Beowulf Analysis by Pam Schmidt

#5

2025-09-25 15:15:31 UTC

Wiglaf stood by Beowulf till his death, he was rewarded with the honor of becoming the heir to the throne, his other men all fled and were deemed cowards (295-359)

reilly, ava, arizona, jacob Q:2

2025-09-25 15:29:30 UTC

Beowulf is born under a very noble warrior; he battles monsters like Grendel and Grendel’s mom. He is superhuman, being able to cut off his own arm to slay the dragon and continue fighting throughout the pain. He is a cultural legend, being named the king because he is so strong. He traveled far to the kingdom so he could take on Grendel. Yet he demonstrates humanity via saving those who need him. He is an unmatched warrior as well; many people being slain by the monsters he takes on courageously.

#1

2025-09-25 15:31:14 UTC

Grendel himself is an example of dark imagery, as he is a demon that terrorizes the civilians with no specific purpose but evil. “… a fiend out of hell, began to work his evil in the world.” (Lines 15-16) Describes the image the author is putting into the reader’s mind

An example of light imagery would be Wiglaf recalling all of Beowulf’s good deeds and how they should repay him for his braveness. (Lines 312-317)

For example, in the text it says ”He allowed us to join him, chose us from all his great army, thinking our boasting words had some weight, believing our promises, trusting our swords.”

2025-09-25 15:32:12 UTC

The theme good triumphs over evil is conveyed multiple times throughout the text. In lines 23-29, a man by the name of Cain is committing ruthless murders. This causes many monsters to be created. It shows the Evil caused in their society. Then, Beowulf comes along. Beowulf is described as a good man, as well as being fierce and powerful, (lines 111-113). Beowulf defeats both Grendel and Grendel’s mother, which both attacked Herot and killed many people (lines 247 – 313). Beowulf based his loss or win on God’s judgement, which God granted to him when Beowulf defeats Grendel (line 341).

#3

2025-09-26 14:22:14 UTC

Beowulf is a lot humbler in the last battle. This is shown in the lines (218-222) when he mentions needing armor and a sword without any shame. Beowulf was also older than his other battles, as shown in the intro to the battle with the dragon, when he admits that he needs armor and a sword to fight the dragon. Lastly, Beowulf is more strategic in his last battle. This is proven on lines (237-244) when it talks about him confidently striding into the tower with his shield and his armor under the rocky cliffs.

#6

2025-09-26 14:37:12 UTC

Hrothgar and Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, had a close relationship because Hrothgar once helped Ecgtheow in a time of need. Ecgtheow had killed a man from another tribe and could not settle the feud himself, so Hrothgar paid the wergild, or man-price, on his behalf. Because of this, Ecgtheow and his family owed Hrothgar loyalty and gratitude. This history helped Beowulf when he went to persuade Hrothgar to let him fight Grendel. Hrothgar trusted Beowulf because of his father's honor and said he remembered

Beowulf as a boy: "I knew him when he was a child. His father before him was called Ecgtheow. Hrothgar, king of the Danes, had once given Ecgtheow shelter, paid the man-price for him" (Beowulf, lines 372-376). This family connection made Hrothgar more willing to accept Beowulf's help.

Abigail Dellis, Christian Perez, Sierra Henry

#2

2025-09-29 15:09:30 UTC

He's an epic hero because he went into battles no one else would've made it out of and he also not only defeated Grendel, but he also defeated Grendel's mother as well. "And one bloody clash had fulfilled the dearest wishes of the Danes. The man who had lately landed among them, proud and sure, had purged the hall, kept it from harm; he was happy with his nightwork and the courage he had shown" (lines 346-351). " And struck with all the strength he had left, caught her in the neck and cut it through, Broke bones and all. Her body fell to the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet with her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight" (lines 125-129).