LRJ #1 Introduction/ Battle with Grendel
The culture in Beowulf is clearly determined and strong. It is ready and willing to take on anything with its new hero, Beowulf. At the end of the introduction, Beowulf says to the people "So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you here, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength." (line 415-418). Beowulf knows the people believe in him and have his trust, and everyone knows Beowulf definitely believes in himself.
The first kenning in the introduction is "earths lamplight" (line 95). The sun and moon are what this kenning is representing while they are sailing the ocean. This is a kenning because it is a metaphor used in place of a man. "The treasure-seat" (line 168) is representing the throne of herot.
In the battle with Grendel, "stealthy night shapes" (line 160) represents the darkness among the world and feeling of the upcoming demon. These "stealthy night shapes" were not physically there but they were in the clouds, and surrounding the people. "shadow-stalker" (like 704), is the stealth and swiftness of the demon.
LRJ #2 The Battle with Grendel's Mother
The values in Beowulf are based on strength, revenge, and responsibility. Beowulf killed Grendel to help the city, because he had strength and responsibility. Later, revenge comes into play, when Grendel's mother needs to avenge her son. "Then it became clear, ovbious to everyone once the fight was over, that an avenger lurker was still alive, grimly biding time." (1255-1258). Beowulf is then forced to protect his pride, and kill Grendel's mother.
There are a few unrealistic things exemplified in Beowulf. The strength and power Beowulf has is quite unrealistic. Also, the belief everyone has in him is quite unlikely. Beowulf feeds off of his inferiors. He becomes a stronger person as time goes on, and the people trust him more. "The monsterr wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him." (lines 1269-1271). It is also unrealistic the power that God has, and how much Beowulf relies on him. Without God, the hero would be lost and wihtout hope.
"Everybody gazed as the hot gore kept wallowing up" (lines 1422-1424). I really like this quite because of its imagery. The wording, and way its written makes it extremely easy for the reader to picture, explain, and recognize. I also lie this quite for the same reasons. "Down they plunged, lashing in anger at the loud call of the battle bugle" (lines 1430-1432). I also just really like the words "battle bugle", it makes happy to hear, and interested in the story.
LRJ #3 Battle with the Fire- Breathing Dragon
This section of Beowulf is the most important the class has read so far. It exemplifies the true character of Beowulf. At this point in the story, Beowulf has become old, but he still has the responsibility to the people to save them from this fire breathing dragon. At the end of the story, Beowulf dies while attempting to maintain his dignity and keep his word.
This reading was different from other parts of the story in a few ways. Beowulf is no longer the strong, courageous man he once was, but still has his honor and the honor to the people he has worked so hard to protect. Also, the unbeatable sword he had used before hit away by this beast, unlike the others who were put to death by it.
During this time, in warfare, men had to die honorably. For example, having a mans body be found killed from behind was very bad. Being hit from behind shows that the man was running away the fight, and will forever be marked a coward, along with his family. Beowulf died honorably, he died the way that was respected by the people in this time.
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