Beowulf Essay

Taylor Garland        

Mrs. Cooper

English Literature and Composition

11 June 2015

Beowulf

        Slaying monsters and receiving treasure seems to be the normal lifestyle for the epic hero, Beowulf. The poem surrounds the life of Beowulf and his adventures to slay monsters to save kingdoms. Not only does he slay Grendel, but also his mother. Two beasts no one ever battled and made it out alive. Those were not the only monsters this hero demolished; the dragon was his final monster battle, the battle in which he lost his life. “Beowulf” is the perfect example of an epic poem, and a very captivating read.

        Reading a 3000 word poem may sound boring; however, this fascinating poem somehow manages to keep you wanting more through every word. This long narrative poem has a genius writer behind it that makes the lines flow so well that it almost makes you feel like you are reading a book. The diction used in the poem makes everything sound so adventurous and exciting. An example of the bold tone would be, “For a brief while you strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low, or a sudden fire or surge of water or jabbing blade or javelin from the air or repellent age. Your piercing eye will dim and darken; and death will arrive, dear warrior, to sweep you away” (1760-1768).

        The setting of this poem takes place in many different locations and over a long period of time. Beowulf battles Grendel and Grendel’s mother in Denmark; however, he slayed the dragon in Geatland. The poem takes place in two different locations, because it follows Beowulf in different parts of his life. It shows how Beowulf was called to fight in Denmark in his youth, then went home and shared all of his stories from the slaying, talks about how he served as king for many years in Geatland, and then how he dies trying to battle the dragon at a much older age.

        Throughout his life, Beowulf faced many obstacles that he overcame. His achievements include demolishing three major monsters in order to save two different kingdoms. “The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted the glory of winning; Grendel was driven under the fen-banks, fatally hurt, to his desolate lair” (814-820). The previous quote shows where Beowulf defeats the evil demon, Grendel, in a fight without weapons. After he slayed the demon, his achievements were rewarded with a feast of praise.

        The Anglo-Saxon culture really shines through in this epic poem. Beowulf’s bravery and strength strongly reflect the Anglo-Saxons in the fact that their ideals include bravery and strength in their heroes. Beowulf’s lack of fear to fight these monsters shows just how brave he his, and also how unselfish he is. He is willing to put his life on the line to save other people and that is also a characteristics of the Anglo-Saxons.

        I would definitely classify this poem as an epic, because it is a long narrative poem with elevated language that suggests a wide scope in its setting with the achievements of a legendary hero that reinforces the social values of the culture. What I described above was the exact definition of an epic, and “Beowulf” has countless examples of why it is a perfect match of an epic poem, and a great source of Anglo-Saxon culture.