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Literary Devices In Beowulf

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“Beowulf” is a classic poem that has been passed down from one generation to another for centuries because, in many people's opinion, it is one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written. The poem is a blend of literary devices and themes that contribute to its overall build-up. The author of the poem, whose identity surprisingly remains unknown, skillfully uses these devices and themes to capture the reader's attention and uses this attention to highlight overall themes such as heroism in “Beowulf”. In this essay, I will explore how the use of literary devices and themes affects the overall build-up of the story and why Beowulf is a flawed character at heart. One of the most prominent literary devices in “Beowulf” is the use of alliteration. …show more content…

The poem celebrates the virtues of courage, strength, and loyalty, portraying the hero Beowulf as a hero the fully portrays the elements. Throughout the poem, Beowulf faces a series of increasingly difficult challenges, including battles with the monstrous Grendel and his mother, as well as a final showdown with a dragon. As an example of Beowulf's heroic nature, the following quote shows how he puts himself over others to defend his people:"He would keep watch for the ogre by night in the tangled, gloomy forest, at the edge of the water" (Beowulf, lines 144-146). This quote reinforces the certainty that Beowulf would put himself over others and go sleepless to defend his people. This theme of heroism creates a sense of excitement and suspense, as the reader follows Beowulf on his dangerous and heroic journey. Additionally, the theme of heroism shows the audience the importance of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger, highlighting the values that are prized in the world of the poem. Some critics may say that Beowulf's heroics were just used to boost his ego in the story. One thing that is correct about what the critics say is that Beowulf's acts of bravery are what cost him his life and made the village have no protector after dying an excruciating

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Passed down through various societies for multiple generations, the poem Beowulf is a true literary masterpiece. While first spread by word of mouth, the work was later transcribed, translated, and transformed into numerous forms of literature and media. Due to this, we know that their is not one true Beowulf. As Professor Martin Foys once said, “each generation gets the version of Beowulf it deserves”. These various adaptations led to differing tales of the conquests of Beowulf, as is the case with the first of the three agons, Beowulf’s clash with Grendel.

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   Heroism is shown throughout the poem. Beowulf was heroic in the fight with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. “Behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster…” (lines 172-174). In those lines, Beowulf is saying he will fight Grendel alone and without any weapons. “Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong…” (line 633).

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Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights three different monsters and in each of these situations he chooses to begin the fight without their help. He enters into combat with his men by his side, but when the actual fighting begins he defeats the monsters with very little help from them. Beowulf’s strength and physical prowess was unlike any other man in comparison to his height and incredible grip. Furthermore, Beowulf can be categorized as an outcast based on his personality traits. The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility.

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Beowulf, a new translated verse by Seamus Heaney, a story about a hero who defeats monsters for his people. A hero has courage when he can fight for others, speak his mind, and conquer any obstacles. This paper is about how Beowulf has courage and uses it to protect others against the dangerous monsters in there kingdom. Beowulf wasn’t one of those people who sent others to do what needs to be done, he did it himself. Beowulf spoke whatever came to mind, especially if it’s important.

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There is a natural instinct to survive, no matter the cost, but Beowulf doesn’t seem to have that instinct. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf constantly tempts fate just for a better story to tell around the table. Beowulf values glory and riches over his own life. Beowulf shows heroesque characteristics by performing brave deeds, risking his own life for glory, and being glorified for his actions. Beowulf first shows his heroism by performing brave deeds.

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Doctorate student and instructor, Evelyn Reynolds, in her analysis, “Beowulf’s Poetics of Absorption”, describes the usage of thematic and narrative elements to affect the mood and feelings of readers. Reynolds’s purpose is to provide in-depth analysis of the narrator’s usage of specific textual elements, in which she embraces her own knowledge of Old English, and showcases the narrator’s subtle appeal to instinctual human responses. Evelyn Reynolds is a graduate student at the University of Indiana and graduate of the University of Tulsa. Having a basic understanding of the original text allows Reynolds to emerge above her peers when researching and analyzing a text.

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Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).

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Beowulf may have been a tough read because of the Old English that was used in the 700’s. By having literary devices such as kenning, alliteration, personification, and many more found throughout the book, we were able to use context clues and outside resources to understand the epic. We followed Beowulf through his journey and learned about his heroicness and how he fits the characteristics of the epic hero in the Anglo-Saxon

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Beowulf values confidence, bravery, and fame all in which sculpt his overall image. These principles help him overcome monsters and myths most men fear. Beowulf seems to never lose these traits, thus causing him to be a courageous soldier for battle. Beowulf’s close minded ideals about himself makes him an example of a static figure.     Beowulf in the story never seems to forget

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When Beowulf reaches the land of the Danes, one of the coastguards says, “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble.” (lines 247-250). In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf himself shows that a hero does not only need strength, but also courage. He is very courageous when it comes to defending the people he loves or simply to help people in need. When Beowulf decides to travel to the land of the Danes to help defend Herot from Grendel, he leaves in a blink of an eye and does not shed a single sign of fear.

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Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.

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1) Introduction a) Beowulf is largely considered one of the greatest poems for the Old English language. It is believed to have originated near the eighth century, but it was written down near 1000 A.D. The author of this renowned epic is not known, but it was passed down throughout the ages. It is believed that scribes may have intentionally or unintentionally changed the original manuscript through miscopying or other simply not understanding the reading. Without today’s technology, scribes were forced to repeatedly do rewrite the epic in its entirety multiple times.

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The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.

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5 Literary Devices in Beowulf: “the way it all melted as ice melts” (p.52) Beowulf just finished slaying Grendel and his mother; the ancient sword he used to kill them melts. The poet uses a simile comparing the sword to ice cubes as they melt to emphasize. Giving the image/effect of the sword slowly dissolving in a stunning way; emphasizing the incredibility of it. “the shining blade refused to bite” (p.50) Beowulf dives underwater to fight Grendel’s Mother.

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