1. Beowulf
Text and Context

2. Background Composed around 700 A.D. during the Anglo Saxon time period
The story had been in circulation as an oral narrative for many years before it was written.
The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD
Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and values and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetry
The poem deals with ancient Germanic forebears, the Danes and the Geats
Only a single manuscript of the poem survived the Anglo-Saxon era. In the 1700’s it was nearly destroyed in a fire
It was not until 1936 when the Oxford scholar J.R.R> Tolkien published a paper on the poem that is became popular.

3. Background • Often called the beginning of English literature
• Written in what is now called Old English
• Only one complete original copy remains

4. The epic will contain 3 elements: 1. A larger-than life hero
Beowulf : The Epic Poem
An EPIC is a long narrative poem which follows a hero’s struggle against universal issues.
The epic will contain 3 elements:
1. A larger-than life hero
2. The Supernatural
3. Elevated language style
Epics: An oral tradition
Many epics were not originally written down by their authors. Instead, they were memorized and retold or sung by wandering entertainers.
Scop (storyteller)

5. The Beowulf Poet The poet is Christian
The poem reflects established Christian tradition
Allusions to the Old Testament
Beowulf is a Redeemer who is sent by God to save man from sin
The price of salvation is life itself
Correspondences between Beowulf’s death and the death of Christ
Look for:
-Kennings (two-word phrase for a common word) ex: world-candle for sun or whale-road for ocean
-Symbolism
-Highly descriptive passages

6. Heroic Values in Beowulf
Relationship between king and his warriors
The king rewards his warriors with gifts
If a kinsman is slain, obligation to kill the slayer or obtain payment (wergeld) in compensation

7. Conflict Christian Values and Heroic Values
This tension is at the heart of the poem
Pagan history and myth are made to point to a Christian moral
Beowulf is poised between two value systems

8. Setting
The Mead Hall
Social, governmental, emotional center of the village
Mead = honey based wine
Herot

9. The Character of Beowulf
He fights for personal honor, but is committed to service to his own people and humanity.
A superhuman who remains recognizable
Contrast old and young Beowulf
Beowulf as savior

10. Grendel Grendel • Hybrid: -man vs. man -man vs. supernatural
Most human-like
of the supernatural
fights

11. Grendel’s Mother Less “human” than son • An older and more
animal-like evil
Before Beowulf can even battle her, he must face the water creatures

12. The Dragon • The oldest and most base form of evil
• Referred to as the worm
Man vs. Supernatural

13. Themes Good vs. Evil Fate The Importance of Establishing Identity
Tension between Heroic Code and Christianity
Significance of artifacts
The past

14. Staznoski Principle
To prove he is truly larger than life, authors often introduced other characters who were fated to die.

15. Important Elements of the Poem
Elegaic tone
Heroic poem
Contrasts
Christian and pagan
Youth and old age
Rise and fall of nations
Joy and sorrow
Fate and God’s will
Violence
Irony

16. Beowulf