In the poem "Beowulf", the poetic mode shifts from heroic to Christian. This shift in modes is exemplified in lines 927-978 on pages 60 and 61. In the span of these lines, Hrothgar and Beowulf both speak about Beowulf's triumph over Grendel. While both speakers comment on the qualities of strength and power possessed by Beowulf, and therefore using the heroic mode, the speakers also give credit to God, switching to the Christian mode.
Hrothgar starts his speech thanking the "Almighty Father...for this sight". Hrothgar also mentions that God's wonders reaches all places. Here, Hrothgar is referring to Beowulf as the wonder bestowed upon him. Beowulf has presented himself in a show of self-sacrifice which is a characteristic of the Christian mode. Later in his speech, Hrothgar refers to Beowulf as a "flower of manhood", thus portraying the heroic mode which values the more manly attributes of humanity. Yet to entwine the modes further, Hrothgar reminds all present that this flower bloomed by the grace of the "Lord of Ages", bringing back the Christian mode. Hrothgar goes on to compliment Beowulf's "glorious action". He states that Beowulf has made himself immortal. This shows the element of heroic acts which is important in Anglo-Saxon traditional values.
Beowulf describes his fight with Grendel in great detail, thus ensuring that his audience recognizes how powerful he was in his heroic act of saving the hall from this monster. He interrupts this heroic mode to point out that it was only so because "the Lord allowed it", bringing in the aspect of the Christian mode. Beowulf goes on to further explain the battle, drawing out the details of how Beowulf himself prevailed over the monster Grendel. He ends his story with the threat-like statement that Grendel is at the mercy and judgment of God. Beowulf is the epitome of the heroic mode, as he generously volunteered for the duty of defeating the monster. Yet even so, he shows the Christian values of selflessness and self-sacrifice as he did this heroic act for another lord, Hrothgar.
How did Hrothgar shower Beowulf with such fine things? It was my understanding that with the arrival of Grendel, Hrothgar lost much of his fortune. In lines 1168-1186 (page66-67), Hrothgar's queen is speaking to Beowulf. What is she saying? I'm not following at all.
This looks good. Your specific examples work well, although I want you to keep exploring what happens when the poem shifts to the heroic mode. I think the image of Beowulf as the "flower of manhood" but I want you to develop that idea more. Don't just say it is, but meditate for a few sentences on why. As far as your questions, Hrothgar lost control of his Hall, which is a symbol of his strength, but Grendel didn't loot his treasures, he just threatened his men (Grendel eats people but doesn't care for gold) so ultimately Hrothgar didn't lose his wealth. We will talk about the queen in much greater detail on Monday, so keep ahold of those questions because they will be addressed!
ReplyDelete