The epic is a literary genre that typically begins its narratives in media res. The use of this poetic convention in classical literature is not arbitrary, to say the least. Its use is repeated due to its great efficacy as a technique, its presence emphasizing characters’ feats over what could be considered pedantic plot points in the context of the epic’s objective. If this literary convention is so effective, then, what does it mean when poets specifically choose not to use it? Though much isn’t known about Beowulf’s anonymous author, their specific decision to begin their story, not with their title character’s life, but with another character’s lifespan altogether, is a narrative choice that ultimately colors the audience’s perception of
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Through this trait, he is able to maintain his role as a leader and as a protector of people. Even in his advanced years, Beowulf’s sense of impulsivity and carelessness is preserved despite the typical departure of strength that occurs with aging. In response to the potential of going into combat against a dragon, the Beowulf poet writes that Beowulf neither “[dreaded] that attack, nor did he worry much about the dragon’s warfare” (2347-8). Being aware of the great power of the dragon, as well as Beowulf’s waning strength as he grows older, the audience is incredibly conscious of the danger that Beowulf’s impulsivity may produce. Nevertheless, the poet does not characterize this lasting impulsivity as strange, instead choosing to attribute Beowulf’s carelessness to his “strength or valor,” clearly connecting impulsivity to heroism. Not only that, but the poet goes on to qualify Beowulf’s heroic nature with the fact that he has barely escaped alive in his past bouts of combat. He is not afraid because “he [has] survived/many battles, barely escaping alive/in the crash of war,” and this is specifically why he is considered a “triumphant hero” (2349-52). Through these examples, it can be ascertained that impulsivity is a main tenant of the heroic code in the social world of Beowulf. It acts as a key …show more content…
This is done through the methodical introduction of Wiglaf. Overall, the text utilizes two methods to establish Wiglaf as Beowulf’s successor. First, the Beowulf poet forces the text’s audience to view a chronology between Beowulf’s demise and Wiglaf’s rise. For example, they specify that Beowulf is experiencing his last fight as Wiglaf “[weathers]/the storm of battle” for “the first time” (1625-6). Not only does this indicate a possible connection between these two characters, but it also alludes to the idea that they are operating in the chronology of a cycle. While Beowulf is nearing the end of his life with his last battle, Wiglaf is there to begin his journey as a hero with his first. Hence, Beowulf’s death does not demand a period of uncertainty and insecurity because another potential hero has stepped out to continue in his position. The second method the poet enacts to establish Wiglaf as Beowulf’s successor is the use of heavy parallels between Wiglaf’s current inclination towards impulsivity in battle and Beowulf’s similar inclination in his youth. For example, in battle, Wiglaf’s “courage did not melt” as he faced the dragon alone, his recklessness in the moment mirroring Beowulf’s reckless courage in his first encounter with Grendel (2627). Furthermore, Beowulf had also approached Grendel “alone” in an attempt to
Through this trait, he is able to maintain his role as a leader and as a protector of people. Even in his advanced years, Beowulf’s sense of impulsivity and carelessness is preserved despite the typical departure of strength that occurs with aging. In response to the potential of going into combat against a dragon, the Beowulf poet writes that Beowulf neither “[dreaded] that attack, nor did he worry much about the dragon’s warfare” (2347-8). Being aware of the great power of the dragon, as well as Beowulf’s waning strength as he grows older, the audience is incredibly conscious of the danger that Beowulf’s impulsivity may produce. Nevertheless, the poet does not characterize this lasting impulsivity as strange, instead choosing to attribute Beowulf’s carelessness to his “strength or valor,” clearly connecting impulsivity to heroism. Not only that, but the poet goes on to qualify Beowulf’s heroic nature with the fact that he has barely escaped alive in his past bouts of combat. He is not afraid because “he [has] survived/many battles, barely escaping alive/in the crash of war,” and this is specifically why he is considered a “triumphant hero” (2349-52). Through these examples, it can be ascertained that impulsivity is a main tenant of the heroic code in the social world of Beowulf. It acts as a key …show more content…
This is done through the methodical introduction of Wiglaf. Overall, the text utilizes two methods to establish Wiglaf as Beowulf’s successor. First, the Beowulf poet forces the text’s audience to view a chronology between Beowulf’s demise and Wiglaf’s rise. For example, they specify that Beowulf is experiencing his last fight as Wiglaf “[weathers]/the storm of battle” for “the first time” (1625-6). Not only does this indicate a possible connection between these two characters, but it also alludes to the idea that they are operating in the chronology of a cycle. While Beowulf is nearing the end of his life with his last battle, Wiglaf is there to begin his journey as a hero with his first. Hence, Beowulf’s death does not demand a period of uncertainty and insecurity because another potential hero has stepped out to continue in his position. The second method the poet enacts to establish Wiglaf as Beowulf’s successor is the use of heavy parallels between Wiglaf’s current inclination towards impulsivity in battle and Beowulf’s similar inclination in his youth. For example, in battle, Wiglaf’s “courage did not melt” as he faced the dragon alone, his recklessness in the moment mirroring Beowulf’s reckless courage in his first encounter with Grendel (2627). Furthermore, Beowulf had also approached Grendel “alone” in an attempt to