Essay about Comparison of Seven Beowulf Translations

Beowulf is a great piece of Anglo-Saxon literature that can be, and has been, translated in multiple ways. Of the many outstanding translations, two of which are by Burton Raffel and Seamus Heaney, different ways of writing are portrayed. Grendel’s description is written quite differently in both translations. Heaney’s translation is more similar to the Anglo-Saxon style of writing than Raffel’s translation.

Set in an era long before the customs of contemporary western civilization, Heaney’s translation of Beowulf follows the courageous hero through an epic journey that solidifies his figurative immortality. Much like the Greek’s great Odysseus or the Roman’s devout Aeneus, Beowulf serves as an impressive and almost godlike warrior for the Anglo-Saxons, providing insight into the constituents of greatness for that society. Confident in his abilities and committed to his task, Beowulf voluntarily embarks on a mission to defeat Grendel, the treacherous enemy of the Danish kingdom. Beowulf solidifies his classification as an epic hero as he satisfies his quest for glory, saves a kingdom from destruction, and reveals the values of an era.

When interpreting the ancient message behind John Greens epic poem “Beowulf” there’s always a notion that through the transition between old English and new English that a certain je ne sais quoi is lost. This could easily be true considering the modern English language has an act for turning the most poetic words into slanderous disappointments. When one examines Howell D. Chickering Jr’s translation of “Beowulf” the same is to be expected, but it’s actually the opposite. The interpreter keeps the original baselines of classic English such as the kennings, and cæsuras, but uses strong wording to create an elaborate image of the scene being described: making this translation the best. The kennings serve as a writing enhancer their ability to enrich poetry makes them key when

As him and his men see the shining reflection of the Danes’ spears, Beowulf feels and interprets the uncertainty they feel, for he is this mysterious man showing up to this island filled with turmoil. As the Geats are reluctantly let in, Beowulf introduces himself and gives detailed backgrounds of his many battles, flaunting his accomplishments and emphasizing his triumphs. In the midst of his storytelling he says, “‘I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. / As I sat in the boat with my band of men, / I meant to perform to the uttermost / what your people wanted or perish in the attempt / in the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfil that purpose, / prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead-hall’” (43).

After the Danish coast-guard meets and talks to Beowulf, the guard then begins his next speech with a brief maxim or aphorism:

more of our men- and stripped the dead bodies; The brave, bold Danes!” (Beowulf pg. 86]. These words prompt the youngsters to thirst for vengeance and glory with the mention of how their ancestors

Many readers of the poem Beowulf may find it difficult to distinguish the 'good' kings from the rest – indeed, almost every man who holds a throne in the epic is named at one point or another to be 'good'. By examining the ideals of the time period as identified by the 'heroic code', it becomes clearer that a truly 'good' king is one who generously distributes treasure and weaponry to deserving retainers to honour courage and strength displayed in battle and to encourage the defense of the kingdom (Intro). When Beowulf ascends the throne of the Geats, the heroic traits of courage and strength for which he was so highly praised as a warrior do not serve well in making him a good king. Indeed, by exhibiting the traits of a thane, that is, by

A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem and is the longest surviving piece of poem in Old English literature. The poem is set in Scandinavia and revolves around a hero of the Geats. Beowulf. He comes to the aid of the Dane king, Hrothgar. The Danes suffer the reproaches of a creature they call Grendel.

Whether you are in middle school, high school or college, English classes are included in education curriculums. It holds significance in various studies and work fields. When speaking, critically thinking or writing, English class skills become useful tools. I’ve obtained many skills when taking required English courses. The two artifacts that I have chosen to include in my portfolio are the “Beowulf Project” and a presentation from English 11.

There are many similarities and differences in the movie and the original poem, telling the story of Beowulf. The most major difference is that Hrothgar was not the father of Grendel.   Also, it is never mentioned that Hrothgar or Beowulf ever being romantically involved to become the fathers of Grendel or the dragon. Other differences include that Grendel's mother is never described as covered in gold.

      The characters in the Old English poem Beowulf certainly delighted in the seas. This essay seeks to compare their attitude toward the sea with that expressed in another Old English poem, The Seafarer.

    There is considerable debate as to whether the poem Beowulf is an epic narrative poem or an heroic elegy. Which is it. This essay intends to present both sides of the story.

Throughout the poem, Beowulf, is characterized by his acts of heroism in the Anglo-Saxon society. He not only possesses the values of strength and bravery, but as well exhibits the theme of the “Germanic-Code” which include loyalty, chivalry, and self-respect. But it seems that his values of heroism leans

In the pair of excerpts from “The Seafarer” and Beowulf, the speakers are convinced of the urgent need to offer advice to their respective audiences because of a recent or coming change.