Saturday, October 4, 2014

Beowulf


BEOWULF
 
1.    What allusions are made in the poem (Biblical allusions)?

The biblical allusion that called my attention is the one that refers that Grendel killed his brother. This is an allusion of Cain and Abel in the bible.

 

2.     Old English poems rely heavily on alliteration, what instances of alliteration can you find in Beowulf? 

Some instances are:

Through the hidden entrance, too hot for anyone

To sand, a streaming current on fire

 

My hands calm: I need no hot

Words. Wait for me close by, my friends.

We shall see, soon. Who will survive

This bloody battle, stand when the fighting

Is done. No one else could do

 Lord and leader, angry, lowered

 

3.    What symbolism can you find in the story? Provide some examples

 

The Grendel´s arm loss means part of a defeat for his mother. That is why once she realizes of that she gets fierce and she goes to Heorot to get it back because it is also her possession.

 

4.    Is foreshadowing used? Explain

Foreshadowing is used when the king Heremond can see that Beowulf is going to ascend to the kingship. Also the story of Sigemund which foreshadows Beowulf´s fight with the dragon.

 

5.    What is Beowulf's guiding philosophy? 

The philosophy that this tale has is about the existence of  good and bad, god and evil. This is shown with the principal protagonist of the tale such : Beowulf the hero who is also loyal, courageous and strong. On the other side Grendel represents the evil the beast.

 

6.    When does Beowulf become king of the Geats? 

Once he kills Grendel´s mother, he becomes the king of the Geats.

 

7.    Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic hero, what are those characteristics and how are they shown in the story? 

He is loyal, smart, strong and brave. He performs the most difficult challenges to protect the society. Hi finds smart ways to defend his country and his people. He is a humble leader that is the reason why he is loved by the society. He is courageous and brave and this is reflected in the tale many times for example in the wars.

 

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