Beowulf LRJ 2

Jake Wythers
Ms Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
12/9/08
Beowulf LRJ 2

1) One value that became very apparent is the importance these people place on boasting and pride. "This formal boast by Beowulf the Geat pleased the lady well" (Heaney 439) This was the lady of the hall's response to Beowulf's boast of slaying Grendel that would seem too prideful today. This shows that the culture valued strength enough that bragging to show pride and confidence was acceptable.
Another important value in this society is bravery. "Beowulf arrayed himself in armor, not at all worrying about his life" (682) Bravery is extremely valuable in a leader such as Beowulf because it inspires respect for allies and fear into enemies. The leader of the Geats is an exemplary hero because he thinks nothing of the danger to himself but would throw himself against any foes to save his people.

2) In "The Battle with Grendel" Beowulf's strength is an unrealistic quality. Beowulf was powerful enough to rip the arm off a fiersome beast like Grendel. "The monster's whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lappings burst." (816) No one could possibly be strong enough to rip apart the very tendons of a monsters arm. This exaggeration elevates Beowulf's power to make him even more of a hero. The listeners to the story would hold Beowulf to be an icon of strength for their society.

3) My favorite quote in "The Battle with Grendel's Mother" is "The hero observed that swamp-thing from hell, that tarn-hag in all her terrible strength." These colorful descriptors really added a great image for Grendel's mother. They still allow the reader room to picture the monster as they imagine her, however.
Another great quote is "Suddenly the god-cursed brute was creating havoc: greedy and grim, he grabbed thirty men from their resting places and rushed to his lair." This description of Grendel's first attack on the hall is the first time he the reader gets a picture of Grendel. It's very exciting to think of a monster being able to grab 30 people at once to take them away.


Works Cited
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000.