Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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)

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