Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is one of the earliest poems written in any form of English. Actually, this writer should be called an editor because the poem had a long oral tradition and finally came to rest as what we know as Beowulf. The original poem didn t have a title, modern editors gave the poem its name.
More About the Editor The editor was obviously well-read and conscious of his role as a poet. We know that the editor is Christian because the only literate people of the time were those from the church.
Review of Old English History The Celts originally inhabited Britain. In the early 5 th century, the Romans withdrew and left Britain vulnerable to Germanic invaders (Vikings).
Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms Map from C. Warren Hollister, The Making of England, p. 64
Old English History The Britons had become Christians in the 4 th century. The 1 st attempt to Christianize the heathen Germanic tribes occurred in 597 AD when Pope Gregory sent missionaries led by Saint Augustine to Kent.
Review of Old English History Before Christianity, there were no books. The only formally educated people were clerics in the church. The Anglo-Saxon invaders brought a tradition of oral poetry (some of which was later written down with a religious spin after the Christian conversion.
Anglo-Saxon Society Tribal society with kinship bonds and a heroic code of behavior bravery loyalty to one's lord, one's warband (comitatus), and one's kin willingness to avenge one's warband or lord at all costs death preferable to exile. generosity of lord to thanes and of hero to warband and lord--gift-giving heroism (i.e., great deeds) brings honor, eternal fame, and political power
Anglo-Saxon values Loyalty Fighting for one s king Avenging one s kinsmen Keeping one s word Generosity -- gifts symbolize bonds Brotherly love -- not romantic love Heroism Physical strength Skill and resourcefulness in battle Courage Public reputation, not private conscience
What about the women? Women make peace, bearing children who create blood ties Women pass the cup at the mead-hall, cementing social bonds Women lament loss, don t avenge
Religion in Anglo Saxon Times Mix of pagan and Christian values--often in conflict. Pagan (secular (non-religious) lineage vs. Christian lineage; Eternal earthly fame through deeds vs afterlife in hell or heaven; honor & gift-giving vs. sin of pride (hubris); revenge vs pacifist view (forgiveness); Wyrd (Anglo-Saxon "Fate") vs God's will, etc.
Introduction to Beowulf There is only one surviving Beowulf manuscript and it dates from late 10 th century. This manuscript was damaged in a fire in 1731 that destroyed many other medieval manuscripts. Beowulf marks the beginning of English literature Beowulf is one of the earliest known pieces of literature known in the English language; written in Old English
Original Beowulf Manuscript (Note the burn marks on the top and sides)
Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is recognized as a hallmark of English literature, yet its heroes and its setting are not English. The poem is set in two places: the first half on a Danish island and the second half in Beowulf s homeland (an island off the SE coast of Sweden).
Introduction to Beowulf Interesting Fact: J.R.R. Tolkein (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) was a learned Beowulf scholar. He played a huge part in getting Beowulf accepted as classic literature
Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is written in the epic tradition, meaning it is larger than life. There is also liberal use of the supernatural. The poem champions bravery, loyalty, and devotion to community.
Introduction to Beowulf The poem portrays a strong sense of fatalism (acceptance of death) The warriors of the era accepted their mortality in a way that seems casual to modern readers. The concept of fate was central to the world view of Anglo-Saxons.
Contains specific Motifs Motifs a motif is a recurring theme or image in a work of literature Biblical and Christian Allusions Pagan Customs Social Customs Traits of the Warrior Beowulf Boasts
Beowulf The Epic An epic Is a long story in poem form Has a hero Is the story of the hero s travels and his fights with monsters, gods, and bad guys An epic is in 3 rd person Was originally sung Jumps right into the plot Contains information about the culture that created them Offers clues as to what the author might have feared, admired, or questioned.
Epic hero traits Is significant and glorified Is on a quest Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage Is ethical Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society Is a strong and responsible leader Performs brave deeds Reflects ideals of a particular society
Recurring Themes Christianity Darkness and gloom Battle and death Revenge Envy Reputation
Heorot A mead hall
Characteristic features of Anglo-Saxon Literature Alliteration Kennings Caesura Hyperbole Metonymy (one thing substituted for another) Synecdoche (part for the whole)
Kenning A compound word/ metaphorical phrase that substitutes/takes the place of a specific noun adds imagery to writing sky-candle = sun battle-dew = blood whale-road = ocean
Caesura Natural pause in the middle of a line of poetry. 2 part line each line is separated by a pause or break in the middle of the line; each part generally has 2 strong beats. (Put simply, it is a dramatic pause in the middle of a line.
Caesura example: Then the Scylding warrior savage and grim, Seized the ring-hilt and swung the sword Struck with fury despairing of life Thrust at the throat broke through the bone rings: The stout blade stabbed through her fated flesh.
Hyperbole. An exaggeration/overstatement used for effect to help draw out a comparison or establish an image/idea Joe was so hungry he could eat a horse. I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I studied for my quiz FOREVER!
Metonymy and Synecdoche Metonymy: Name of one thing is substituted for the name of something else that most people would associate with the first thing Iron for Sword Crown for king or monarchy Synecdoche: Substitute a part for the whole keel for ship All hands on deck Heads of cattle
The EPIC poem of BEOWULF is often divided into 3 sections; it is about Beowulf s 3 epic battles with evil.
the Battle with Grendel
the Battle with Grendel s Mother
the Battle with the Dragon
Just in case you wanted to know, Beowulf himself represents good: loyalty valor Selflessness sense of justice
WHY? Why do we read Beowulf? It s a very creative, imaginative, poetic masterpiece. It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, the culture, who, through seafaring conquests, founded the world we currently live in. It gives us insight into the origins of our language.
Why do we read it? It gives us insight into all people everywhere and throughout time (time, birth, death, fame/success/glory, honor, friendship, conflict, home, country, adventure, spirituality all of these things transcend English literature and matter to all people) It s challenging and we love a good challenge!!!
Why do we read it? It s scary and gets us to think about our own worst fears It s a VERY important piece of literature historically (This is the because we have to reason!!)