown in the text is one of glory, especially in taking a physical trophy from your victories. Beowulf expresses this after he decapitates Grendel, "His courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendel's head was hauled." (1646). This quote shows the connection Beowulf sees between his courageous actions and his lasting glory. As if being the victor wasn't enough, he also feels the need to bring home a souvenir: Grendel's disembodied head. He needs a constant reminder of his actions.

There are several unrealistic aspects of this story, but the vast majority of them are found in Beowulf. He is capable of superhuman abilities that could never exist in real life. For example, he was able to hold his breath underwater for several hours, "He dived into the heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of a day before he could see the bottom." (1494). Also, Beowulf has incredible strength. He can easily carry Grendel's head on his own, but when he passes it on to his men it takes 4 people to lift it, "It was a task for four to hoist Grendel's head on a spear and bear it under strain" (1637). Such exaggerations of human capabilities are used to enhance Beowulf's persona as a magnificent hero. By shocking the reader with such improbable situations, we better understand the power and importance of Beowulf.

Although Beowulf is filled with interesting syntax and imagery, there were a few quotes that I really enjoyed. My favorite use of figurative language was when Beowulf's magical sword melts after he beheads Grendel, "Meanwhile; the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. It was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts." (1605). The use of imagery and simile in this passage is very effective in creating a mystical atmosphere. My other favorite quote was the last quote in the passage, when Grendel's head was hauled across the floor of the mead hall, "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both the queen and company to behold." (1647). How cool is Beowulf? So cool that he just drags Grendel's head through the mead hall like it was no big deal. What a cool guy. I really like this quote because it portrays Beowulf as somewhat of a rebel.