Mode Shifts Beowulf
I found lines 691-703 to show a very
interesting mode shift in the text. The
text begins by explaining how the fight with Grendel was expected to end badly
for Beowulf despite everyone’s hope for success. Throughout previous battles the Danes had
fallen prey to opponents. Grendel was
expected to be a very fierce opponent compared to others. The expectation for failure was nothing to
Beowulf however. The text then continues
on to explain that the Lord had a different plan for Beowulf in his upcoming
battle, the text states “But the Lord was weaving a victory on His war-loom for
the Weather-Geats.”
I find it interesting that the text
speaks about the fight with Grendel as God expecting for Beowulf to
prevail. To me it is almost as if the
text is using Warrior and Christian mode at the same time. While taking about war the strength of one
would make all prevail in the battle.
Interestingly enough it seems that the one is referring to Beowulf as a
warrior of God because it goes on to state “The truth is clear: Almighty God
rules over mankind and always has.”
Although I am having some problem
understanding the context of the story I seem to find it very interesting that
the writer would use words referring to Christianity and fighting in the same
context. Anymore Christianity is not
associated with means of fighting however when this story was written the mode
shifts between Christian and warrior came together.
1. I wonder what the outcome of the fight will be?
2. How will the fight with Grendel benefit Beowulf?
3. I am confused as to what Beowulf and his group is fighting for.
1. I wonder what the outcome of the fight will be?
2. How will the fight with Grendel benefit Beowulf?
3. I am confused as to what Beowulf and his group is fighting for.
Nice start Sammy! I think your analysis does an ample job probing these seemingly contradictory modes. Can Beowulf be both reliant on his own strength while seemingly believing that it is God's call who wins? I am not sure... Your first two questions on what happens next will be answered as we continue to read (and thus might not be the best for these type of blogs) but your last question is excellent! Why is Beowulf here, especially since these are not his kinsmen, they are actually from a rival tribe?! Why show up, what is there for Beowulf to gain?
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