Discuss biblical allusion and religious symbolism in Beowulf.
In Beowulf God is seen a the ultimate protector. Thanks and praise is always given to God when something good has happened. When Beowulf defeated Grendel, Hrothgar gave thanks to God. "Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight. I have undergone many afflictions, grievous outrages at Grendel's hands;....."(915-917). The characters in the book never give themselves praise without acknowledging God's almighty power to save them. Beowulf knew that God was in control of his life and successes; he knew God could change his fate. The belief that God assited and supported them was always remembered, ".....but Geat remembered his vast strength, that glorious gift given him to God, and put his trust for support and assistance in the grace of the Lord; thus he overcame the envoy of hell...."(1259-1263). Grendel symbolizes the devil and is oftern referred as Cain (murderer of Abel). Grendel was the epitome of sin so he was not saved by God like characters like Hrothgar. God always intervened and set good over evil
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Beowulf: Essential #1
Essential #1: What are the social obligations of a hero? Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?
The social obligations of a hero are bravery and willingness to dedicate to the people. A hero is characterized by his ability to help his community. When Beowulf hears about the destruction Grendel has caused, he immediately decides to make a voyage with his strongest men to defeat Grendel. Beowulf's bravery was praised, "I've never set eyes on a more noble man, a warrior in armor, than one among your band; he's no mere retainer..."(Line 244-247). There is alot of expectations that a hero has to execute. Beowulf's exchanges brave words which makes his portrayal of bravery more prominent. "...-one whose mind is keen-must perceive the difference between words and deeds."(284,285). Traveling to the Danes was done by free will, so Beowulf wants to show his obligation to his people.Beowulf is aware of his deification process because he knows that has to follow after his ascendants. Although I beileve that Beowulf lacks humility becasue he is very boastful. I beileve he needs humility to become a God.
The social obligations of a hero are bravery and willingness to dedicate to the people. A hero is characterized by his ability to help his community. When Beowulf hears about the destruction Grendel has caused, he immediately decides to make a voyage with his strongest men to defeat Grendel. Beowulf's bravery was praised, "I've never set eyes on a more noble man, a warrior in armor, than one among your band; he's no mere retainer..."(Line 244-247). There is alot of expectations that a hero has to execute. Beowulf's exchanges brave words which makes his portrayal of bravery more prominent. "...-one whose mind is keen-must perceive the difference between words and deeds."(284,285). Traveling to the Danes was done by free will, so Beowulf wants to show his obligation to his people.Beowulf is aware of his deification process because he knows that has to follow after his ascendants. Although I beileve that Beowulf lacks humility becasue he is very boastful. I beileve he needs humility to become a God.
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