Symbols In Beowulf

Tom Hanks once said, "A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown". This quote depicts the audacious voyage of the great hero, Beowulf. Although the author of the extraordinary epic is left anonymous, this poem is said to have been cherished since the seventh century. The author creates a well written heroic tail that engages the reader. The poet designed this story to contain several symbols, which brings character and originality to the writing. In the epic Beowulf, the author displays a distinct relationship between the symbols that are emblematic of the values revealed in each character. The poet presents this association with the use of symbolism in objects and settings such as Grendel's claw, the Heorot, and the treacherous …show more content…
The writers most obvious symbolic object is Grendel's claw. This claw, hung high for all to see, represented Beowulf's defeat over the ogre. This object serves as a honorable "trophy", cherished by all the village. Although the author does not make direct relationship between the claw and victory, the reader can conclude Beowulf's domination, courage, and heroism is typified by "the whole of Grendel's shoulder and arm", which he possesses after his notable overthrow (Beowulf Line 834). Rather than being more specific and defining the claw as a trophy, the author transforms the claw into a symbol, providing the audience with the opportunity to interpret this object personally. Through the claw, the poet also indicates a strong relationship between the characters traits and the symbol. Namely, the reader recognizes, through the symbol, Grendel is a unwanted character that when pronounced defeated there is a outburst of celebration. The symbolic link to the character Grendel acts as a comprehensible theme in the story Beowulf, providing evidence to the hatred shown towards …show more content…
When describing the caves appearance as "hot gorges wallowing up" from "bloodshot water" the author creates a impression of a dark and evil image (Beowulf Lines 1416, 1422). This sense of setting builds fear in the audience's mind which relates to the authors main purpose of the cave. The author provides the reader with this symbol to assist in reader participation. By incorporating a easily relatable feeling such a fear, the author opened a perfect window for reader-character interaction. Additionally, the symbolic setting of fear is foreshadowed by the evil characters that call this treacherous cave