Diction In Beowulf

Who is considered a hero? A question like this can be answered in many different viewpoints, but the hero of the classic Anglo-Saxon poem ‘Beowulf’ is defined by the cultural context in which it is written. From evidence found in the poem itself, a reader can establish what a hero was to the Anglo-Saxon people of the time. In “Beowulf”, a hero is construed by his courageous strength, extensive gift-giving, and god like qualities. The characteristic of courageous strength is universal to most people’s opinions of a hero. In the poem Beowulf, the protagonist, fights many audacious crusades against ferocious opponents, including Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. In each battle Beowulf defeated his adversary, and he progressively showed more and more physical and mental tenacity during each one. While brawling with Grendel the poem uses specific diction including “brave” to describe Beowulf:
When Beowulf, brave in battle, placed hand, arm and shoulder-- Grendel’s entire grasp-- under Heorot’s spacious roof, that was evidence enough of victory, (742-745) by using this particular diction it is easy for the reader to assess that Beowulf is brave and …show more content…
Gift-giving in their culture was expected of kings and nobles; as well as, great warriors and leaders. It showed a level of generosity that made them more gracious. Also, accepting the gift meant that one would follow the other till their death. Because Grendel caused so much havoc on Heorot and the mead hall, when Beowulf killed Grendel, Hrothgar, the king of Heorot, threw a celebration and presented Beowulf with many gifts as stated: Then Hrothgar gave Beowulf Healfdene’s sword, and a battle banner, woven with gold, and a helmet and a corslet, as rewards for victory; many men watched while the priceless,