1 of 19

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 5

with its fiery breath as revenge. Beowulf comes, along with ten loyal companions, to kill the dragon. Beowulf's sword again fails him. All of his comrades flee save one who fights at his side. In desperation, Beowulf swings again at the dragon, but this time the sword snaps. The dragon picks up Beowulf with its teeth, mortally injuring him. Lines 2682-2684 say, "Fate did not ordain/ that the iron edge should assist him/ in that struggle; Beowulf's hand was too strong." Wiglaf, Beowulf's companion, pierces the dragon with his own sword as Beowulf does with his only other weapon, his knife. Together, they slay the dragon. Wiglaf shows Beowulf the treasure in the cave and Beowulf subsequently dies. A messenger who gives word of Beowulf's death predicts troubles and wars. Enemies attack Geatland and there is much destruction and carnage. It is unknown how the book ends, as a fire destroyed the last pages of the manuscript. All four of these sections, though they flow naturally together, are different in style, tone, and worldview. Likewise there are some inconsistencies in how the character of Beowulf is presented.

Throughout the text of section one, the author is slow and contemplative, offering lengthy descriptions and emphasizing dialogue. The writer is most likely a Christian, as he makes frequent mention of God. Lines 696 through 702 read, "But the Lord wove the webs of destiny,/ gave the Geats success in their struggle,/ help and support, in such a way/ that all were enabled to overcome their enemy/ through the strength of one man. We cannot doubt/ that mighty God has always ruled over mankind." Fate is casually referred to only a few times and in line 1056 it is said that Grendel would have killed many more people had not "wisest God their [fate] averted," thus illustrating God's supremacy over "Fate". The prominent traits of Beowulf are given as being his great strength, his bravery, and his noble grace. Line 197 says "he was the strongest man alive"; line 340 describes him as one "who feared no man"; throughout the text his eloquence is evident through his majestic dialogue. It is evident that the author of the first section seeks to present Beowulf as a near superhuman warrior of impeccable character with the grace and wisdom of a royal prince. Since the first section lays the foundations for the rest of the book, provides background history, and is obviously the original beginning of the book, it is safe to assume that the author of the first section,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Literary analysis: Beowulf?
We want to hear your view. Write now!