- Some suspect the text was altered when written down and filled with a Christian overlay. Throughout the text, I was able to find many phrases that referenced Christianity but at the same time there was contradiction in the text. The story was a mix of pagan views and traditions mixed with Christian ones.
- Alliteration in original story but much is lost of it due to translation
- Culture w/in text. Many of Beowulf's actions demonstrate the customs and values within the culture of that time and area
- Kennings - two word metaphors (ring-giver for king (pg, 949), hoard-guard for the dragon (pg, 947))
- Death price came up a couple times in the text. One of the offenses Grendel committed is that he killed without paying a death price.
- What does this story teach us? What can we take from it? How does it apply to modern day
- Instancer of guest-friendship/reciprocation (xenia)
- Importance of the body in death/ funeral rights
- Death in battle was looked up to in those times and is still prominent in cultures and certain situations today.
- Beowulf attained fame and remembrance for his actions.
- Suspension of disbelief ( must accept when reading or watching fantasy)
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Beowulf Class Notes
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