Beowulf Commentary

Natalie Mironov
Ms. Peifer
10 IB, Hr 4
15 December 2008

Beowulf Commentary

"A light appeared and the place brightened

the way the sky does when heaven's candle

is shining clearly. He inspected the vault:

with sword held high, its hilt raised

to guard and threaten, Hygelac's thane

scouted by the wall in Grendel's wake.

Now the weapon was to prove its worth.

The warrior determined to take revenge

for every gross act Grendel had committed--

and not only for that one occasion

when he'd come to slaughter the sleeping troops,

fifteen of Hrothgar's house-guards

surprised on their benches and ruthlessly devoured,

and as many again carried away,

a brutal plunder. Beowulf in his fury

now settled that score: he saw the monster

in his resting place, war-weary and wrecked,

a lifeless corpse, a casualty

of the battle in Heorot. The body gaped

at the stroke dealt to it after death:

Beowulf cut the corpse's head off."

(Heaney 1570-1590).

The story of Beowulf is full of heroic acts and fights. This passage is about Beowulf defeating Grendel's mother and symbolizes the themes of revenge and heroism present throughout the story. Beowulf's goal was to "take revenge for every gross act Grendel had committed" (Heaney 1577-1578). Beowulf wasn't going to just sit there, he needed to be part of the action, he needed to avenge Grendel and his mother and not let all these lives be lost in vain. Another idea portrayed in this section is how evil Grendel is. "He'd come to slaughter the sleeping troops, fifteen of Hrothgar's house-guards surprised on their benches and ruthlessly devoured, and as many again carried away" (Heaney 1580-1583). Grendel murdered all these people and the fact that Beowulf is seeking revenge for all his awful deeds just proves his greatness as well as his strength and bravery. All of these portrayals are shown through the use of alliteration, imagery, and connotation.

The use of alliteration in this passage emphasizes the character of Beowulf. The line, "With sword held high, its hilt raised" (Heaney 1573) is descriptive of Beowulf. The "h" sound is gentle, yet powerful at the same time. It shows Beowulf's true character as a strong leader, but one who does it to benefit others and not just himself. Another example of alliteration is talking about Grendel's mother as "war-weary and wrecked" (Heaney 1586). The "w" sounds tired and helpless. She was fighting Beowulf as revenge for what he did to Grendel and the fact that Beowulf defeats her continues to prove his strength and how honorable he is to take on these evil beings.

Imagery plays a big part in Beowulf because with all the battles that take place it helps the reader see what is happening and understand the characters. "He saw the monster in his resting place, war-weary and wrecked, a lifeless corpse... The body gaped at the stroke dealt to it after death: Beowulf cut the corpse's head off" (Heaney 1585-1590). This is an example of imagery being used to heighten Beowulf's glory and make him seem even more incredible. Nobody would dare oppose a warrior as powerful as Beowulf. He is able to compete with even the most deadly of creatures and through this point has always been victorious.

Connotation is important in the way Grendel is portrayed. When describing Grnadel's actions the story says he "ruthlessly devoured" (Heaney 1582) men and he is "brutal" (Heaney 1584) as well as saying he came "to slaughter the sleeping troops" (Heaney 1580). These words are very harsh and full of negative connotation. Through this choice in words it doesn't give the reader a chance to question Grendel's motives it just immediately leads them to thinking how evil Grendel is and what a hero Beowulf is for avenging his awful deeds.

This passage is made up of many little things that are present throughout all of Beowulf. The themes and literary devices used provide insight into what can be expected throughout the rest of the story and really give a good understanding of the characters. In this way, the reader understands the roles of Beowulf and Grendel and how important their parts are to the story. This section is very interesting to read because of all the details provided, it weaves an interesting story even without all the background knowledge.

Works Cited

Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Heaney. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.

Beowulf LRJ #3

Pride and glory are often values of a warrior, and this is the case in Beowulf. Beowulf was a very proud man and was not one to ask for help. "This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth" (Heaney 2532-2535). This is an example of Beowulf being too proud to ask for help, even when it later becomes needed. Pride is a value, not just important to Beowulf, but also to the rest of society. The warrior who helped Beowulf battle the dragon said, "I would rather my body were robed in the same burning blaze as my gold-giver's body than go back home bearing arms" (Heaney 2651-2653). His image would have been hurt had he gone back to the people having let Beowulf die, and all the while standing there watching and being armed. This shows how the society valued pride and their image as warriors. Glory is the other prominent value. Glory was important to Beowulf as well as the other warriors. Glory was used to honor people in many situations, Beowulf's victories and the bravery of other soldiers. "He picked us out from the army deliberately, honoured us and judged us fit for this action, made me these lavish gifts -- and all because he considered us the best of his arms-bearing thanes" (Heaney 2638-2342). As well as something occuring after the heroic act, glory is also present as motivation. "Inspired again by the thought of glory, the war-king threw his whole strength behind a sword-stroke" (Heaney 2678-2679). This was Beowulf's last attempt at glory by trying to kill the dragon even after he was mortally wounded.

