The Theme Of Mortality In Beowulf

The grand story of Beowulf is challenged by Tolkien in his scholarly literary criticism, in to which he goes into substantial depth of the overall poem and its meaning. His literary criticism is the epitome of criticisms as he provides details to all of his claims, and shows an obvious understanding of the novel Beowulf and its background information. Tolkien provides the readers with his view of the book and its literary significance while making a thoughtful idea that revolves around the theme of mortality in Beowulf.

In Tolkien’s literary criticism, he comments about Beowulf and how it is a poem more than it is a historical content. He suggests that, although the book is historically accurate not and can serve as a learning device, Beowulf should be viewed as more of

a masterful poem than anything else. His central thesis is that, unlike many other scholars, he disagrees with the idea that the story’s “weakness lies in placing the unimportant things at the centre and the important on the outer edge” (Tolkien). These “unimportant things” are all the monsters and creatures in the story, and he believes that they are actually an important aspect to the entire story. One of the ways he supports this is by mentioning that the dragon is the perfect enemy for Beowulf in his journey to greatness. His argument revolves around the fact that the story should be viewed as a unique and powerful story to all, instead of some historical document used for the study of the Anglo-Saxon culture.
A rather interesting point that Tolkien brings up in his criticism is that readers “must dismiss… the notion that Beowulf is a ‘narrative poem,” since it is not going in any particular order (Tolkien).

This is probably the most accurate statement Tolkien makes throughout the whole essay because the original author of Beowulf wants to constantly remind the reader of the theme of mortality. Throughout the story, many “kings who ruled” the Spear-Danes “had courage and greatness,” and a bit after the author would speak of their illustrious careers, he would quickly speak of the rulers’ death (2). The author must have done this to prove that; no matter what happens, death is inevitable. It is a continued cycle that no one will ever be able to get out of, not even the great Beowulf. All of the monsters included in the story have importance because the main ones are defeated by Beowulf, making him stand out amongst his peers as a superhuman. There seems to be no imperfection about him, though the inevitable truth comes back again, as even Beowulf is classified as mortal. Therefore, the author incorporates the theme of death and mortality quickly, and establishes this every so often throughout the

book.
Tolkien makes a thorough argument against the critics of Beowulf, to which he provides many well thought out support for his claims and an obvious knowledge for the story itself. His essay provides many details of Beowulf and the importance of monsters in it, while also mentioning a variety of interesting points, including the repeated theme of mortality.