Abraham lincoln biography sparknotes beowulf

This suggests that different cultures, in these old days of oral storytelling, utilised the same methods in very different works of literature, without having direct knowledge of each other. We can compare Beowulftoo, with the legend of King Arthur which began to appear in written sources around the same timespecifically in terms of the magic sword which the hero of both stories uses in order to fulfil his quest.

These aspects seem to be hard-wired within us and to be integral parts of human nature: for instance, ideas of bravery and of triumphing over an evil, superhuman force. This plot, as our brief summary of Beowulf above suggests, shares many of the typical elements of heroic narratives. Although the analogy might seem a little crude, the mechanics of the plot are not so far removed from, say, a James Bond or Indiana Jones film, or a fast-paced fantasy novel or superhero comic strip.

The hero takes it upon himself to save the kingdom at immense personal risk to himself. The foe he faces is no ordinary foe, and conventional weapons are powerless against it. But hand-to-hand combat — which was deployed successfully in the vanquishing of Grendel — is also of no use now. The odds continue to be stacked against our hero, the difficulties multiplying, the tension raised to an almost unbearable pitch.

Can he still save the day, when everything he tries seems to be of no avail? Well, yes — though for a while the chances of Beowulf triumphing are looking less and less likely. The final encounter, with the dragon years later, will prove the most difficult of all — and although he is successful and overcomes the monster, he will pay the ultimate price: victory will come at the cost of his own life.

This patterning of three — three monsters, each of which proves successively more of a challenge to the hero — is found in numerous adventure plots. To a greater or lesser extent, it can be seen in much modern fantasy fiction — such as that by Tolkien. Rather than viewing it as a historical document, Tolkien urged, we should be reading and appreciating it as a work of poetry.

The story is about overcoming an evil foe, only to have to give way to death at the end: even heroes must accept that they will not live forever, even if their names will. Grendel and his mother, then, are similarly outcasts, something that has been rejected by mainstream society and whose violence must be overcome. For more on Tolkien, have a read of our five fascinating facts about him.

Beowulf has an almost divine strength, but also something primal and temporal, but just as valuable: the courage of a wolf.

Abraham lincoln biography sparknotes beowulf: The lengthy passages of recapitulation

If you enjoyed this brief summary of, and introduction to, Beowulfthen you can learn more about the poem here at the British Library website. Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email…. Beowulf is indeed a fascinating work and I always look forward to introducing my students to this foundation of hero motifs.

Also, Beowulf is most commonly described as an epic poem; the label makes its main character, Beowulf, an epic-hero. By virtue of being a hero, Beowulf is set-apart from the society presented in the heroic epic. However, in order to be recognized as heroic hero, Beowulf must participate in society in some meaningful way. There are more than 85 translations of Beowulf, and each one is slightly biased in its interpretation.

Reblogged this on F. McKinstry and commented: Some interesting thoughts here on a classic, with references to J. The king accepts Beowulf's offer, and a feast is held in the warrior's honor. That night, Grendel attacks Heorot. Beowulf manages to mortally wound Grendel after a fierce battle, who flees back to his lair and dies. The second part of the poem focuses on Grendel's mother, who seeks revenge for her son's death and attacks Heorot.

Geatish warrior Beowulf ventures into her underwater lair and brutally battles with her. After a long and arduous fight, Beowulf emerges victorious, and the kingdom is once again safe from the threat of the monsters. Beowulf then returns to Geatland, where he eventually becomes king. His reign is peaceful until a dragon begins to terrorize his kingdom.

The final part of the poem shifts forward in time, depicting Beowulf's old age and his final battle with a dragon. Despite his advanced years, Beowulf faces the dragon to protect his people. In this battle, Beowulf is fatally wounded, but he also delivers a fatal blow to the dragon with the help of a young warrior named Wiglaf. The poem concludes with Beowulf's funeral and a lament for the fallen hero.

The epic poem "Beowulf" features memorable characters, each playing a crucial role in the narrative. These characters drive the plot and embody the values and beliefs of the society depicted in the poem.

Abraham lincoln biography sparknotes beowulf: The poem tells the story

The poem explores heroism, good versus evil, fate, and loyalty. These themes are interwoven with the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story. The theme of heroism is central to "Beowulf. His valor is evident in his battles against Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. The hero, Beowulf, represents good, while the monsters he fights symbolize evil.

This theme reflects the moral worldview of the time. The concept of fateor wyrd, is significant in "Beowulf. Beowulf's acceptance of his fate in his final battle underscores this theme. Loyalty and kinship are also important themes in 'Beowulf. These themes reflect the social structure and values of Anglo-Saxon society. The narrative of 'Beowulf' is structured around three main acts, each centered on a significant battle.

This tripartite structure not only lends a sense of balance but also keeps the audience engaged and intrigued by the progression of the narrative.

Abraham lincoln biography sparknotes beowulf: The story is set

The poem employs a unique narrative technique known as interlacing. This technique involves weaving together different narrative threads, including flashbacks and digressions. It enriches the narrative, providing depth and complexity to the story. This structure reflects the oral tradition of the time and adds depth to the epic's narrative.

The language of "Beowulf" is characterized by alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, a critical poetic device in Old English poetry. This device adds a musical quality to the poem and aids in memorization, an essential aspect of the oral tradition. She gazes over to where Beowulf sits with her two sons, Hrethric and Hrothmund.

After Beowulf is presented with more gifts, Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to treat her sons kindly, then retires. This section ends ominously. Though the guards are set and weapons close at hand, something wicked this way comes. When she arrives, the assembled warriors awake and fight. The next morning, Beowulf comes to the mead-hall and hears the story of the newest attack.

Hrothgar kills one of the monsters with an arrow and then Beowulf prepares to enter the lake. Finally dressed for battle, Beowulf bids Hrothgar farewell. He asks Hrothgar to take care of his crew should he perish, and to send Hygelac the treasure he has won. With that he dives into the water. Beowulf casts his sword aside and grapples with her.

She grabs a knife and nearly kills him, but Beowulf sees an ancient sword in the cave, grabs it, and decapitates her. Victorious, Beowulf swims to the surface, where his men await. He explains how he took the ancient sword and smote the monster. He presents the hilt to Hrothgar, who sees on it the story of the great flood. Hrothgar praises Beowulf and reminds him not to become prideful.

Eventually, Hrothgar retires and Beowulf is guided to his quarters. He bids an emotional farewell to the gray-haired Hrothgar, who has the premonition that he will never see Beowulf again. Beowulf and his crew make their way back to their treasure-laden ship. After a brief digression about the inevitability of war between the Danes and the Heatho-Bards, Beowulf tells Hygelac about the killing of Grendel and his mother.

His story finished, Beowulf presents Hygelac with gifts from Hrothgar. The narrator tells us that as a child, Beowulf had been thought a weakling. As a reward for his bravery, Hygelac gives Beowulf a gem-studded sword, land, a hall, and a throne. In the blink of an eye, fifty years pass. Beowulf becomes King of the Geats and rules well.