Discuss biblical allusions and religious symbolism in Beowulf
Religion plays a huge role in Beowulf. During the time that this poem was written Christianity was becoming big, and there is a religious undertone throughout the text. Whenever anyone accomplishes anything they praise and thank God for what they have done. An example of religious undertone is the explanation of Grendel and how he was born. Grendel is born from the seed of Cane and is essentially a spawn of Satan. The same goes for Grendel’s mother. She knows her fate, but still chooses to live her life the way she does because she gave birth to a demon. Religion is key in the poem.
After Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother he says, “our encounter would have ended at once if God had not guarded me” (1640-1641). Beowulf thanks God for him defeating Grendel’s mother. He said if God were not with him he would have died. This is just one of the numerous examples of religious symbolism in Beowulf.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Beowulf Essential 1
What are the social obligations of a hero? Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?
A hero is a person who helps protect society, and a hero is also admired by the people that he or she protects. A hero is courageous, strong, and is loyal to the people that he protects. the obligations of a hero are to uphold the certain qualities like selflessness and leadership. A hero must also live up to the expectations of society, and take upon themselves a role of leadership during a time of conflict or crisis. The hero must protect the people he serves, no matter how the outcome will affect him, and the hero must never give up because a hero is the one whom everyone relies on.
Beowulf is aware of his status as a hero, but not his deification process. He knows of his family's strong history. Beowulf knows of his great strength and bravery. Not only is Beowulf aware of these qualities but also others are aware. Beowulf is said to be "the strongest man alive, princely and powerful" (197-198). Beowulf is renowned for his strength and bravery, and Beowulf is highly respected because of these qualities. The people believe in Beowulf as a hero, but he has not reached the level of being a god yet.
A hero is a person who helps protect society, and a hero is also admired by the people that he or she protects. A hero is courageous, strong, and is loyal to the people that he protects. the obligations of a hero are to uphold the certain qualities like selflessness and leadership. A hero must also live up to the expectations of society, and take upon themselves a role of leadership during a time of conflict or crisis. The hero must protect the people he serves, no matter how the outcome will affect him, and the hero must never give up because a hero is the one whom everyone relies on.
Beowulf is aware of his status as a hero, but not his deification process. He knows of his family's strong history. Beowulf knows of his great strength and bravery. Not only is Beowulf aware of these qualities but also others are aware. Beowulf is said to be "the strongest man alive, princely and powerful" (197-198). Beowulf is renowned for his strength and bravery, and Beowulf is highly respected because of these qualities. The people believe in Beowulf as a hero, but he has not reached the level of being a god yet.
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