In the battle with the fire breathing dragon, there is and entirely new perspective on the values that can be found in all the other sections. One value that is clearly shown that does not have as much of a presence in the other sections is the value of upholding reputation and responsibility. Beowulf, as king of the Thanes, knows it must be his duty to rid the land of the enemy dragon. Holding true to his name and fighting for his responsibility, he shows he is willing to give his life for his people's well being and peace. Beowulf boldly states "I ventured many battles in my youth; now, old, I will seek another,try again for glorious deeds, if that avenger will come out." (Breeden, ep. 10). Beowulf is not willing to retire or die peacefully without accomplishing more for his people to remember him by. Another value that appears in the other sections of the story is the value of trophies or rewards. The dragon that Beowulf does battle with is guarding a horde of treasure and one of Beowulf's primary goals is to bring wealth and prosperity to his people. The treasure liberated would be Beowulf's last trophies or physical heirlooms as a monument of his heroism. Beowulf in his dying moments wishes to see the treasure as proof of his own deed and as reassurance of his greatness. "Be in haste so that I may see the ancient treasure,may examine the curious gems, so that I may more cheerfully give up my life and country." (Breeden, ep 12)
This section of the story differs extensively from the other sections. The primary difference being the change in tone and focus of the diction. In the sections with Beowulf battling Grendel and then Grendel's mother, the wording focuses the most on the pain and suffering of the terrible enemy; giving the reader a much more satisfied feeling and a more awe inspired view of Beowulf. However, in the last section of Beowulf, Beowulf knows he is departing for his last battle and the story foreshadows the death of the mighty warrior. "The brave king, gold-friend of the Geats, sat down on the headland and talked with his companions. He was sad, restless, and ready to die. That fate was near which the old man would greet. He would seek his reward, life from body parted; not for long would the soul of the prince stay wrapped in flesh."(Breeden, ep. 10). The feeling of almost hopelessness and loss is evident in the writing of Beowulf's feelings. He knows what will happen and he embraces the loss of his life.
In the end, Beowulf dies a hero's death. Speaking memorable and meaningfull last words, as well as dying after defeating an incredible enemy and saving his people, Beowulfs death is unforgettably heroic. Upon using the last of his strength to stab the mighty dragon, Beowulf cannot go on. He does not fight this because he has brought riches and prosperity to all of the ones he ruled. He has also lived a very long life filled with acheivement and praise as the king. As a true hero, he has nothing to regret in dying in battle to save many lives. Beowulf shows he is greatfull for his death and that he has accepted it. "I thank the Wonder-King, the Ruler of All, that I could win this for my people before my death-day. I have traded my old life for the people's needs. I cannot remain."(Breeden, ep. 12). He sees his death as a necessary one for the well being of his people, and in that sacrafice, he shows the true character of a legendary hero.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Beowulf LRJ (#1)
Karl Wichman
Ms. Peifer
10IB 4th hour
December 9, 2008
In this time period, there are many apparent values that are present. One of these is the values of pride. It is quite obvious that Beowulf has feels much pride and has a lot of courage and faith in his own ability. For him, failing isn't an option. "Hrothgar,the wise men among my people advised that I seek you because they know my strength--they saw me come from battles stained in the blood of my enemies, when I destroyed a family of giants,when I endured pain all night,killing water monsters,grinding them to bits,to avenge for the Geats those who asked for misery.And now I shall, alone, fight Grendel." (Breeden, ep. 3) Beowulf's confidence is very high and he knows the task at hand must be accomplished no matter what happens. Of course this value is repeated several times throughout Beowulf and is the element that makes him truly heroic.
(Note: could not find any examples of alliteration on online translation. Instead i will argue the effect of the lack of alliteration from the translator.)
In Breedens translation of Beowulf, there are no frequent uses of alliteration in the language as in the original. This inconsistency in the transition from the original language has a fairly negative effect on the effectiveness and the smoothness of the story. It causes the epic to become less poetic in general and causes it to lose its voice. Instead of hearing a voice poetically or musically recite a tale of heroism, you hear a more modern and straight forward story that has no tricks or subtleties in diction. A theme found more commonly in the modern world.
Identifying kennings in the Breeden translation of Beowulf is also a challenge. Of course changing over from old English caused a natural loss in this unique literary property. There are, however, several excellent examples of how the old English would use titles or similes to express a certain element or character. For example Grendel is labelled as "Hell's friends, God's enemy"(Breeden, ep. 3). Another excellent example is the change from the simple word joint to "bone-locks"(Breeden, ep. 3). These examples and more that have made the transfer to modern English add much more depth to the story and also helps avoid a lot of repetition. These both add immensely to the effectiveness of the story and language. Every time you hear a new name or combination of nouns, your forced to used much of your imagination.
Ms. Peifer
10IB 4th hour
December 9, 2008
In this time period, there are many apparent values that are present. One of these is the values of pride. It is quite obvious that Beowulf has feels much pride and has a lot of courage and faith in his own ability. For him, failing isn't an option. "Hrothgar,the wise men among my people advised that I seek you because they know my strength--they saw me come from battles stained in the blood of my enemies, when I destroyed a family of giants,when I endured pain all night,killing water monsters,grinding them to bits,to avenge for the Geats those who asked for misery.And now I shall, alone, fight Grendel." (Breeden, ep. 3) Beowulf's confidence is very high and he knows the task at hand must be accomplished no matter what happens. Of course this value is repeated several times throughout Beowulf and is the element that makes him truly heroic.
(Note: could not find any examples of alliteration on online translation. Instead i will argue the effect of the lack of alliteration from the translator.)
In Breedens translation of Beowulf, there are no frequent uses of alliteration in the language as in the original. This inconsistency in the transition from the original language has a fairly negative effect on the effectiveness and the smoothness of the story. It causes the epic to become less poetic in general and causes it to lose its voice. Instead of hearing a voice poetically or musically recite a tale of heroism, you hear a more modern and straight forward story that has no tricks or subtleties in diction. A theme found more commonly in the modern world.
Identifying kennings in the Breeden translation of Beowulf is also a challenge. Of course changing over from old English caused a natural loss in this unique literary property. There are, however, several excellent examples of how the old English would use titles or similes to express a certain element or character. For example Grendel is labelled as "Hell's friends, God's enemy"(Breeden, ep. 3). Another excellent example is the change from the simple word joint to "bone-locks"(Breeden, ep. 3). These examples and more that have made the transfer to modern English add much more depth to the story and also helps avoid a lot of repetition. These both add immensely to the effectiveness of the story and language. Every time you hear a new name or combination of nouns, your forced to used much of your imagination.
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