Anglo-Saxon poetry, composed within the fifth century through the eleventh century, reflects many ideas of Anglo-Saxon culture and life. Poetry is a part of typical Anglo-Saxon culture, and is commonly passed through generations orally. Among many works of poetry lies the story of Beowulf, a tale of kings, dragons, battles, and superhuman qualities. Beowulf exhibits many characteristics, themes, and ideal traits of typical Anglo-Saxon poetry.
             The poem, Beowulf, contains many characteristics of Anglo-Saxon poetry. A type of characteristic presented within the writing of Beowulf is a Caesura, a pause felt by the reader in a line of verse with two strong beats on either side. The poem describes the main character, Beowulf as "the strongest of the Geats – greater and stronger than anyone in this world" (110-111). This description gives the reader a feeling of where the narrator pauses, as if the poem is being told out loud. Typical Anglo-Saxon poetry lacks end rhyme, as presented in Beowulf. The character, Beowulf, is encountered with challenges in which "[he] already knew that all [His] purpose was this: to win the good will Of [the] people or die in battle" (365-367), which presents no end rhyme. Beowulf also contains many strong alliterations throughout the entire poem. Kennings, two-word metaphors used as poetic convention, are presented within Beowulf. For example, Grendel's mother is referred to as a "water witch" (595), and Edgetho's son is referred to a "ring-giver". Along with the characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon poem, many typical themes are presented in Beowulf.
             Many typical Anglo-Saxon themes are presented in Beowulf. For example, the theme of loneliness of exile is portrayed through the attacking, unprovoked monster, Grendel. Loneliness is implied through Grendel's isolation from the world with his mother under the ocean. Another typical theme presented in B...