Theme Of Alliteration In Beowulf

Improved Essays
This excerpt shows the literary element of alliteration as it describes Shield’s heirs. It gives an insight to the heritage of the king Hrothgar. It portrays Hrothgar’s father as a great king. This is important because it helps the reader understand the Danes’ family tree. The quote also reveals that Hrothgar followed his father’s legacy of being a fantastic fighter and father.
These lines draw upon the literary technique of foreshadowing. Hrothgar’s minstrel tells the story of Sigemund who slayed a dragon. This story foreshadows Beowulf’s battle with a dragon later on in the poem. It’s important to the poem because it compares Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel to Sigemund’s story about slaying a dragon, giving the reader insight into the past and also foreshadows an event.
…show more content…
It allows the reader to create an image of Grendel by giving physical details of Grendel. It’s important because it allows for imagery which enhances the reader’s understanding of the poem. It foreshadows that Grendel was going to be a tough fight for Beowulf. “
The lines showcase symbolism; in this case the torque is a symbol. The torque represents the peace made between the Danes and the Geats. It also symbolizes history because King Hygelac dies wearing the necklace. The excerpt is significant to the poem because it shows how the Danes appreciated Beowulf’s heroism. When Beowulf hands the torque Hygelac it solidifies happiness between both

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Violence In Beowulf

    • 954 Words
    • 4 Pages

    When the poet introduces Beowulf he is saving the spear danes from a feud that is killing the king's men. The poet condemns this system of feuding both among the Danes themselves but also with the monsters. “When Grendel’s mother slew Aeschere both sides had to pay with the lives of friends. That exchanges was not good” (Hill, 30).…

    • 954 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    This alliteration (assonance), the kennings, and imagery used in lines 419-426 helps emphasize the things Beowulf has fought and overcome, showing his greatness. This gives further…

    • 476 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Symbolism In Beowulf

    • 239 Words
    • 1 Pages

    The main representation of this honour-bound society is embodied in the character of Beowulf. The warrior is introduced as “the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.” (197-198) This description gives the reader the first idea that this man possesses many admirable traits which contribute to shape his role as a surpassing leader. Besides, Beowulf mere presence is enough evidence of his bravery and nobility.…

    • 239 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The use of symbolism shows the division between Beowulf and Grendel. The description is quoted from, “’Neath the cloudy cliffs came from the moor then.” This is seen with the use of Grendel’s cave as it shows the separation from natural society as Grendel is an outcast who lives in a dark and treacherous cave compared to the magnificent Beowulf. Beowulf is accepted as a Hero to Hrathgar when Beowulf successfully completes his dangerous mission. The sword is given stated from, “To the age-hoary man then, \ The gray-haired chieftain, the gold-fashioned sword-hilt,” which shows the use of symbolism when Hrothgar gives Beowulf his sword as it is an object of heroism and victory from Hrathgar…

    • 458 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Suspense In Grendel

    • 1151 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The suspense built in this passage is significant to the rest of the novel, as the leader of the group that arrives is Beowulf and the assailant of Grendel in the end. The suspense makes this tragic event even more unexpected for the reader, and thus increasing its emphasis and power. The shifts in tone dictate Grendel inner emotions and feelings even when the reader does not know them explicitly. Changing positions of Grendel throughout the passage foreshadow taking initiative yet uncertainty of that initiative by Grendel standing up and going outside just to make himself small again. Lastly, the short sentences at the end of the passage quicken the pace and lack the context the reader needs to determine the outside setting and who the glorious heroes really…

    • 1151 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Decent Essays

    The poem Beowulf tells the story of Beowulf and his life, the poem starts out with his as a young warrior and ends as an aged king. Beowulf shows great amount of strength and courage throughout the poem. In the beginning of the poem Beowulf is this fearless warrior who thinks he can do anything. Later in the poem after he becomes king he becomes a matured man who understands the weight on his shoulders and only makes decisions that will benefit his kingdom, not him. During the beginning part of the poem Hrothgar helps him become the successful king he is at the end of the poem.…

    • 295 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Superior Essays

    In the poem Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows strength, courage, and leadership. Throughout the poem, Beowulf personifies Anglo-Saxon honor and acts accordingly in all of his interactions with others. Beowulf is heroic in his deeds, wise in his leadership, and always follows the honor code. This honor code was extremely important in Anglo-Saxon society and one of the main themes of the poem explores the negative consequences of not following the code. The monster Grendel exemplifies everything considered dishonorable in Anglo-Saxon society.…

    • 1509 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    1.Introduction Thesis: Professor Robert F. Yeager generates interest in the poem Beowulf by describing the mystery that surrounds its origin, the way the story influenced others, and how the story connects people to their ancestors. 2. Mystery of Origin Written over one thousand years ago by two anonymous authors Original manuscript was small, w/o illumination (written by a journeyman) No one knows where it was for five hundred years after it was written Was saved from the dissolving of the libraries Survived a fire Why it is interesting: It is like fate kept the story alive 3.…

    • 787 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    False Praise In Beowulf

    • 597 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Grendel was already in pain, but Beowulf wanted something to show for his work and to receive praise. Grendel's arm can symbolize Beowulf's desire for praise when he hangs it from rafters for all to see. By hanging the arm, Beowulf asks for praise and therefore does not deserve…

    • 597 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Evolution Of Beowulf Essay

    • 1084 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Evolution of Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf the great hero accomplishes three great feats against three terrible monsters. On the surface of each battle readers can see that Beowulf portrays wlenco, however, if we look a little deeper into each conflict we can see positive character development within Beowulf himself. In this poem Beowulf clashes with Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon that ravages his community; within each battle Beowulf has a subtle change in character that eventually leads him to become a great king. Before the author reaches Beowulf’s first conflict he writes Beowulf off as arrogant and bold.…

    • 1084 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The saying “there are two sides to every story” rings especially true when comparing the various personas of Grendel throughout the poem, Beowulf, the story, Grendel, and the YouTube clip shown in class. Grendel’s characterization varies greatly in the movie, book and poem equally. The contrasting viewpoints play off of the theme “Morality vs. Instinct”. Also, Grendel’s character differs based upon the perspective of the writer and his prior experiences with Grendel. However, Grendel’s action remain constant throughout each outlet.…

    • 810 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In this epic poem there are characters which bring the poem alive. In the poems of Beowulf there were the epic hero and the dangerous monster. Grendel represents the epitome of an antagonist because he is an outcast, vicious, and cunning. Throughout the first poem, we learned how Grendel is an outcast.…

    • 482 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Lastly, Hrothgar killing himself, because he’s embarrassed and ashamed. In both the movie and poem Beowulf there are a lot of things that are alike and different between them like Beowulf fighting…

    • 721 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    This part of the book represent that Beowulf was a very capable man/warrior because he showed the whole…

    • 552 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    This shows Beowulf is fully aware of his surroundings. While fighting the dragon, Beowulf’s weapons started failing on him. His shield was burning, and the sword he was using broke because of the dragon’s tough skin. Since Beowulf’s weapons failed him, the dragon had the chance to fire back at Beowulf and nearly killed Beowulf. Beowulf was not the only character who was able to show heroism throughout this poem.…

    • 1174 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays