Beowulf Translated by Burton Raffel

This is a folk heroic epic Folk Folk Heroic Heroic Epic Epic Unknown author Hero centered, so we look to see the kind of hero Long narrative poem, elevated language, supernatural, large setting, dialogue

Two aspects to consider: Feudal system & mixed religion Feudal: lords to slaves; kings to warriors Mixed religion: Pagan/Christian; no loving god; no sense of forgiveness, revenge Wyrd=pagan idea of fate Pagan-a person holding a belief other than those of the main world religions

Philosophy Human destiny/freedom Beowulf=Dark view Fame & Immortality (deed & fame=immortality) Materialism (show greatness and fame of king) Beowulf’s attitude (test fate/act without fear)

Stylistic Features Ceasura-a pause at midline (emphasis) Ceasura-a pause at midline (emphasis) Kenning-elaborated metaphorical compounds, used to symbolically identify objects, people, creatures,etc. Kenning-elaborated metaphorical compounds, used to symbolically identify objects, people, creatures,etc. Alliteration-the repetition of consonant sounds Alliteration-the repetition of consonant sounds Personification-giving inanimate objects human characteristics Personification-giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Stylistic Features Cont. Foreshadowing Foreshadowing Flashbacks Flashbacks No end rhyme due to translation No end rhyme due to translation Epithet-any word implying a quality attached to a person or thing Epithet-any word implying a quality attached to a person or thing

Cultural Aspects Tribes/leaders Love of freedom (why ironic?) Closely tied to nature Admired loyalty, courage, generosity, bravery, strength in battle Pagan/religious beliefs Belief in fate/wyrd Belief in immortality Male dominant

Culture cont. Revenge Need to act without fear Need for a safe place or gathering place

Content tells us culturally They lament for lost heroes They lament for lost heroes They think and reckon over current conditions They think and reckon over current conditions They consider the possible destiny of the culture as a whole They consider the possible destiny of the culture as a whole

THEME  What does this story tell us about revenge?  What does it tell us about fate?  How is good vs evil made a theme in the book?

COMMON EPIC ELEMENTS  Long narrative poem  Elevated language  Heroic deeds  Supernatural involved  Large setting  Unknown author (origin)  Hero centered  Long ceremonial speeches  Begins in medias res  Announces theme in opening  Calls spiritual power to help narrate (invocation)  Serious tone  Heroes have quest  Overcome obstacles  Most epics include elements of myth, folktale, legend, & history

EPIC ELEMENTS in Beowulf  Author announces theme at opening  Calls on muses to help in task of narrating  In medias res  Long ceremonial speeches

Story Facts No one knows when Beowulf was composed; thought to be the 7th or 8th century; perhaps 4 centuries before the Norman invasion of 1066 No one knows when Beowulf was composed; thought to be the 7th or 8th century; perhaps 4 centuries before the Norman invasion of 1066 Gives vital information about Old English social life, politics, and about things that scholars would like more information about Gives vital information about Old English social life, politics, and about things that scholars would like more information about Aristocratic poem-concerned with kings/kingship Aristocratic poem-concerned with kings/kingship Basic virtues are strength and courage Basic virtues are strength and courage

This England is: Rigidly feudal, highly civilized and violent, and newly Christian Masculine dominated society Layers of morality, tenderness and piety are intermixed War, death, and fame are glorified Slavery is taken for granted; servants have no name Battle is a way of life Weapons are important tool with personalities & names

Beowulf has 3 Combats Grendal Grendal’s mother Dragon