The Anglo-Saxon Culture In Beowulf

of literary devices to convey the story and themes of the poem. Beowulf, an epic poem, symbolizes and describes the noble Anglo-Saxon culture and its beliefs. It sets the stage for all subsequent poems in the region of Britain. Beowulf possesses many heroic traits, including strength and excellent leadership skills, and emerges as the quintessential Anglo-Saxon warrior who risks his life for the well-being of others. The poem's literary devices are broad, earning it the moniker of the "mother poem." The anonymous author, a Christian monk, references the Bible and expresses deep religious faith throughout the poem. more emotionally impactful.

Throughout the poem, the tone changes beautifully. In the first part of the poem, the tone could best be labeled as incisive. It begins with focused information that informs the reader of people, places, and events that take place and sets the stage for the story. The poem changes to a broad dramatic tone when Beowulf fights Grendel. This fraction of the epic is gripping and includes dramatic action. This tone continues until the end and is used when Beowulf begins to fight the fire-breathing dragon. However, as Beowulf begins to stall and the face of death appears in his vision, the tone gradually alters to a somber tone. This mournful feeling transitions to the reader and causes the poem to be more emotionally impactful.

The poem uses imagery to describe objects and scenes that represent various ideas and symbols. In the beginning, the monster Grendel is depicted through graphic imagery in lines 34-38: "The monster's / thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws: / He slipped through the door and there in the silence." This illustration allows the reader to envision an elusive monster that is worthy of the Anglo-Saxon culture. The lake that Grendel calls home is described as hot, bubbly water that represents hell. This evil body of water symbolizes the devil and serves as a dwelling place for evil. The tower that Beowulf wants to build for his tomb is described as a huge light that warns ships out in the misty sea to gaze upon and remember Edgetho's son. Beowulf's death and monument remind the reader of the death of Jesus Christ and the symbol of the cross, giving Beowulf a savior representation with a Christian reference. All of these references create imagery and enhance the visualization for readers.