Answer TWO of the
following questions in a short paragraph response (a few sentences). 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 or look
for. 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.
1. This poem was written sometime between 700 to 1000 A.D, when
most of England Scotland Scandinavia before Christianity had been introduced. How does the poem graft the Christian
tradition onto the world of pagan monsters and folklore? Can the two worlds co-exist within the poem,
or are there moments of confusion or contradiction? How did it read for you, as
a 21st century reader in a largely Christian culture?
2. In a famous passage of the poem (from line 499), 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. Examine a short passage that relates to the Exeter Riddles we
discussed in class. Though Beowulf is not a riddle, but an extended
poem, how does the poet use kennings or metaphors to create a similar
experience? In other words, how is he challenging us to see the mundane Anglo
Saxon world—a world of weapons, boats, men, women, and weather—in a new and poetic
light? Why is this satisfying even for a modern-day reader?
4. One of the most celebrated words in the poem is “wyrd”
which is often translated as “fate” or
“destiny,” as when Beowulf says “Fate goes ever as fate must” (31). How might we understand what the Anglo-Saxons
meant by fate in this instance (and others in the poem)? Is fate “God” and His decisions? Is fate related to a Norse/Greek conception
of destiny? Or is it simply luck or
random chance? Discuss a passage that
might help us read this elusive word.
2. This passage helps build Beowulf as a character. Unferth is envious of him, and Beowulf knows that. When telling the story, Unferth almost acts like the stores are too good to be true. He couldn't imagine that anyone was greater than himself. Beowulf's response is priceless. He confirms the story by telling it how it really happened, and tells Unferth that he's never heard of him being near as courageous-or even heard another good about him. The only thing he could possibly be famous for is killing his own kin. He really drops the mic on him when he says that if he was as heroic as he says he is, then Grendel would not be an issue. Beowulf may be a little proud, but he can back it up, and the fact that he is accepting of death proves how noble he really is! That's a huge characteristic of heroism.
ReplyDelete4. This poem alluded to Christianity several times. Fate and destiny are characteristics of both Christian beliefs and Pagan beliefs. When Beowulf says, "Fate goes ever as fate must," it's almost like he saying, "It's in God's hands." However, later in the poem (73), Beowulf says, "Fate spared the man it has not already marked." In this context, it sounds like he is referring to Fate as its own person. Without the reoccurring mention of God, this poem could sound as if they believed everything was by luck or chance. However, it's found in the text that Beowulf believed that every man had to answer to God. Which is why he embraced death, because no man can escape the fate of death.
Great responses: Beowulf's confrontation shows Unfreth that he not only has accomplished these great deeds, but that he knows more about him than he expects--that he's killed his "kith and kin." This suggests that something is rotten in the state of Denmark long before Hamlet ever got there. Maybe why Hrothgar's hall is being judged?
Delete1. The attacks that Unferth made towards Beowulf’s character are important because it causes a moment where, at the time, the potential hero’s honor and valor are called to judgement. This creates a dramatic moment that not only causes the audience to pause in shock, but gives an undoubtedly strong affirmation for Beowulf’s character and strength. This attack also develops Unferth as a character by showcasing his jealousy in a way that also shows the importance that heroes had to the Anglo-Saxon culture. By trying to embarrass Beowulf, Unferth ends up showing how disrespectful he is and bring the dishonor upon himself by being arrogant through his own jealousy.
ReplyDelete2. One of the kennings in Beowulf that reminded me of the Exeter Riddles were lines 658 and 659, “The leader of the troop unlocked his word-hoard; the distinguished one delivered his answer:” (19). I found this to be extremely thought provoking and beautiful because, if you think about it, the mouth is a “word-hoard” it is the very place that the words come out of. But, I can also see it in a different meaning. A word-hoard could also be referring to the fact that Beowulf opened up his mind to search through the plethora of words to be able to give the guard his answer as “the distinguished one”. The Anglo-Saxon culture puts the ability to use words in an extraordinary way in the highest regard, so this is showcased in Beowulf and his ability to speak eloquently in conversation or when telling tales of his previous feats. I find kennings in Beowulf to be satisfying to read because it not only gives it the feeling of being a story from the times of castles, kingdoms, and dragons, but it also makes it stand out as its own beautiful and unique explanation that is fun to try and figure out like a game.
I meant 2 an 3.
DeleteYes. the use of words is respected and distinguishes the individual. In our day, you're either strong or smart--they never come in one package. Back then, even a warrior could have a "word hoard" that he could unleash when necessary. Man needs to fight with more than swords, after all!
Delete1- I feel that if an author took the story of Beowulf, and gave it a few subtle twists, it could almost be mistaken for a religious story. It is the classic "good vs evil" plot, but with the unique addition of being from the Scandinavian region. Personally, I feel that I may be a bit more neutral than some students do to my complete lack of religious belief. It is obvious that Beowulf reads much differently than the Bible, but I have (more or less) the same reaction when read the two texts. I take it with a grain of salt, so to speak. I feel that the two religions could definitely co-exist within the poem, but the unique location that the story takes place in creates a subconscious emphasis on Norse or Pagan beliefs.
ReplyDelete2- This passage establishes the epic (in the literary sense) nature of Beowulf, much in the way that The Iliad portrays Achilles in an epic nature. The tale is similar to a rights of passage style initiation, but instead of turning a boy into a man, it turns a man into a hero. It almost seems that this passage is a miniature epic poem in its own right due to the extreme nature of Beowulf's feat. This passage also seems to reinforce the stereotype that the Norse cultures liked to boast about their feats of bravery and strength, regardless of whether or not they have embellishments added.