The battle with the fire-breathing dragon is different than the rest of Beowulf in many ways. For one, Beowulf was fighting a dragon instead of a creature like Grendel and Grendel's mother. Also, "That final day was the first time when Beowulf fought and fate denied him glory in battle" (Heaney 2573-2575). Beowulf was not used to not winning and "his mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331-2333) because "his own home, the best of the buildings, had been burnt to a cinder" (Heaney 2325-2326). This creates a sense of vulnerability that has never been present before. This final section of Beowulf gives Beowulf human qualities that the reader never knew he possessed and this is significantly different than the rest of the story. It is the first time the reader experiences Beowulf feeling emotion and being mortal.

Although the battle with the dragon brings the death of Beowulf, it is an honorable and fitting end for a hero. He died in battle, a very important thing for a warrior. Beowulf was determined to give it his all. Before setting off he said, "I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away" (Heaney 2535-2537), and he did just that. Beowulf's death was also honorable because even after he was wounded and knew he was dying, he never gave up. "Once again the king gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife... He stuck it deep into the dragon's flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound" (Heaney 2702-2705). This is just one example of Beowulf's strength and determination because even though he was dying he still managed to kill the dragon. That last display of courage is why Beowulf's death was a fitting end for a hero.

Beowulf LRJ #2

An important value in their society was revenge. Fighting and warfare were things that were admired and honored and revenge goes right along with them. "'Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning" (Heaney 1384-1385). This shows how one was expected not to mourn the death of a loved one but to immediately seek revenge. There are many other places where revenge takes place in the story but one specific instance is when Grendel's mother gets involved in the fighting. "He died in battle, paid with his life; and now this powerful other one arrives, this force for evil driven to avenge her kinsman's death" (Heaney 1337-1340). Grendel's mother wanted revenge for what Beowulf did to Grendel but the Danes wanted revenge on Grendel just as much. "The warrior determined to take revenge for every gross act Grendel had committed" (Heaney 1577-1578). This shows how large a role revenge played in people's actions. Another key value is bravery. Bravery was a very respectable attribute in their society and the men were expected to display it and face Grendel, even when they didn't stand a chance. The reader can tell how honorable it was to be brave because of how respected Beowulf was for the courage he displayed. "Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand forged, fine-webbed mail would soon meet with his menace underwater" (Heaney 1402-1404), and when he returned from battle, "His courage was proven, his glory was secure" (Heaney 1646). He showed everyone how brave a single man can be and proved to them how brave he was.

It is unrealistic when Beowulf swims to the bottom of the lake to fight Grendel's mom. "Without more ado, he dived into the heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of a day before he could see the solid bottom" (Heaney 1494-1496). It it not possibly for a person to hold their breath for a whole day but this makes Beowulf seem even more powerful than he already is. It makes the reader feel like Beowulf is invincible and nothing can ever stop him. Beowulf's strength is another part of the story that is unrealistic. "Hygelac's kinsman kept him helplessly locked in a hand grip" (Heaney 812-813). The fact that Beowulf is strong enough to hold on to a creature this large and dangerous in itself but on top of that he is able to make "shrews split and the bone-lappings burst" (Heaney 816-817). This is not humanly possible, especially to a beast like Grendel but it gives the reader an awe of Beowulf and makes the story more entrancing with all of Beowulf's feats.

A powerful quote in Beowulf is, "The warrior determined to take revenge forevery gross act Grendel had committed -- and not only for that one occasion when he'd come to slaughter the sleeping troops, fifteen of Hrothgar's house-guards surprised on their benches and ruthlessly devoured, and as many again carried away, a brutal plunder" (Heaney 1577-1584). This is so meaningful becauseas well as making Beowulf seem very heroic in wanting to repay Grendel for what he has done, it adds to the evilness of Grendel. It makes the reader picture such a horrendous thing happening and enforces the negative feelings one has towards Grendel.

