Questions On Beowulf

2. The poem, as several critics have pointed out, is unified partly in that the first forty-five lines describe the life and death of a great king and then the entire poem is the same plot and theme told in great detail. What similarities exist between those forty-five lines and the story that follows?

Line 8 tells says in Shild’s life he “Lived to be rich and much honored”. Similarly Beowulf gains riches and honor through the three battles he takes part in throughout the story by defeating Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. In lines 9-11 it says that “...wherever the sea would take them his soldiers sailed, returned with tribute and obedience.” Beowulf sailed to Denmark over the sea to seek glory and when he defeated the monsters

that attacked Herot, Hrothgar heaped tribute upon him. Lines 23-25 are similar to the years following Beowulf’s journey. “The future, widely open-handed in peace Protected in war; so warriors can earn Their fame, and wealth is shaped with a sword.” Beowulf had made peace with the Danes, and now the Geats fought against the Swedes. During this time, both Higlac and his son were killed, making Beowulf the king. With Beowulf now king, Geatland was safe, and wealthy. Finally in lines 26-31 speaks about the death of Shild: “When his time was come the old king died, Still strong but called to the Lord’s hands. His comrades carried him down to the shore, Bore him as their leader had asked, their lord, And companion, while words could move on his tongue. Shild’s reign had been long; he’d ruled them well.” Beowulf’s death is mirrored in these lines, such as how he died strong and how a tower was built by the sea shore with his ashes.

3. Evaluate the Christian overlay of the poem. What can you conclude about the scribe of the poem by the Biblical allusions included throughout? Use specific examples.
First, the scribes believes God provides all blessings.

For example, in lines 16-17 “Now the Lord of all life, Ruler Of glory, blessed them with a prince, Beo…” He believes all monsters are descendants of Cain, including Grendel and his mother. Here in lines 105-108 the text reads “Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever for the crime Of Abel’s death…” When Grendel attacks Herot, some of the Danes turn to paganism, which the scribe despises and abhors, believing that paganism is nothing more than asking aid from the Devil. Lines 176-180 say that some of Hrothgar’s men “Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s Support the Devil’s guidance in driving Their affliction off. That was their way And the heathen’s only hope Hell Always in their hearts…” The scribe condemns this kind of worship. The scribe places a high amount of certainty in God’s ability to control the outcomes of events and that there should be no doubt of his power. Lines 696-701 demonstrate this: “But God’s dread loom, Was woven with defeat for the monster, good fortune For the Geats; help against Grendel was with them, And through the might of a single man They would win. Who doubts that God in His wisdom And strength holds the earth forever In His hands?” There are other times in the story that God intervenes: When he aids Beowulf kill Grendel by giving him strength, providing the giant’s sword to kill Grendel’s mother with, and welcoming Beowulf

to heaven after death by the dragon. As a whole Beowulf reminds one of Samson, who was gifted by God with inhuman strength from birth. His story is also like that of Daniel’s, the monsters he fights being like Goliath. In conclusion, the scribe is a very strong Christian, whose purpose is to show the might of God in all circumstances, his power to combat evil forces, provide victory, give blessings and aid to those who deserve it.

4. Find three or four truisms, or examples of moral instruction, which are frequently included in the poem and explain what is being taught to the listeners of the poem. An early example occurs on page 32 lines 288-290: ""A soldier should know the difference between words and deeds, and keep that knowledge clear in his brain." These words spoken by the Danish watchman, indicate his position of not believing them without proof. They also serve, however, to instruct the hearers of the poem to learn that lesson.
The first truism I am going to discuss is the story of Sigmund that took place on page 51. The story of Sigmund describes a hero that faced a dragon and won, earning treasure and fame. However, over time Sigmund became arrogant, refusing to listen to anyone’s counsel. He made life hard for his people and would not heed words of wisdom. The moral of this truism is to not let good fortune turn you into something despicable, a person whose pride blinds them, else destruction will fall upon you and yours.
The second truism that is mentionable is that of King Hnaf’s sister on page 59. Hnaf’s sister was married to Finn. Finn engaged in battle with King Hnaf out of nowhere, and in the process Hnaf and his nephew (his sister’s son) were killed. Finn, having not enough warriors to continue formed a truce with Hnaf’s follower, Hengest. The two shared the hall. Hostilities eventually broke out and Hengest killed Finn to avenge King Hnaf. They took the Queen (Hnaf’s sister) and looted the hall, returning to Denmark. Hnaf’s sister went willingly and gladly. She had longed to return to her homeland. The moral of this truism is to be loyal to one’s people and kin, as Hnaf’s sister was. She gave her brother and son proper funerals and when justice had been done and Finn killed she left and went home to Denmark.
The third truism is on pages 76-78 when Hrothgar speaks to Beowulf, urging him to not be like Hermod of the Danes. Hermod was a great warrior, like Sigmund mentioned earlier. However, selfishness consumed him. Sigmund grew mad, and refused to share his wealth with anyone, he grew old alone, greedy and evil. Hrothgar warns Beowulf to not let pride and greed take over him, and instead choose a life of happiness and contentment. The reason behind this being that death will soon come to Beowulf in one way or another. The moral of this story is that treasure is worth little beside joy, and that one should make one’s people happy by sharing wealth instead of hoarding it.

5. According to one critic, heroism in western civilization reduces to the admiration of two traits: sapience and fortitude. Define these terms and apply them to Beowulf. Does this critic's theory apply to Beowulf? Why or why not?
Sapience is having or showing wisdom or good judgement.

Fortitude is having great courage while enduring pain and difficulty. I do not believe this critic’s theory applies to Beowulf. While Beowulf does show great fortitude, for example, fighting the dragon when he knew he may not win, and continuing to fight and kill the dragon after being bit in the neck, he does not show signs of any sapience. He simply acts, there is no sign of any substantial planning. He does not demonstrate any intellectual thought or reasoning. Also there’s more to admire in Beowulf than courage: his loyalty and honor. He is loyal to Higlac, giving him treasures that he recieved from Hrothgar when he could have kept them himself. Beowulf exhibits honor by doing Hrothgar a favor by avenging the death of his friend, Esher. So, the critic is wrong in assuming that these two qualities are present in all heroes, and are the only

ones.