NOTE: These questions are not meant as busy work; rather, they are
to be used as a guide to help you through the maze of difficult readings or
to give you something specific to respond to. I don’t want
you to skim readings or just read for the plot. A work of literature is
made up of the small moments, powerful phrases, or sudden revelations that
occur in the most unlikely places. Read slowly and carefully, even if you
don’t get to the exact end of the reading assignment. Better to read well
than finish poorly.
Answer TWO of the following...
1. In Wednesday’s class we discussed the uneasy truce between the
pagan world and Christianity, and in many ways, this truce is embodied in Beowulf. Where do you see the poet trying to
reconcile these two worlds in the poem?
Does it seem natural or forced; half-hearted or valedictory? Discuss a specific passage or two in your
response.
2. In a famous passage of the poem (page 20/line 500), Unferth,
another warrior at Hrothgar’s court, attacks Beowulf’s claims of heroism.
Why is this passage important to the poem? How is what he says—and how
Beowulf responds to it—dramatically compelling? You might also consider
what this episode says about the culture of the Anglo-Saxons and its heroes.
3. On page 23, lines 572-573, Beowulf says, “Weird saves oft the
man undoomed if he undaunted be!” Weird
or wyrd is the Old English word for fate, and the concept appears
prominently throughout the poem. How
does “Weird” relate to the will of God in this poem—or is it something quite
distinct? Also, which seems to be more powerful: God or Weird? Discuss a passage that might
help you examine this concept.
Elyse Marquardt
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: God is mentioned multiple times in tones of worship and respect. Lines 12-17 gratefully speak of God providing a leader to the people in need; several passages praise Him for such good things as battle victories and safe passage across the sea. It seems easy for the poet to reconcile these two worlds of bloody war and merciful Lord. God is seen as approving of death, because it is the death of His children's enemies.
Question 3: On page 19, lines 477-479, Hrothgar is telling Beowulf about the sorrow that Grendel has brought to Heorot. He says, "Weird has swept them into the power of Grendel. Yet God could easily check the ravages of this reckless fiend!" Weird seems to be distinctly different from God. Weird is portrayed as a cruel power, relentlessly pursuing its victims and never straying from its determined course. However, God is shown as more distant and having less to do with mankind in trouble than Weird has. Weird is the almighty, evil Strength; God is the fickle bystander who often lets bad things happen to good people.
Great responses! While the poet does seem to easily reconcile the two worlds (at least in his mind?), that doesn't mean it reads easily for us. The fun of this work is how quickly the seams show between the two worlds, leaving strange gaps that change how we read/understand the story. As you suggest, the appearance and power of Weird is one of those gaps. We'll talk more about this tomorrow...
DeleteQuestion 1. While there were several mentions of Christianity and a loving God, the part that really stuck out to me was the passage about the Dane's praying to their various idols (I appreciated how the word idols was used instead of God's) and the narrator actually seemed worried about them spending eternity in Hell for worshiping false gods. This occurs on page 9, lines 174-182. The narrator uses terms such as "heathen hope" and "hell possessed their hearts and minds". It seemed to me that, although the author did not agree with these pagan practices, and almost seemed to worry about the fate of the people who followed them, he has no wish to correct them or to try to save them. It is a kind of "live and let live" sort of truce. Neither are particularly happy about it, but they will not act against each other or each other's beliefs.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2. It seems to me that Unferth is almost jealous. He doesn't like that an outsider has the nerve to come and challenge a foe that has been plaguing them for years when he himself can do absolutely nothing. According to our discussion earlier in class, a man's heroism and acts of bravery in battle were the most important things he could possess at that time. Unferth is trying to discredit Beowulf so that he doesn't seem like the type of hero that everyone is treating him as. He tries to paint him as a coward, saying that he not only lost the competition, but he ran home afterwards. Beowulf calmly responds by telling his version of the story, that he had to fight his way free from multiple aquatic monsters, and even goes so far as to call Unferth on his cowardice by saying that no one, Unferth included, had done so brave a task. The passage is important because it gives the reader a taste of what Beowulf has done in the past, and thereby building excitement for the upcoming battle with Grendel, as well as building up an underlying tension between Beowulf and Unferth.
Great responses--very thoughtful and detailed. As you suggest, the poet loves this world but is worried about it (or maybe his own salvation?). He can't let the world be, but at the same time, he can't condemn it, either. The result is a strange work which tries to have it both ways, but ends up with some disturbing implications for the reader.