Beowulf LRJ #1

       An important value that can be seen in Beowulf is courage. This trait is especially significant for males because they were the ones expected to stay in the mead hall and face Grendel, no matter the outcome. Courage is also evident through Beowulf's actions. When Beowulf and his men arrived, one of the Dane warriors said, "I have never seen so impressive or large an assembly of strangers. Stoutness of heart, bravery not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar" (Heaney 337-339). This is showing how the Dane people respected these men and the courage they were showing by coming to fight Grendel. Beowulf also exhibits courage through his determination to beat Grendel and help the Danes. Beowulf stated, "I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall" (Heaney 634-638). This is courageous because he's risking his life for the greater good. Another value present is honor. The Danes seemed to place great value on honoring rulers or people who performed great deeds. There is evidence that they honored their lord because "Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear" (Heaney 36-37). The Danes also greatly honored Beowulf. "Beowulf's doings were praised over and over again. Nowhere, they said, north or south between the two seas or under the tall sky on the broad earth was there anyone better to raise a shield or to rule a kingdom" (Heaney 855-860). This showed how much they appreciated everything he had done and wanted to make sure everyone knew about it and honored and respected him for it.
       Alliteration is found often throughout Beowulf. An example is, "his God-given goods" (Heaney 72). This quote gives the goods a connotation of being very important and as if they were from the gods themselves. From this the reader is able to realize how meaningful the goods actually are. Another place where alliteration is present is, "The ship rode the water, broad-beamed, bound by its hawswer and anchored fast" (Heaney 301-303). By saying this the author creates an image of the ship for the reader, and makes it seem more daunting through the harsh sound of the letter "b." A final example of alliteration is while describing Grendel the author states that he is, "Greedy and grim" (Heaney 122). This enforces the reader's opinion of Grendel as evil and selfish.
       Kennings are another literary device in Beowulf. One place this happens is the "dark death-shadow" (Heaney 160). This is referring to Grendel and shows how frightening and illusive he is. Another kenning is the "earth's lamplight, lanters for men" (Heaney 95). In this case the earth's lamplight is the sun and the moon.

And The Verdict Is...

Natalie Mironov

Ms. Peifer

10 IB, Hr 4

26 November 2008

Creon: GUILTY

       Ladies and gentlemen, Creon is guilty, there is no doubt about it. He is guilty on three counts of murder, as well as disrespect for the dead. It was his unjust decree that Polyneices remain unburied that led him to order Antigone's death. This in turn caused the death of Creon's own son, Haimon, and his wife, Eurydice.

       Creon first must be found guilty of forbidding the proper burial of Polyneices and going against the laws of tradition. He declared Polyneices a traitor and stated, "He'll have no burial mound, no funeral rites, and no lament. He'll be left unburied, his body there for birds and dogs to eat, a clear reminder of his shameful fate. That's my decision" (Sophocles 233-237). Antigone fought back saying Creon will be showing "contempt for those laws the gods all hold in honour" (Sophocles 95-96). This  proves how Creon is breaking laws of tradition and acting in an unethical manner.

       Secondly, Creon must be charged with the death of Antigone, his future daughter-in-law. As Antigone bravely defends the honor of her brother, Polyneices, Creon tries to claim it a terrible act, worthy of death. He says, "Since I caught her clearly disobeying, the only culprit in the entire city, I won't perjure myself before the state. No -- I'll kill her" (Sophocles 743-746). This is an outright confession of the awful deed he committed, all for an act as honorable as defending one's own family.

       The death of Antigone triggers a chain reaction with the death of Creon's son, Haimon, and his wife, Eurydice, following. These deaths must all be attributed to Creon's arrogance and belief that he is always right. He is so angered by Haimon questioning his morals that he ordered a guard to "go bring her out -- the hateful creature, so she can die right her, with him present, before her bridegroom's eyes" (Sophocles 868-870). This order by Creon was meant to kill the woman Haimon loves right in front of him, an act no person should ever witness. Creon's unjust ways cause Haimon so much grief and pain that he kills himself, which in turn leads Eurydice to do the same. Creon, upon the realization of his faults says, "I killed you, my son, without intending to, and you, as well, my wife" (Sophocles 1486-1487). This shows Creon directly claiming fault for these atrocities.

       If the jury is still unclear as to their decision, one must be advised to take into account Creon's plea. He stated that, "The guilt for all this is mine -- it can never be removed from me or passed to any other mortal man. I, and I alone... I murdered you" (Sophocles 1463-1466). Creon must be punished at once for his heinous behavior.

Works Cited

Sophocles. "Antigone." Johnstonia. Trans. Ian Johnson. May 2005. 24 November 2008 <http://records.viu.ca/%7Ejohnstoi/Sophocles/Antigone.htm>.

