Beowulf By Burton Raffel: Poem Analysis

Beowulf was translated by Burton Raffel and is an old epic heroic poem. The author of Beowulf remains unknown. It is the oldest old English surviving poem. Beowulf took place in the 6th century in Denmark and Sweden also known as the home of the Danes and land of the Geats. Beowulf has several of main characters and they are Beowulf, King Hrothgar, Grendel, Grendel's mother, and The dragon. In Beowulf we have a young warrior named "Beowulf" who wants to kill a monster named "Grendel" who has everyone terrified of him. In this poem is shows their battles they had with each other. In Beowulf there are many of different characters with different character traits. One of the main characters is Beowulf. Beowulf is a hero who fights Grendel the great big monster. He is the strongest warrior as well as the youngest. On line 321-322 Beowulf stated," They had in remembrance my courage and might. Many had seen me come safe from the conflict,". He said that after he felt that …show more content…
One external conflict is Beowulf facing Grendel and other monsters such as Grendel's mother, the sea monster, and the Dragon. As a bravest and strongest warrior he dies defeat them all and faced all of his challenges. Not only does Beowulf face others but so does Grendel. Grendel faces Heorot and Beowulf which makes it an external conflict. This epic poem also has its internal conflicts because Beowulf and his confident. He accepts all the challenges that are given to him and does not question anything such as his death. On chapter 37," he knew full well that his portion of earthly bliss was done and gone" meaning Beowulf did not question. Grendel shows internal conflict when fighting Beowulf, including when making the decision if he should fight or fleet. He had taken his anger out on Heorot because the hate he had for God. The conflicts did take place in Heorot hall, when Grendel's mother's battle occurred, and when boundaries were