DeleteAshley Bean
ReplyDelete2. In this era, one's heroism and strength are held very high and is their entire life. A man is nothing without acts of heroism and killing. Unferth is angry that he has not been able to kill Grendel himself yet, and it angers him more that an outside has come to do the job. By attacking Beowulf's acts of heroism he hopes to discredit him and possibly send him away. Even though their enemy will keep killing, death would seem better than giving the task to Beowulf. Beowulf responds with his telling of the story. He also claims that no one else has done these things and boasts. In this era, this boast of strength is so important to the people because they follow strength.
4. The author talks again and again about how the kings are great and the foes are fierce. Even after Beowulf kills Grendel, the people do not discredit Hrothgar in his old age. The poem embodies a strong sense of adventuring but it's easy to see that the author was not there. The author highlights the people in this era throughout the poem.
Great responses: in this world (the one the poet is writing about, at least), the Anglo-Saxon warrior code is in full effect. You are supposed to fight to the death and protect your liege-lord. So the question is, why is Unfreth still alive? Where does he hide at night? Beowulf hints at this and the passage points out a ethical distinction between the two: though neither is a Christian, Beowulf embodies the values and 'morals' of the Anglo-Saxon era. He lives for glory and will die gloriously--not live sumptuously.
Delete2. Most everyone, including the King and Queen, are excited about Beowulf’s presence, and are hopeful that he can conquer Grendel. Unferth, on the other hand, saw him as a threat and in turn felt the need to attack his heroism. This part of the poem showed there was a certain element of doubt among some of the warriors, who had shown no promise of ever defeating Grendel. Beowulf responds by telling his version of the story with elaborate boasts in an attempt to preserve his honor. Beowulf’s version of the story even pleased the Queen. Unferth’s attempt to make Beowulf look bad ended up back firing, and Unferth was the one who was seen as jealous and disrespectful. I think this also built up everyone’s excitement to see Beowulf fight Grendel.
ReplyDelete4.The idea of this time being depicted as a golden age is most obvious to me through the descriptions of Hrothgar. He is seen as a great king, even though he is unable to defeat Grendel. Another aspect of the poem that points in this direction is how terrible Grendel is; he is a force no Dane can reckon with. This is the stuff of storybooks. I also found it interesting that the only presence of a female at this point in the story is when Queen Wealhtheow enters with her ceremonial goblet; which insinuates to me this was a time when women were thought to be only good for ceremonious type occasions. The story and the characters are obviously legendary. Above all, the writer seems to want us to know they were a warrior society that valued the heroic code more than anything else.
Great responses: the poem not only captures a golden age but the very END of a golden age. Indeed, Beowulf seems to suggest that the coming of Grendel is the fault of Hrothgar's warriors. Unfreth is the new world, the world of dishonor, civil war, and shifting allegiances (since, as Beowulf reminds us, Unfreth has killed his own kin).
DeleteSarah Jones
ReplyDelete2. In the age that Beowulf is written about a man’s honor is the most important thing in the world. Unferth is doubting Beowulf’s bravery and honor and he tries to tell a story that proves that Beowulf is not as honorable as he is said to be. Unferth is doubting that Beowulf will be able to destroy Grendel and the real reason he doubts Beowulf is because no one has been able to take down Grendel so why should Beowulf be able to come in and do something none of them have been able to do? Unferth probably feels weak and that his own honor is being taken away if Beowulf completes this challenge. Beowulf responds to Unferth by explaining his own side of the story and says that he still believes he can take down Grendel. I think this says a lot about Beowulf because he believes he can do what no man has done before.
4. I think it comes across as a golden age because the book talks about heroism, bravery, and kings and queens. This time period is completely different from the one that we live in today and they have different values such as fighting to the death and protecting your community. The things they valued were very important and earning respect was one of their top priorities. In this time period they respect people who have proven that they are worthy of that respect such as their king or warriors in the kingdom.
Great response: the Unfreth episode is important since Unfreth seems like a "real" character and Beowulf a "mythic" one. The real character tries to make him real, too, by saying "come on, you lost the race--you're not all that tough." But Beowulf refuses to be anything less than mythic, which is fitting, since the poet is going for realism. The poem is an allegory for a lost world, and values which had to be lost for a brighter future--but at what cost?
DeleteAnna Talkington
ReplyDelete3. The marriage of pagan and Christian beliefs is definitely evident throughout the text. Despite Christianity being present, I am inclined to argue for the idea of “weird” or fate shining through as more powerfully than God. In the passage that spans pages 18 and 19 in the Alexander translation, Beowulf anticipates his face-off with Grendel. I was somewhat taken aback but his attitude because I expected Beowulf to be fully assured in himself that he would defeat Grendel. Instead, Beowulf openly discusses the possibility of Grendel killing him. He even goes so far as to telling the other men that there will be no need to dispose of his body because Grendel will eat his corpse should he be defeated. In a way, this open discussion of the possibility of defeat seems valiant in its own way because of his fearlessness. At the end of the passage he simply declares, “Fate will take its course” (Alexander 19). The attitude conveyed by Beowulf is neither one of self-assurance or assurance in God, but rather the attitude that whatever will be, will be.
