Commentary on Beowulf and “The Dream of the Rood” The dreamer envisages the advent of the lord,
“ In my dream I espied the most splendid tree. Looming aloft with light all around, the most brilliant beam. That bright tree was covered with gold; gemstones gleaned fairly fashioned down to its foot, yet another five were standing high up on the crossbeam.” (“The Dream of the Rood” 4-9)
The cross that holds Jesus Christ’s body becomes the symbol of glory. It is so highly decorated and shinning that the speaker calls it “the most brilliant beam.” Thus, the meaning of the gold and gemstones encrusted in the tree is not of fanciness by a representation of transcendence: he, who rested on that tree, must be supernatural and of the highest honor possible. …show more content…
Similarly, the Dreamer’s allegory in “The Dream of the Rood” to the cross is a symbol of conversion. The Dreamer sees a new messiah, who is unlike any other. Indeed, Hrothgar talks of the greatness of this hero unlike no others, he has seen before and therefore, Beowulf is worth receiving all the honors. Hrothgar emphatically makes the statement to solidify the superiority of the hero. Then, Grendel becomes the evil figure whose death is celebrated in the mead-hall. This event showcases a lavish celebration where even Beowulf’s companions are …show more content…
Yet, Hrothgar is the only person who mentions her in the poem and this is the only time we know about her. Beowulf’s mother, unlike Grendel’s mother, does not compete with her son. Instead, with whom Beowulf is associated is Ecgtheow, his father. To give little presence to Beowulf’s mother is an effective technique by the poet to make a stronger contrast between Grendel and Beowulf. To some extent, the predominance of Grendel’s mother takes away part of her son’s heroism. In contrast, Beowulf does not need a backup, he can defeat it all - as he did. So, it makes sense to not include Beowulf’s mother in the plot. Moreover, Beowulf’s mother represents the Virgin Mary in a Christian tradition whose main job is to deliver the savior of the people. Hence, Beowulf is the messiah that Hrothgar and the Danish people were waiting
“ In my dream I espied the most splendid tree. Looming aloft with light all around, the most brilliant beam. That bright tree was covered with gold; gemstones gleaned fairly fashioned down to its foot, yet another five were standing high up on the crossbeam.” (“The Dream of the Rood” 4-9)
The cross that holds Jesus Christ’s body becomes the symbol of glory. It is so highly decorated and shinning that the speaker calls it “the most brilliant beam.” Thus, the meaning of the gold and gemstones encrusted in the tree is not of fanciness by a representation of transcendence: he, who rested on that tree, must be supernatural and of the highest honor possible. …show more content…
Similarly, the Dreamer’s allegory in “The Dream of the Rood” to the cross is a symbol of conversion. The Dreamer sees a new messiah, who is unlike any other. Indeed, Hrothgar talks of the greatness of this hero unlike no others, he has seen before and therefore, Beowulf is worth receiving all the honors. Hrothgar emphatically makes the statement to solidify the superiority of the hero. Then, Grendel becomes the evil figure whose death is celebrated in the mead-hall. This event showcases a lavish celebration where even Beowulf’s companions are …show more content…
Yet, Hrothgar is the only person who mentions her in the poem and this is the only time we know about her. Beowulf’s mother, unlike Grendel’s mother, does not compete with her son. Instead, with whom Beowulf is associated is Ecgtheow, his father. To give little presence to Beowulf’s mother is an effective technique by the poet to make a stronger contrast between Grendel and Beowulf. To some extent, the predominance of Grendel’s mother takes away part of her son’s heroism. In contrast, Beowulf does not need a backup, he can defeat it all - as he did. So, it makes sense to not include Beowulf’s mother in the plot. Moreover, Beowulf’s mother represents the Virgin Mary in a Christian tradition whose main job is to deliver the savior of the people. Hence, Beowulf is the messiah that Hrothgar and the Danish people were waiting