Beowulf is an epic poem with an epic hero - Beowulf. The story chronicles his trials and tribulations in defending his people against vicious monsters that are wreaking havoc on Herot. This story, which was brought to us by Little and McDougal's literature book, was an Anglo - Saxson piece. We listened to it on compact disc as well, read by Seamus Heaney. Five themes were prevalent in Beowulf, they included Sorrow vs. Joy, Celebration vs. Despair, Light vs. Dark, Civility vs. Savagery, and Good vs. Evil. .
The first theme that I recognized was Joy vs. Sorrow. This theme is very noticeable throughout Beowulf. The book gives an example of joy, "Danes and Geats celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced." This occurs before the attack of Grendel, and is one of the things that drove Grendel to his madness. Two examples from the listening include "the crowd was happy," and "Beowulf's doings were praised." Beowulf is praised for protecting Herot, leading the crowd to be happy. Sorrow is displayed directly in the book, "the living sorrow of Healfdane's son simmered, bitter and fresh, and no wisdom or strength could break it; that agony hung on king and people alike, harsh an unending." This describes Hrothgar's sorrow regarding Grendel. Two examples from the CD are "the hall ran red," and "was in panic" which directly relate to Grendel's attacks and people's reactions. .
Celebration vs. Despair was displayed throughout the epic. "Hrothgar's men gave places to the Geats and lead them to the feast," is an example of celebration from the book. Supporting.
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that from the CD are " the minstrel sang," and "decorated pitchers." these were things that were that the feast. Despair is demonstrated when "the wise old king trembled in anger and grief, his dearest friend and advisor dead." This was due to the attack from Grendel's mother. Seamus describes it, "blood was spilled," and the king "mourned under morning.
