Among the lines
677 through 687 on page 55 of the classic tale “Beowulf”, there is a shift in
modes from heroic to Christian and it reveals how the two intertwine, much like
the Danish people. Within these ten lines, Beowulf stated that he was a strong
contender to the monster of Grendel, while at the same time believed that God would
choose which side he saw fit to win. This passage insinuates that the Danish
people believe that everything happens through Divine intervention, showing
their strong faith in Christianity.
The heroic mode is
expressed within the lines 677 to 685, where Beowulf was talking himself up to
the public as though he was strong enough to overcome the blood-thirsty
Grendel. He stated that he had skill in sword fighting and weaponry, whereas
Grendel did not. He made a statement that Grendel may even be scared to face
him. Beowulf said, “…unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares” (lines
684-685). This is representative of heroism because of the confidence in battle
he expressed and how he feels he is ready to fight and most importantly, win.
The mode then
shifts to Christian within the same line as the heroic mode ends, on line 685
to 687. After Beowulf made the statement about how he was strong and intended
on winning, he immediately said that God would have the overall say in who wins
the battle. This shows how the Danes as well as the Geats believe that God
controls all and how even the outcome of a battle happens for a reason. This is
obvious of the Christian mode because Christians believe in God and His power,
and how He ultimately chooses what happens in life, much like Beowulf said in
these lines.
Questions: Why was the fight with Grendel so short? It only spanned about one page.
What was the point of the Sigemund story told by one of the Danes?
Katie, this is a solid first blog post. I am not sure I need a formal introduction, though it works well enough. Feel free to dive right in after a sentence or two setting up your blog's focus. I like your use of specific evidence and you definitely analyze both modes well. Keep thinking about how the two modes might be contradictory, for example how can Beowulf's boasting coexist with his "reliance" on God? I think your questions are also good to think about, especially the first. Maybe bring that one up in class! Let me see what I can find on the Sigemund story and I will get back for you there!
ReplyDelete