Problems In Beowulf

What are the challenges of the Anglo-Saxon life, that Beowulf faces? The strongest competitors Beowulf faced were Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.

The concept of mixed messages is frustrating, as it can lead to inconsistencies, misunderstandings, and mistakes. However, they find their way into numerous cases anyway. In texting, Facebook status updates, meetings, and many other modern contexts, mixed messages are prevalent; however, we have the opportunity for clarification from others as to what is intended to be portrayed. We are not so lucky to have that luxury regarding classical literature. Many mixed messages are present in literature, forcing us to interpret the text to the best of our abilities, since we cannot ask the author or poet directly. This problem occurs in Beowulf, as the source of Beowulf’s strength is unclear to the audience. Beowulf defeats monsters and saves the day, yet it is unclear whether he is victorious due to his own strength and skill, or because of the intervention of God. However, we can use this unclear distinction to focus on the culture of the people during this time, whether these mixed messages are intentional, and what they can reveal. When Grendel’s mother attacks the mead hall in the night, Beowulf miraculously defends himself and survives. “The monster wretched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, and His care and favour” (1269-1274). This contrast in strength or divine intervention reveals the importance of strength and skill in the society and the integration of

4. Write a short paragraph about something from the class reading that reflects Anglo Saxon culture and/or belief

Beowulf: A New Telling is a book for people that need reassurance that light will overcome darkness and that we need to accept that we have some darkness inside of us, then our weaknesses can become our strengths. Beowulf has to face many faces of evil, including Grendel, the cruel slimy creature who murders Beowulf’s friends and She, the wife of Cain and malicious monster that lives at the bottom of a pool of blood. He becomes king of Geats and is famous all throughout the land.

Imagine a slimy swamp like place where only the most horrid monsters with the most disgusting features live, this is the fen. Now imagine A wonderful bright beautiful hall that’s almost castle like, these are the two elements of the story Beowulf a New Telling.

The definition of dichotomy is the division or contrast between two things that are or are being represented as being entirely different. In the story Beowulf many dichotomy’s are illustrated throughout the story. Some examples of dichotomy that happened in beowulf were youth and his battles. For Beowulf youth is show through his characteristics as a warrior. He shows great features as a warrior, with his power, strength and courage.

Beowulf: A New Telling by Robert Nye is about a character named Beowulf who has to fight evil by using strength, but by also using cleverness. Beowulf’s name means “bee hunter” and Beowulf loved bees. In the story a hall is built it is called Hall Heorot. “By day it towered above men’s heads like a second sun, so bright were it’s walls and roofs”(p. 5). Once the hall is made, a monster comes and eats people at night.

Man made issues in the book of Beowulf led to several downfalls in the numerous amount of events that took place. Unlike those who trusted in God, the issues made could have been prevented. God’ s will was different than that of which the men chose. For example, the bragging of the swords in the banquet hall could be prevented if the men were not drunk. As a result of the drinking, fights could easily happen and more trouble could of easily arose. Both treaties and friendships could be broken as a result of this.

Through analysis of the text Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, it is questionable of whether or not Beowulf is good or evil. Based on his actions, intentions and motivations behind his actions, and the way culture shapes him, it is clear that he is, in fact, an evil character. Beowulf is a dishonorable character who is self-absorbed and only saves the people of Herot for fame and wealth.

“All of us have bad and good luck. The man who persists through the bad luck - who who keep right on going - is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it” (Robert Collier). Beowulf perfectly demonstrates this quote because throughout the story he has to push through the bad luck and be there ready for the good. Beowulf is a classic work of literature from Anglo-Saxon times. The book is filled with a sense of impending death and sudden change which leads to a very unique mood for the book.The sense of impending death and sudden change is shown by the sense of inevitable doom and the role fate plays.

Ever feel as if you are battling against something internal? Many people face a constant battle with one or more aspects of their life, whether it may be being bashful, self-conscious, or even lazy, everyone has a personal dragon. It may be hard to overcome or it may be a simple fix. Beowulf is a great fictional example of defeating problems that he encountered during his life. I myself struggle with multiple personal issues.

Most teachers emphasize that a well-written character in a story should be deep, believable, and human, with flaws and personality. Then, say that Beowulf, a poem about a man who is as deep as a sheet of paper, is a masterpiece. While the poem Beowulf is one of the most important and influential pieces of literature in the world, Beowulf himself is a poorly written character when compared to characters of today’s standards.

Beowulf a new telling by Robert Nye is a action packed adventure story about a man named Beowulf fighting evil even though the odds are million to 1. Beowulf is not your usual hero because “he admits his weaknesses and in the admitting they become his strengths. P.29” The book starts of explaining the land of the Danes and the founder Skyld Skefing.. One of his relatives Hrothgar who was king had a dream about a gigantic hall made out of gold and ivory and he ordered his men to start building the hall.

In the epic poem, Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, it is said, "Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people" (Beowulf 5). That being stated, it is very apparent throughout the entirety of the story. The main character, Beowulf, quickly comes to a position of power once defeating multiple atrocities and executing numerous heroic deeds. The people in the city admire Beowulf and abide to his ways; but once offered kingship, he declines. Throughout the epic poem, it is obvious that Beowulf would rather be a hero than a king because of the individual representation that comes with it, the rewards, and the self-reliant aspect.

Beowulf is a hero, and we all know a hero when we see one. There are many traits and characteristics that make someone a hero. These traits and characteristics are more expressed in ancient epics and poems. Beowulf is one of the most famous ancient Anglo-Saxon poems still taught to this day in schools and colleges all over the world. The story starts off of how a man by the name of Beowulf receives news that a neighboring land is being terrorized by a monster named Grendel. Beowulf shows several characteristics of here such as, bravery, loyalty, generosity, friendship, and showing a high level of intellect. Beowulf first shows his heroic character through his bravery while journeying on his epic quest. There are several cases where he is not afraid, and instead of being frightened, he shows great bravery. An example of from the poem is, “Instead, they inspected omens and spurred his ambitions to go, whilst he moved about like the leader he was, enlisting men, the best he could find; with fourteen others the warrior boarded the boast as captain” (Beowulf 205-210). This quote gives proof of his bravery because he was the head of the group leading his men. Beowulf proves that even he himself must be brave in order to lead the bravest of men into battle.