Subjects:
poet, illustrates three major themes. The three major themes are; attributes of a good
kind, good vs. evil, and death is the ultimate conqueror. Throughout this essay there will
be textual evidence and examples to explain these themes.
“With hand and blade, I must fight for the treasure.” said by Beowulf , one of the
greatest kings of the time period. He showed qualities such as valor, martial deeds, and he
always kept the best interests of his people in mind. The first quote shows all three
qualities. It shows them because he’s courageous (valor), fights excellent (martial deeds),
and is willing to fight and die for his people. Another great kind that is spoke of during
this poem Scyld. In the next quote the poet illustrates how the king was so great that he
was known everywhere “... til alien peoples beyond the ocean Paid toll and tribute, A
good king he.” A third quote the narrator uses to enlighten the reader of how great a king
Beowulf was is “The great hearted king unclasped from his throat.” This quote is taken
from right after Beowulf dies. The final quote that prese
. . .
Even before Beowulf’s death others warned him about death such as Rhothgar “Beware
of Pride; Now for the time you shall feel the fullness and know glory of strength, but soon
sickness of sword shall strip you of your might. ” Death is summed up in Beowulf in one
line which reads “ All men must die, let him who may win glory before death. Another said by
Beowulf is “My hour has come, and my end is near. On the other hand Beowulf , the good, is described in this
quote “Of living strong men he was the strongest, fearless and gallant and great of heart. evil and the fact that in
Beowulf good always wins is “He was fain to be gone; he would flee to darkness The
fellowship of devils Far different his fate from what which befell him in former days” said
of Grendel and his weakness the other is “The demon shall wait for the day of doom When
the God of glory shall give decree. Throughout Beowulf there is much good vs. The O/Aural Tradition, Parts I and II. The Norton Anthology of English Literature – Volume New York: Norton and Company, 1993.
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