Antigone LRJ #2

       There are many strong images presented in "Antigone." One such image is in the death of Haimon where the story says, "And as he died he gathered Antigone close in his arms again, choking, his blood bright red on her white cheek" (Fitts 72-74). This is a very strong image in that it shows how deeply Haimon must have loved Antigone. You can tell he always wanted to be with her, in life and in death, so when she died he felt his life was not worth living and wanted to end it with her beside him. The text also contains many images of Polyneices' body, beginning after Antigone's attempt to bury it. The guard tells Creon they have found, "The body, just mounded over with light dust: you see? Not buried really, but as if they'd covered it." (Fitts 113-114). This is important because it is such a defiant act and goes against everything Creon has said. Another image of Polyneices' body appears when the guard says, "I went with Creon to the outer plain where Polyneices was lying, no friend to pity him, his body shredded by dogs" (Fitts 37-38). The repetition of images of Polyneices' body show how important it was and how it was influential on all the events that follow.

       Another influential factor in the story is Creon. His fatal flaws are that he is stubborn and conceited.  This is evident in many situations such as when he says, "Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to break my sworn word? No and I will not" (Fitts 26-27), and again when he states that, "The State is the King!" (Fitts 107). These quotes show that Creon is never able to admit when he is wrong and always thinks his opinions are right. This is what leads to such tragic consequences.

       Creon experiences anagnorisis following the death of his son, Haimon. He says, "Haimon my son, so young, so young to die, I was the fool, not you: and you died for me" (Fitts 91-92). This shows that Creon finally realized how foolhardy his decisions had been, but even with this realization he was too late. 

       While this realization occured, Creon had found out, "Haemon has been killed. No stranger shed his blood" (Johnston 1308), and immediately following that, "Your wife is dead--blood mother of that corpse--slaughtered with a sword" (Johnston 1427-1428). These show that peripeteia had been occuring simultaneously because Creon's anagnorisis had happened too late.

       After all the drama that has taken place, catharsis finally happens at the end of the story when Creon completely gives up on everything, including his own life. He says, "Get me away from here, for now what I am in life is nothing" (Johnston 1468-1469), and later, "Oh, let it come, so that I never see another dawn" (Johnston 1331-1332). This causes the audience to become emotionally detached from Creon and no longer feel pity or other feelings for him.

       In "Antigone" women are characterized as brave and loyal, Antigone being the most obvious example of this. She says, "For me meeting this fate won't bring any pain. But if I'd allowed my own mother's dead son to just lie there, an unburied corpse, then I'd feel distress" (Johnston 526-529). This is proving she is loyal because she is standing up for her dead brother. She is brave by doing this even though the law forbids it, and not being afraid of the punishment, namely death. Ismene is another example of bravery and loyalty. She says, "I did it--I admit it, and she'll back me up. So I bear the guilt as well" (Johnston 614-615). Even though these are not her original feelings it shows how she came to the realization that she needed to stand up for Polyneices. This is an example of bravery because she is willing to share Antigone's punishment, and better to show her loyalty to her brother late than never.

Works Cited

Sophocles. "Antigone." Johnstonia. Trans. Ian Johnson. May 2005. 24 November 2008 <http://records.viu.ca/%7Ejohnstoi/Sophocles/Antigone.htm>.

---. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826.

What A Fool Does In The End, The Wise Do In The Beginning.

Dearest Antigone,

Even with my best efforts you are stubborn and rash. I have tried so many times to teach you to respect authority. In this way, I have failed you. You are strong willed and unafraid, but sometimes, it is best to back down. I know how upset you were over the deaths of Oedipus and Polyneices. I was too, they are our brothers and nothing can change that. And yet you had to go make another foolish decision. I know how much it meant to you to bury Polyneices in honor and dignity as we did Oedipus, but it could not be done. Creon's decry stated that none must touch him and the corpse must be left upon the ground, to be fed on by carrion. You were not to defy this, its only path led to death. But even so, I see how your heart was set on this and I should have helped you. Polyneices is an honorable man and deserved as respectable a burial as anyone else. One must not turn on family, even in the face of tyranny. I apologize for my harsh attitude towards you, it is not my nature to defy authority, but although I have failed you, I cannot leave you to endure the consequences all by yourself. I should have been there with you and will accept the blame in a pitiful attempt to make up for my wrongdoings. And remember, no matter what happens in the time to come, I am your sister. I shall always stand by you in everything you do, in life or in death.

With all my love,

Ismene

And God Said, Let There Be... Blogs!

This blog is part of a class project for English 10 IB. Our assignment is to create blogs and increase our digital presence due to the fact that we are now living in a digital age. Computers, along with cell phones and other electronics, have become such a big part of people's everyday lives. They are used both for work and personal enjoyment and allow the user many resources they wouldn't otherwise have access to. Through this blog we will be doing class assignments online so that all of our peers can read and comment on them. This will allow us to receive feedback, not only from the teacher, but from our classmates as well. This idea of completing and turning in work online is not a new one but has not been very present at Central, being a public school. On this note, we will just have to wait and see how things go!