Beowulf notes (Prologue-Chapter X)

Beowulf AP Lit. Notes

I

·        The prologue correctly suggested the visible translation problems inherent with a work like this. The syntax in sections (like this “Then, one after one, there woke to him, to the chieftain of clansmen, children four…”) makes evidence to that…

·        The values of late 17^th century are detailed a bit as Hrothgar symbolizes the remaining importance placed upon warrior’s and the warrior class in social hierarchy.

·        Like the prologue prefaced it’s a bit jarring how matter a fact the text transitions to mystical elements (i.e. Grendel) it’s almost as if monsters and magic really did exist at one time.

II

·        It’s interesting how the populace begins to loose faith in the once idol hero figure Hrothgar, go so far as to loose faith in their faiths as well. “Their practice this, their heathen hope; 'twas Hell they thought ofin mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not.” 

·        Grendel, to go the analytical route of myths having some roots in reality, could be a symbol of the unpredictable/violent factors of 17^th century life. (such as inclement weather or war bands, rogue raids etc.)

·        “ne'er; O'er” Yep, this is some dated text. Also…where’s Beowulf?

III

·        “…the sooner the better I hear of the country whence ye came.” I agree with the analysis (see right sidebar) that strangers with possibly dubious motives where indeed a threat to any and all settlements. (this supports my idea that Grendel is really more of a manifestation for marauding raid bands or a neighboring hostile village leader)

·        “God they thanked for passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea.” This speaks for the harsh realities of not just seafaring but 17^th century physical dilemmas (like improper foodstuffs or incondite shelters and the like). Subsequently religion became the mantle by which people sought and found safety in their arduous lives (alo a sense of moral education in a school-starved region).

IV

·        It was common for settlements to recruit external groups like Beowulf’s mercenary company to solve military problems like say marauding rogues or a certain mythical, song despising, creature…

·        “Then shone the boars over the cheek-guard; chased with gold.” The disparity of wealth is evident as the preceding quote describes the living grounds of Hrothgar’s palace. Even if the people starve without food or finance, gilded gold bedrooms are as lavish as ever, pillows plumped by private servants, feasts held every night. Really portrays the social hierarchy within the time.

V

·        “Corselets glistened hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright the steel ring sang, as they strode along in mail of battle, and marched to the hall. There, weary of ocean, the wall along they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down, and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged, war-gear of men; their weapons stacked, spears of the seafarers stood together, gray-tipped ash: that iron band was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior proud asked of the heroes their home and kin.” This excerpt details yet again the high value of the military class in this culture’s society. The amount of resources utilized for armaments of war, swords and shields even if food or other necessities are sparse just validates this further.

·        “I am Beowulf named.” Finally he is directly involved in the story.

VI

·        “Fame a plenty have I gained in youth!” first impressions as well as past achievements especially combat related conquests were vital to the employment of Beowulf like mercenaries. They needed a good rep, whether fictions or fact, too eat a good feast, or sleep anywhere not under a makeshift tent.

·        “he has thirty men's heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand, the bold-in-battle.” The hyperbole of heroes is evidence again here, the quote with Beowulf apparently imbued with super strength just expresses the romance society had with an idealistic warrior class. In reality Beowulf was probably based off a successful leader of a group of thirty men.

VII

·        “I had heroes the less, doughty dear-ones that death had reft.” Hearing Hrothgar speak of (aside of the tragic as well as gory I might add deaths) “heroes” it’s clear that the hero of this time was exclusively a warrior. Hmmm just like the Greeks with soldier-champions like Odysseus or hmmmm like today’s soldiers, police, and loosely firefighters. Interesting how in order to be a hero you need to be a, for lack of a better title, killer, killing others in the name of others, it seems. Well unless you’re a firefighter killing the flames, why are heroes widely connected to combat?

VIII

·        This chapter was jarring as the story, again so matter of fact in fluidity of transition, goes from a realistic (well not really, I mean, 5 days in the ocean?) challenge of endurance to Beowulf being attacked from a nautical beast of the deeps… I don’t care if you’re a legendary hero Beowulf, that’s stretching my suspension of disbelief.

IX

·        Nothing of symbolic detail struck out to me, definitely a plot motivated chapter as Beowulf dines and prepares for the fight with Grendel.

X

·        Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death his life will I give, though it lie in my power. No skill is his to strike against me, my shield to hew though he hardy be, bold in battle; we both, this night, shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here, unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God, sacred Lord, on which side soever doom decree as he deemeth right.” Beowulf has got some *suggestive colloquialism deleted* challenging Grendel to a nude man to…creature fight, “lord on which side soever doom decree as he deemeth the right” (in other words whosever lucky enough to have the fates on his or, in Grendel’s case, it’s side.) Lets get onto the battle already!

·        Also Beowulf is a hyperbolic mythical figure with his feats of slaying monsters with no armor or weapons. Its hard to find the hidden truths within the text even if its “modernized”