4. The ideas of a strong leader, prosperity, heroism, and a protected kingdom all stand out as elements of a “golden age”. The idea that really stands out from the very beginning to me, is the mention of Beowulf’s father as a “good king” (Alexander 3). Hrothgar is regarded in the same way as he shares his prosperity and shows generosity by building the mead-hall. The lavishness and presence of the mead-hall is a symbol of prosperity in the kingdom, which is generally associated with “good times”. Both the men and the woman in the text celebrate heroism strongly and I believe it is arguably a mark of a “golden age” to have willing heroes to fight off encroaching evil. The king’s wife is present at the gathering in the mead hall and acts as hostess to make sure Beowulf’s men are treated well, personally tending to their drinks. I believe this shows the amount of respect that the King and Queen have for Beowulf and his men. Security is the one element typical of a “golden age” that is lacking in this world. Grendel’s reign of terror disrupts the atmosphere of a golden age and slightly undermines Hrothgar’s status as a “good king” because he can’t protect the people from Grendel.
Great responses and sharp insights. Yes, Hrothgar is a great king but also an ineffective one; clearly something is rotten in the state of Denmark! Beowulf represents what the king has lost, and his willingness to die is quite at odds with someone like Unfreth, who is quite happen to hide away at night and come back in the morning to drink (and if we believe Beowulf, he's drunk when we meet him in the poem).
DeleteRocky Moore
ReplyDelete1. On pages 6 and 9 the two sides of religion during the time are deliberately written about to show that God and Christianity do exist and is a common belief system at the time as well as talking about the ideals of Paganism. The book of Genesis seems to be prevalent right away on page 6 where the author or speaker states' "He told how, long ago, the Lord formed Earth, a plain bright to look on, locked in ocean, exulting established the sun and the moon as lights to illumine the land-dwellers and furnished forth the face of Earth with limbs and leaves". Later in that same passage the author speaks of Grendel in direct comparison to Cain and the evil bestowed upon them. These must be direct links to the beginning of Christianity and is crazy how that is found in a poem from so long ago. Things a lot of people still believe even to this day! In contrast to these views then the writer goes on to give an example of the other type of religion that has many gods, "They prayed aloud, promising sometimes on the altars of their idols unholy sacrifices if the Slayer of souls would send relief to the suffering people"(pg 9). These definitely clash here in this poem and it even seems that the person who may have written this seems to have a lot of emotion towards that of believing in Christianity than that of the pagan beliefs since the first thirty pages or so is laden with Christianity. To answer the questions simply I do not think the author tends to reconcile the two ideals of religion as well as my opinion that he writes half-heartedly about Paganism and almost boasting Christianity.
2. This part is huge for the poem because this idea is still around today, how can some be heroes if not for the people that doubt them as well as their enemy? This part is so important because it brings the necessary drama to further Beowulf's greatness. It is very easy to see who the more calm and mature one is between the two. Unferth on page 21 on lines 516-518 basically claims that Beowulf is a joke, "and then you lost your swimming-match, he was the greater" etc. Instead of provoking a man that would get mad during a time that he wanted to ultimately be known for heroism, Beowulf instead replies in complete bliss, "I thank my friend Unferth, who unlocks us this tale of Breca's bragged exploit; the beer lends eloquence to his tongue. But the truth is as I've said: I had more sea-strength, outstaying Breca's, and endured underwater a much worse struggle." (pg 21) This again seems joined to the ideas of Christianity to where someone like Jesus would turn the other cheek and reply with words such as thank you and friend towards an enemy. In the eyes of this author that is the true hero, one who shows class and proves his merit.
Great responses here; Beowulf is a Christian poem, to be sure, and yet the pagan ideals are shot through the entire book. The poet's views are ambivalent about the pagan past at best, and yet, he still glamorizes Beowulf, who is the chief embodiment of these values. He never acts very Christian (even though you could argue that he's 'good'), and yet he is unmistakably the hero of our poem.
DeleteDevin Martinez
ReplyDelete1. There are many references to the Christian God throughout the poem that seem to fit very naturally. To me this is because at the root of most theology is the conflict between good and evil or light and dark. Always in the dark are the monsters and creatures symbolic of fear and destruction. Beowulf is no different and holds true those ideals. The protagonist represents the good and glorious aspects of man while Grendel is clearly the figure of evil. It is mentioned several times that Grendel is descended from Cain, an evil character of the bible.
