Symbolism in Beowulf
Beowulf, a classical epic written during the eighth century A.D., became the first masterpiece in English literature. This oldest surviving work describes the adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century, who journeys from the southern part of what is now called Sweden to assist a group living in what is now called Denmark. Beowulf is the epic hero of the Anglo-Saxon poem, who endures fame and glory through intense battles with the troll-like monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and finally with a fire-breathing dragon, in which Beowulf loses his life. Although there is not much factual information about the Beowulf author or the origin of the story, much can be said about the way composition and the influence of literary tradition has on ancient literary works of this time period. One of the major literary elements is the presence of symbolism throughout the epic. Symbolism is the practice of representing things by means of symbols or attributing a meaning of significance to objects, events, and relationships. In the Beowulf epic, the author uses symbolism as a constantly recurring element. Beowulf's battles symbolize the youth, adulthood, and maturity of
Like Babel, Heorot serves as a symbol of downfall more than one of glory because it causes many deaths and the coming of evil. The battle results in yet another victory for Beowulf, gaining him even more popularity. Beowulf's final conflict is with a fierce fire-breathing dragon. This example not only shows the evil in their nature, but also the torture in their hearts caused by their banishment from God. During the battle, partly due to his old age and weakening strength, Beowulf's sword fails him and Beowulf is brought to death by the dragon's sharp teeth piercing him in the neck. The duel results in the death of Grendel, with the creature's arm symbolizing victory for the adolescent Beowulf. Grendel, Grendel's mom, and the fire-breathing dragon on the other hand, proceed to operate out of anger and seek to destroy. In Beowulf's second battle, Beowulf attacks Grendel's mother after she appears at the Danish mead-hall seeking brutal revenge for her son's death. Beowulf goes to the Danish King, Hrothgar, and asks for permission to fight the monster and finally relieve the Danes, commencing the torture that they have endured for years. The anonymous, yet well-known Beowulf poet, goes to great depths in making certain actions, objects, and events symbolic to other things. The slaying of Grendel represents Beowulf's passage into adulthood. Upon her revenge, the angry mother wreaks havoc and causes destruction to the mead-hall, symbolizing the fall of the Danish society. The presence of symbolism throughout the story shows how important this literary component is to the ancient epic writer. The mead-hall represents the stability and security of the Danish people.
Common topics in this essay:
Beowulf Grendel's,
Grendel Grendel's,
Satan Throughout,
Beowulf Beowulf,
King Hrothgar,
Denmark Beowulf,
Babel Heorot,
beowulf epic,
fire-breathing dragon,
presence symbolism throughout,
epic author symbolism,
fierce fire-breathing dragon,
constantly recurring element,
constantly recurring,
author symbolism,
objects events,
fame glory,
symbolism constantly,
grendel's mother,
ancient literary,
symbolism constantly recurring,
presence symbolism,
|
Acceptance Essays
