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Examples Of Monstrosity In Beowulf

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Although monstrosity is the root of problems in Beowulf, Monstrosity is employed to as a narrative tool to challenge the power structure within the text. In this way, each representation of evil, human or monstrous, serves to enforce the underlying narrative of the culture. Each and every monstrosity in the text influences the main idea of the time which was the Code of Comitatus. A code enforced among the people to maintain the loyalty to their kings no matter the situation or outcome. Therefore as the code of comitatus activates order throughout the people the actions of Grendel and the Dragon through fear creates conflict between the king and his people. As Beowulf takes on the role as an epic hero, the role of Comitatus in his society …show more content…

When Beowulf meets Hrothgar tension builds immediately, Beowulf is the first person in human form to challenges Hrothgar. Beowulf says to Hrothgar "So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength. They had seen me boltered in the blood of the enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats. Now I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat." (415-426) Beowulf shows in his speaking that he as well follows a power structure by gaining permission from his elders and experienced councilman. Beowulf has gained their blessing because they know of his “awesome strength”. Then doing something not seen as normal he begins boasting to Hrothgar about the amazing feats he has accomplished. Saying he has killed many people and he has killed five beasts. Also he has raided troll nests, slaughtered sea-brutes, and suffered extremes. Although his boasting of himself he says it is all for the Geats or the people higher than him, Beowulf shows he honors the code of comitatus and stays in the line of power structure. So it may come as a surprise that a man who understands the code and follows it so passionately would humiliate Hrothgar and defy the code. By doing so Beowulf himself destructs the code that his life has been shaped from and based

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