2. This is a huge moment in the story not only because Unferth is challenging Beowulf's character, but also because it gives Beowulf the opportunity to build his back story up a little more and tells the listener ( through the voice of the narrator ) of his previous adventures and greatness. This helps build the anticipation of the battle that is about to occur.
Good responses! As you suggest, the poet attempts to make the narrative a mythical good vs. evil/ light vs. dark narrative, and yet this is somewhat frustrated by the poem itself. Is Grendel truly the son of Cain--or is this just a way of framing the poem in the proper light? And is Beowulf God's chosen warrior, pagan values and all? Hmm...
DeleteKelsey Tiger
ReplyDelete2.This passage is important to the poem because I think it demonstrates how heroism and bravery is important characteristics to have during this time. It seems Unferth did not like the fact that Beowulf came in and all of sudden was going to be the real hero and kill Grendel, who had caused so much terror among the people for so long. Beowulf responds, “I thank my friend Unferth, who unlocks us this tale of Breca’s bragged exploit; the beer lends eloquence to his tongue.” He then proceeds to explain the rest of what really happened. I find a little humor in his response, as it seems he is being somewhat sarcastic towards Unferth’s accusation. It’s like he is calling Unferth and Breca out in regards to both were trying to compel that Breca is the real hero, yet Beowulf explains his "outstaying Breca and having more sea strength". I think this part of the poem ups the drama because it makes you ready for the Beowulf-Grendel battle and if Beowulf will really become the hero.
4.On page 24 I think is where I see the poem trying to evoke a sort of “golden age”. “There was laughter of heroes, harp-music ran, words were warm-hearted.” Mead Hall seems lavish and during this celebration the King and Queen royally treat their “heroes”, as heroism is the root of this age. Beowulf is depended upon to be the hero and to save the people from Grendel. It seems as though during this time of trouble everything is calm and celebratory, peaceful in a sense. Yet, they all know Grendel will be back. So, there is prosperity, battle, bravery and heroism all at the same time, which seems to be their “normal”. I’m not sure if during a time of trouble with Grendel or anything so terrorizing on the prowl, I could be celebrating with the King and Queen with other fellow heroes. Therefore, although this does evoke a world that is true to this era, I’m not sure it was actually experienced on a first-hand basis.
Great responses--nice detail and thought! As you suggest, Beowulf is adding humor here, but also calling Unfreth out as someone who has defied the values of his culture. In a way, he blames him--and those like him--for the curse of Grendel.
Delete1) God was mentioned so many times as the ultimate authority, bearer of wrath and glory that it sometimes reminded me of books in the Bible. In a passage I seem to be overlooking at the moment, the author almost quotes the book of Genesis. Passages 171-187, showed me an intelligent knowledge of a God with final judgement, even in the midst of the culturally appropriate norm to have so many gods. Also, there is a lot of the classic longing for peace in the midst of war; light in the midst of darkness. Throughout the poem, I see a foreshadowing of Grendel as a Satan-like character and Beowulf as the Messiah, come to save a long-suffering people. God is clearly, at least in my understanding, the King of these great kings according to the author. Because of this, I struggle to see the author reconcile the differences of worship that were so prevalent in his day.
ReplyDelete3) In my opinion, with the assumption that I'm right in believing that the author does not entirely reconcile with pagan beliefs and superstitions when it mingles with his religion, then fate must go hand in hand with God's predestined will that I see a protruding evidence of throughout the poem. There are many points at which the author references God as ultimately sovereign and authoritative. There is a lot of talk of "the Almighty God has ruled the affairs of men..." [700] "...the demon could not drag them to the shades without God willing it..." [708] "May the Mighty Lord afford you His graces and bring you to safety..." [316] In the passage where Beowulf is proclaiming that he will not fight Grendel with his sword, in speaking on what will become of this decision he says, "The Father in His wisdom shall apportion the honours then, the All-holy Lord, to whichever side shall seem to Him fit." As I was reading this poem, this passage really stuck out to me before I even read your questions because this idea of a completely sovereign and omnipotent God with predestined favor and selective grace is taught today and it's interesting to me, as a Christian, that this idea, through a specific interpretation of scripture, has upheld in the Christian culture to today. To answer your question, I do believe that the idea of a certain will from God is so powerful throughout this text that the only way to reconcile it to the idea of fate would be for it to go hand in hand, theologically speaking. Although I suppose it is completely possible that the author felt no need to reconcile the difference between God's will and the fate of mankind.
