LRJ#3-Beowulf

In the section where Beowulf battles the fire breathing dragon, some Anglo Saxon values were displayed. First off Beowulf knew of the dragons reign of terror, as the destruction continued he only then realized this dragon was evil and needed to be stopped after his own home was ruined. "The Beowulf was given bad news, a hard truth: his own home, the best building, had been burnt to a cinder, the throne room of the Geats." (2324-2327) This shows that the idea of having a home is really important to this culture. Beowulf was devastated when he realized the comforts of his own place destroyed, and this was his main incentive to slay the dragon.

There are some major differences between this section of Beowulf and the other sections in this story. At this point the story is nearing its end and Beowulf is starting to show some weakness for the first time. After his house was burnt down it leaves him in a more vulnerable state. Now not only is he fighting the dragon for the protection of others, but also because the dragon took something he loved from him. "Anxiety weighed on his brave heart..." (2784-2785) He is doubting his luck for the first time when searching for the leader of the Geats.

He dies in an honorable state, although the ending may appear to be an unfortunate circumstance, Beowulf sacrificed his own life in the deafeate of the dragon. This is an appropetite death for a hero, who was so pure at heart. His final word include those of not regret but thankfullness of the all he was able to do to help his people ""To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that i behold this treasure here in front of me, that i have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day i die."" (2794-2799)

LRJ #2-Beowulf

The values of this section include other concepts of Anglo Saxon culture. Those of which are expressed through determined attitudes to finish what fight was started. A battle with an enemy doesn't end until defeated. Even if it means fighting it out with any associations of the enemy like in this case Beowulf is out to get the the mother Grendel, even though she is just a connection of the villein.

The creatures that are described in Beowulf are fictional beasts. That prove there power through violent gory action. The imagery is very intense, yet unrealistic. The monstrous figures are used to exaggerate the the sense of danger. So once defeated, the hero seems braver and stronger.

Some of my favorite quotes in this section of the story are first: "Suddenly light glittered, a light brightened within, as bright and clear as the candle of the sky." This metaphor describes a sudden realization that was like a light being lit inside.

LRJ #1-Beowulf

The story of Beowulf reflects the Anglo Saxon values through aspects of the theme. Some examples of the cultural traits presented are when the stories elaborate adventures take unexpected turns. These reflect this societies sense of creativity and show the entertainment value of story telling. Beowulf is full of exaggerations and mystical creatures that put heroic characters in danger. Anglo Saxon people tell these tall tails to portray an idealistic warrior figure.

Figurative language commonly used in Beowulf is alliteration, which pairs similar sounding words in the same phrase."and stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth" (650) the S sound in stealthy, shapes and stealing create a rhythm in the flow of the word. This use appears frequently throughout the story.

Another literary concept that is also used often. "He was desperate to flee to is den and hide with the devils litter," (754) When he describes the situation as "devils litter" this compares the feeling to being bad enough to want to hide away with the devils children, like hell.