Great responses--and yes, you can read it as just a story, without quibbling over the religious references. And yet, the poet seems to be taking great pains to "redeem" the story and set it in a recognizably Christian landscape. So why, then, does he let the seams show occasionally when Beowulf refers to fate? It makes the poem more complex and interesting, though maybe that's how it was long ago: Christ and Thor existed side-by-side, with no apparent contradictions.
Delete1. I believe "Beowulf" includes Christian ideas as well as pagan ideas because, much like the world today, both Christianity and paganism co-exist. The people in "Beowulf" are Christians, and turn to God in many instances, they cannot fully leave behind their pagan lifestyle. That’s the exact case for many people today and vice versa. One can find many instances of good Christian people no step on a crack or shy away from the number thirteen. And one can find those of the pagan belief system saying phrase such as “God willing” or “Oh my God.” There are also cases of Christians turning from God in times of doubt, or pagans asking for His help in times of desperation. People turn to the entity they believe will help them the most at the time. And I believe that’s the case with "Beowulf" and why it is so easy to accept Christianity and paganism co-existing as it does throughout the poem.
ReplyDelete2. One keening in "Beowulf" is blood being referred to as “battle-sweat.” I believe this keening is used to show us that the Anglo Saxon do not see blood as a sign of weakness or failure, but rather as a sign of hard work and bravery. When one does something that requires of amount of strength or energy he or she sweats. While we today find sweat repulsing and gross the Anglo Saxons did not. Sweat shows that person is pushing his or herself, becoming better in some fashion or another. That person is brave and strong. And that is exactly how one going into battle was viewed, as brave and strong. Therefore, when the warrior bled, it was shown as proof of hard work, just as sweat.
Great responses--even close to a thousand years later, the pagan world is still with us, not only in the days of the week, but in the other examples you provide. IT would have been much more prevalent then, so the question is how much the poet wants this reconciliation, and how much he's trying to mask it with Christian statements/beliefs. Good work on the kenning example as well!
Delete2). Unferth attacks Beowulf's claim of heroism in a fit of jealousy at the feet of his king in order to challenge Beowulf's pride as his own was not as high. Unferth scoffs at Beowulf, detailing a story told to him of how Beowulf lost an intense 7 day swimming match in the sea against Beca. Unferth seems confident and sound in his argument; yet, when Beowulf responds in a kind, confident manner, it seems to shift from Unferth harming Beowulf's image to Unferth becoming only a man of hearsay. This entices the reader now as we are shown some clear differences between a soldier who has seen his friends die and a man who has slain many beasts. Beowulf explains the story in more detail, a 5 day swimming match that was interrupted when a sea monster pulled Beowulf down into its clutches - receiving a sword strike. This empowers Beowulf's intensity and gives us a firm idea that all who have praised Beowulf up to this point have reason to do so. The reader has already been progressed through many instances of Beowulf's reputation as a monster-slayer preceding him and this is no exception. This entire passage leads the reader to anticipate Grendel's successful slaying. Beowulf goes further than simply inserting the facts of the story as he then states Unferth nor Beca has ever come close to such feats, proceeding to insist Unferth to Hell for his incapability to protect his own homeland. His statement here proclaims himself more worthy to face Grendel which only empowers his image overall.
ReplyDelete3). Beowulf utilizes many metaphors and kennings to portray the world in which they find themselves more interesting as we are taken through shadowy darkness webbed with allusions to Christianity and metaphors to the Pagan way of life. This challenges the reader just enough to allow them the opportunity to learn history in a twisted way.
Yes, the challenge is important, since it affirms Beowulf's power to us, but it also shows that many in Hrothgar's court are cowards (relatively) and liars--as well as slayers of "kith and kin." This suggests why they are vulnerable to an evil like Grendel. They are betraying their leader and their clan, which is one of the greatest sins of the Anglo Saxon world.
Delete1. There is definitely moments of contradiction and confusion in Beowulf with these two beliefs. You have the touch of Christianity involved here with God being announced frequently and everything being and beginning in God's hands. After class today, this question became a little bit more clear about the pagan side when we talked about "wyrd" and "fate". Fate seems to almost be paganistic in it involving that Fate is it's own thing. Fate has it's own mind. No longer is the situation in God's hands alone. We see clear evidence in that when Beowulf began his heroic speech when he talked about how Grendel could rip his face off, tear him to pieces, and drain him of his precious blood. He wasn't concerned with dying. It was like he willingly stood in the face of death and said, "Bring it on." So I do think that there was Christianity involved, but pagan traits came into focus as well.
ReplyDelete2. We didn't talk a lot about Unferth in class, but with what we did cover, it made it easier to see more of Unferth's jealousy. This passage is important because it shows almost a new rise to battle of the mind. Here we have insults and shrewdness to Beowulf from Unferth and the paths Beowulf could take are to be negatively affected by it and ponder that, or he could stand up for his story and his heroism from his time in the sea's grasp. Beowulf immediately counters Unferth and blames him for being only good at killing his own kin. Ouch. I'm pretty sure people at the table would have stared, mouths open, from that comment. Maybe even a few nervous/awkward glances from Beowulf, to Unferth, and to the king. I think the Anglo-Saxons viewed heroism to high extent. Beowulf is noted as being strong, like no other before, God-sent. If the Anglo-Saxons didn't regard heroism highly, they wouldn't have put such a big title and big traits on Beowulf or anybody.
Yes, the challenge between Beowulf and Unfreth is important since it shows that even at a great court, many of the men are traitors, in heart if not in action. Unfreth should be willing to die for his lord; instead , he's drinking all day and hiding at night. Why is he still alive?! Beowulf also suggests that he's willing to do whatever it takes to prosper, even kill his family members, which is the basest betrayal in Anglo Saxon England. So it shows us that, to borrow from Shakespeare, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
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