The epic poem Beowulf was written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon author in the 8 th century. Many scholars have seen fit to analyze the theme of the poem. David Wright stated that the theme of the epic poem, Beowulf, was the conflict between good and evil. This is conflict is demonstrated in three ways, through the expression of the fear of the dark, the nature and purpose of heroism, and the statement of the Anglo-Saxon outlook and imagination.
A fear of the dark, or things that are un-Godly, is very present in the poem Beowulf. When things get frightening, there is a tendency to over exaggerate them in order to maintain a sense of dignity. The spawn of Cain conceived Grendel. This reference showed that the Anglo-Saxon s were God worshiping people who were well wducated about the Bible. The story of Beowulf was not written down until it had been passed down for many generations.
It is possible that out of fear people over exaggerated Grendel s countenance. Grendel was immune to all sorts of weapons and could only be killed with strength. The Anglo-Saxon people we afraid of Grendel and the story made Grendel sound more hideous every time it was told. Beowulf was a predestined hero. This nature and purpose of heroism is shown throughout the poem.
A hero to the Anglo-Saxon people was one who did something unselfishly and for the good of others. Beowulf was a traveling good guy. He traveled around the country fighting for the good of the people. Beowulf was the only one strong enough to overpower the grasp of Grendel. Beowulf was not fearful of Grendel. This gave Beowulf an advantage over all the rest who tried to conquer Grendel.
The Essay on Beowulf Mythical Monsters Anglo Saxon
Mythical monsters with great powers that get killed by human men are a typical theme in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem translated by Burton Rafael. Three Anglo-Saxon ideals that are portrayed in Beowulf are strength of warriors, boasting of brave deeds, and the belief in the super natural. First, one of the ideals exhibited in Beowulf is physical strength. In Beowulf, Beowulf, ...
The Anglo-Saxon s were very imaginative people. The idea of creating a story where good conquers evil is not so imaginative but creating a character like Grendel is creative. Grendel had long claws and a strong jaw and sharp teeth that he used to crunch the bones of unsuspecting guests at the mead-hall. He was slimy and covered in scales. He lived in the marshes and his home was a hell. The Anglo-Saxon s must have envisioned Grendel as someone who they could really hate and be afraid of.
The theme of the poem Beowulf is the conflict between good and evil. The Anglo-Saxon author used several different ways of showing this. The characters are all well thought out and the poem tells us a lot about life.
