Zachary W. Lindros
Ms. Purcell
English 12
September 11, 2016
Beowulf, A Traditional Epic Poem The traditional epic tale of Beowulf uses the literary device of allegory throughout the story. An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can have two or more meanings. Often these meanings are not always obvious, therefore many of them can be up to interpretation. Beowulf uses the characters and events within the tale as an extended metaphor for revenge, honor and having good works being rewarded.
Grendel is an allegory for revenge. In Beowulf, The Danes are invaded by the evil monster Grendel. The Danes historically had invaded the Anglo-Saxons at the time therefore the interpreted meaning can be is retribution for terrorizing others. This …show more content…
These were the common modes of travel in a pre-industrialized society.
As a product of its time, Beowulf has many cultural connections. In the tale there are many references to the way of life and tradition of social interaction of the Anglo-Saxon people. For example, in the text is states:
“Grendel now, monster cruel, be mine to quell in single battle!”
It was common in their culture to boast and brag about their accomplishments and exaggerate their abilities. A further cultural connection is the form of entertainment and place of celebration known as the mead hall.
“Then song and music mingled sounds in the presence of Healfdene’s head-of-armies and harping was heard with the hero-lay as Hrothgar’s singer the hall-joy woke along the mead-seats, making his song of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn.”
In the story there was also many religious connectections symbolic of a culture transitioning between two faiths, Paganism and Christianity. Here is an example of the Pagan tradition of contending a funeral pyre as a
Ms. Purcell
English 12
September 11, 2016
Beowulf, A Traditional Epic Poem The traditional epic tale of Beowulf uses the literary device of allegory throughout the story. An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can have two or more meanings. Often these meanings are not always obvious, therefore many of them can be up to interpretation. Beowulf uses the characters and events within the tale as an extended metaphor for revenge, honor and having good works being rewarded.
Grendel is an allegory for revenge. In Beowulf, The Danes are invaded by the evil monster Grendel. The Danes historically had invaded the Anglo-Saxons at the time therefore the interpreted meaning can be is retribution for terrorizing others. This …show more content…
These were the common modes of travel in a pre-industrialized society.
As a product of its time, Beowulf has many cultural connections. In the tale there are many references to the way of life and tradition of social interaction of the Anglo-Saxon people. For example, in the text is states:
“Grendel now, monster cruel, be mine to quell in single battle!”
It was common in their culture to boast and brag about their accomplishments and exaggerate their abilities. A further cultural connection is the form of entertainment and place of celebration known as the mead hall.
“Then song and music mingled sounds in the presence of Healfdene’s head-of-armies and harping was heard with the hero-lay as Hrothgar’s singer the hall-joy woke along the mead-seats, making his song of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn.”
In the story there was also many religious connectections symbolic of a culture transitioning between two faiths, Paganism and Christianity. Here is an example of the Pagan tradition of contending a funeral pyre as a