Beowulf- Shifting Modes

In the story Beowulf the modes often switch from Christian to heroic. The passage I found that highlighted both modes the best was on page 68 lines 1269 through 1279. The passage tells the tale of how Beowulf defeats the mighty Grendel and how his mother comes seeking revenge for her son as Beowulf once again goes into battle to defend the land. The passage starts off stating, “The monster wrenched and wrestled with him, but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength.” (1269) Heroic mode is demonstrated in this line by how the author describes Beowulf as a defender of evil, with such strength to overcome the greatest monsters. This part of the line is all about representing Beowulf as revenging wrong, and doing a heroic act, by fighting Grendel even though he knows what is at risk. However I noticed a switch in modes as the line goes on to say, “mighty strength the wondrous gifts God had showered on him” (1271). Therefore Christian mode appears by implying strength is given from God. The Christian mode is easily identified in the switch by the way Beowulf acknowledges the power of God as a source for his strength. The passage continues explaining, “he relied for help on the Lord of All, on his care and favor.” (1272-1273) Thus Christian mode is displayed again when Beowulf claims he puts his fate into the Lord, relying on him for protection. I feel the purpose of this line is to solely highlight the importance the Lord had on Beowulf, and the beliefs that Beowulf carried on how the a greater protector cared for him and assisted him. The passage quickly switched back to the heroic mode on line 1273 when the author announces that Beowulf overcame the “foe”. Therefore, it becomes clear that he is to be looked at as a hero for doing what others before him could not. I feel this line really installs the thought in the reader how powerful Beowulf is to his people. The line ends stating he “brought down the hell-brute”. (1276) Once again, enlisting that type of hero and praise in Beowulf’s character as he destroyed evil, and made the land peaceful once more. While I was left in awe by this incredible hero, the passage continues shifting back to Christian mode as the line states, “broken and bowed, outcast from all sweetness, the enemy of mankind made for his death-den.” (1274-1276) Hence, the author brings back the Christian mode by describing the end of Grendel’s life, as he was sacrificed in order to keep others safe. While, some may disagree Grendel’s death was a sacrifice, I believed the way the author depicted his death as “broken and bowed” really highlighted the concept of loss.  The passage concludes stating, “But now his mother had sailed forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.” (1276-1278) The end of the passage leaves us switching from Christian to heroic mode, as the author gears up to highlight Beowulf’s heroic acts against revenging wrong once more.

            As far as questions of the text go I am curious to know who was victorious at the end of the poem on page 66 as I felt the ending was unclear and did not completely understand the significance of Finn’s adventure. I also had a question about the mode of line 953-955 on page 60, which states “But you have made yourself immortal by your glorious action. May the God of Ages continue to keep and requite you well.” I found this to be a bit of both heroic and Christian for the way God was stated but also the way Beowulf was identified of doing “glorious actions.”