Excellent responses--maybe his view of God/Weird is not so "weird" after all? At times he seems to suggest that they go hand in hand, yet at other times they're utterly opposed, as if Weird is the hand of Satan. But consistency is not a virtue of ancient texts!
Delete2. Unferth's jealous rant failed to remove anyone's faith in Beowulf's ability. You can picture Unferth boiling on the inside as everyone praises Beowulf. Beowulf's response teaches us that in this culture heroes must be strong in word and deed. Beowulf completely owned Unferth! That is the only way I can summarize his response to Unferth's claims. Beowulf even affords a measure of excuse for Unferth by attributing his rant to the fruit of alcohol in his system. Boasting was not only acceptable from heroes, but apparently expected. In this culture we value humble heroes like Captain America, but for Danes and Geats-a humble hero would be an oxymoron.
ReplyDelete3. Fate and God's will seem to echo each other at certain points of the poem. In other instances they are distinct. I believe this was a very blurred line for Danes and Geats. They both are presented as unstoppable, but in lines 477-478 they have differing roles. "Weird, has swept them into the power of Grendel. Yet God could easily check the ravages of this reckless fiend!" I'm sure after Beowulf defeated Grendel they all proclaimed, "God has done away with this ravage beast because it was Beowulf's fate to defeat him!"
Dillon Darnell
Great points: the heroes remain but their morals change. To be humble would make no sense in a culture where you have to back everything up: no one boasts because you will be called on it very quickly! They would take humility as an admission of weakness. Also, this culture needs to believe in him, and his boasting proves that he is a kind of 'chosen one', either literally or metaphorically.
Delete4. Tolkien Translation:
ReplyDeleteThe author makes a constant effort to accentuate mystery and wealth combined with heroism, the perfect brew for a good story. The elements of mystery are prevalent through manifestations like '...defend us against monstrous fish (440)', which give an aura of adventure. Wealth and provision seem to be a key component to establish class and value of people in such a world as Beowulf. For example, line 325 states towards Beowulf, 'his mail gleamed upon him, woven like stuff in crafty web by the cunning of smiths'; interestingly, and relevant to a Christian Pagan complex, become Beowulf's notation previous to speaking ahead of any other specification a person may have. Previously, and contradictory to the Christian beliefs of low materialistic importance, Wulfgar was first stricken, almost gloriously, due to the wonderful array of weapons and armor Beowulf and his men had (270). Finally, heroism is evoked through hope. In Tolkien's translation, Beowulf shows high confidence but also some humility towards Unferth. When Beowulf was challenged in Tolkien's translation by Unferth, there is more of a hue that suggests he wasn't referring to a divine being or hero. He claims, ' [Breca] He over matched thee [Beowulf] in swimming, he had greater strength (420). Beowulf goes on to say that indeed Breca out swam him, but he can't wield armor and a weapon and fight. Beowulf further condemns himself to Hell for his 'blood stained blades' (475). It's my opinion that Beowulf, with this context, is a man with exceptional abilities in battle and not a divine superhuman. As far as preserving values, the one that stood out the most to me was on line 90. Referring to Grendal and his accomplice: '...and haunting shapes of hell, and the giants too, that long time warred with God – for that he gave them their reward'. The passage seemingly translated to the quality of greed or jealously they possessed and how that forged their lifestyle, suggesting that those two qualities are unbecoming for the spirit or good taste of humanity, whispering morals.
Tyler Soden
3. Tolkien Translation:
ReplyDeleteWeird is not a word used, it more than likely is translated to fate. Fate in Tolkien's variant take on the shape of destiny. Every case in Tolkien's translation suggests this. 'Fate oft saveth a man not doomed to die, when it valour fails not (465)', puts into perspective that one may have control on said fate or destiny as well. Line 655, 'On that day of this life on earth unhappy was fated to be the sending forth of his soul...', (during the encounter with Grendal) may point towards fate being a choice, but said choice was clearly interfered with as Beowulf gashed Grendal's arm. Tolkien's Beowulf seems to project a world in which choices interlude and either guide, destroy, or disorient people along the way. God most definitely takes on the form of fate in Tolkien's variant, but rather in a more uncontrollable fashion. Ironically, Tolkien's Beowulf God seems to be a source of hopelessness as used in this example from the same encounter with Grendal: '...he had a feud with God – that his body's might would not avail him...(659)'. I find it interesting that the hopelessness God seems to induce is the same God that also provided Hrothgar with Heorot, '...a mightier house for their mead-drinking than the children of men had ever known...all things to young and old such as God had granted him...' (55-58).
Tyler Soden
Great, thoughtful responses--these detailed answers will come in handy when you write the first paper! Keep them handy.
Delete