Ambiguity In Beowulf

The epic poem of Beowulf is full of ambiguity. Over the years it has become a subject over significant debate. Readers argue over the significance and the meaning of several of the events that happen throughout the poem. Such is the case for one of the readers, J.R.R Tolkien. Tolkien makes a clear argument over his beliefs over Beowulf in his article “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”. Much like everybody else Tolkien has his beliefs and interpretation of the events that take place in Beowulf.

In his article Tolkien makes an argument over his beliefs of Beowulf. His main argument is that he believes that many critics make a crucial mistake by ignoring the monsters in the poem. He believes that these monsters are just as crucial as Beowulf himself is to the poem. In order to back up his claim he uses different examples of monsters Beowulf has to go up against. He discusses Grendel and the dragon. Both are monsters that Beowulf has to face and by defeating both foes it makes him look stronger and more heroic. Throughout the article Tolkien discusses several subjects of debate and his take on them. For one he believes Beowulf is more than just a historical piece but rather it is a piece of art. He believes it is serves a better purpose serving as a work of art rather than being a historical document. Afterwards

he begins to mention its historical significance of the poem and how the poem is structured.
Tolkien provided many interesting and unique ideas in his criticism over Beowulf however one that significantly sticks out is his claim that Beowulf, “…is not an ’epic,’ not even a magnified ‘lay’"(Tolkien).

Tolkien makes this argument and even discusses how it is an elegy at best. This is unique as the poem is by many considered to be epic but here Tolkien is saying otherwise. Tolkien believes this poem does not quite match up with the true definition of an epic. He believes in an epic the hero is made to look strong and should not die which is not what happens in this poem. He believes an epic is special and Beowulf does not quite reach that

standard.
Tolkien is wrong here because Beowulf can be best categorized as an epic poem. An epic poem is a poem that demonstrates the heroic deeds of an individual. Epic poems also tend to showcase the culture of the poet. Beowulf has all of these qualities and thus should be considered an epic poem. Beowulf’s heroics is clearly discussed within the poem when the narrator describes him as, “… a good man who had gone repeatedly into combat and danger and come through”(2543-2544). This is able to demonstrate that Beowulf had repeatedly gone to battle and fight to save his people. It shows that Beowulf not only had one heroic feat but rather it was a reoccurring thing. A specific example of a heroic deed Beowulf does is when he dies at the end while still managing to conquer his foe. Beowulf dying at the end does not necessarily have to make him look weak rather his demise serves as a warrior’s send off. He died while doing what he does best, conquering his foes and protecting others. That clearly demonstrates Beowulf’s heroic deed.
Overall Tolkien makes many assertions over the poem of Beowulf. Although he does make many good points he is not always entirely right such as in his belief that Beowulf is not an epic poem but rather an elegy. He also makes some claims and is able to support them such as Beowulf not being a historical document and his main argument that the monsters are essential to the poem. Tolkien like most readers of Beowulf bring up excellent assertions and interesting talking points. “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” analyzes Beowulf really in depth and brings up really interesting ideas.