Textbook Notes: Beowulf and Others

Beowulf Intro

• written around 1000 A.D.
• written in Old English
• expressed by infliction
• syntax is much more fluid than modern
• usually performed orally (when first written) gave much different effect than simply reading it
• blend of fiction and nonfiction
• connected its preChristian characters to its Christian audience

From Trista

• about man exiled from Rome to live among the Scythian people
• there he is an outsider, a "barbarian", he doesn't speak their language
• unsafe, warring people

Far Corners of Earth

• again about unfamiliar surroundings and loneliness

Beowulf

• hero who ventures across the sea to slay Grendel
• he is successful, but then must also kill his vengeful mother, which he does
• all of the people of Merot are thankful and give thanks to the hero
• skips many years and Beowulf is now older and a king, goes into his last battle
• kills the dragon, with the help of his only loyal warrior, but gets injured and dies shortly after