Old English Literature And Poetry Essays Examples For College & High School Students in PDF

1223 total results

An Evaluation of the Book Review Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics by J.R.R. Tolkien (623 words, 2 pages)

J. R. R. Tolkiens review of Beowulf, Beowulf The Monsters and the critics was extremely difficult to read and understand and retain. I have never had the desire to read his other works such as Lord of The Rings or The Hobbit, and now I understand why. Though I did ... Read More

A Comparison of the Epic Beowulf and the Movie The 13th Warrior (719 words, 4 pages)

Beowulf and The 13th Warrior Comparison and Contrast Final Draft Anyone at first may perceive that a poem and a movie cannot be compared or contrasted. However, in the heroic epic Beowulf and the movie The 13th Warrior that is just not the case. Beowulf is a heroic epic that ... Read More

An Analysis of the Metrical Charm Entitled Against Dwarf Wiđ Dweorh From the Anglo Saxon Book of Remedies Lacnunga (1346 words, 5 pages)

Once described as the "incoherent jumbling of words," a metrical charm entitled "Against Dwarf Wi Dweorh" is found in an Anglo Saxon book of "Remedies Lacnunga." Generally dismissed as nonsense, the charm is said to have been derived "miscellaneously from Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Gaelic, and other languages" (Grendon 114). One ... Read More

The Reflection of the Anglo-Saxon Life and Culture in the Epic of Beowulf (1897 words, 6 pages)

Throughout the poem of Beowulf, Anglo-Saxon culture is presented in such a way that the deeds of the heroic and the loyal appear essential to the early life of early Nordic countries. Notably, the tale of Beowulf was told primarily in the 8th century and recorded in the early 10th ... Read More

A Reflection on the Character of Beowulf (487 words, 2 pages)

After reading Beowulf, I definitely was left with many questions regarding the story. I enjoyed the story, but definitely wish there was a way to explore deeper certain events in the story. One question I had is in regard to whether or not Beowulf can be seen as an unrealistic ... Read More

The Relevancy of Beowulf in the 21st Century (580 words, 3 pages)

Old English Online The Relevancy of Beowulf in 2015When the modern reader first approaches Beowulf, they may not be overjoyed with what they find. The barrier to entry for some will probably be the format and style of the piece, both of which are likely to strike almost every new ... Read More

An Examination of the Idea of Heroism in the Character of Beowulf According to Ralph Waldo Emerson (1458 words, 5 pages)

The story of Beowulf is one of the first known written English scripts and thus provides a revolutionary glimpse into early European life. But despite its pure historical significance, its literary impact stands in the same class as the ancient epics such as The Odyssey. Its central figure, Beowulf, is ... Read More

David Dumville’s Critique of Historia Brittonum, a Book by Geoffrey of Monmouth and Nennius (1071 words, 4 pages)

Scholars and students alike analyzing the early texts that reference the supposed existence of King Arthur, and his subsequent development into an international literary hero may find themselves examining the Historia Brittonum as a source concerning not only Arthur, but also the king-ships, feuds, and cultural interactions of early medieval ... Read More

A Comparison of the Depiction of Grendel in the Epic Poem Beowulf and the Book Grendel by John Gardner (765 words, 3 pages)

During the Anglo-Saxon time period, a horrific monster known as Grendel terrorized individuals. Grendel is very well-known in British Literature for his very barbaric and often terrifying behavior. In fact, there were stories created that depicted the encounters of Grendel in these time periods. The depiction of Grendel in the ... Read More

An Analysis of the Rules of Comitatus in Beowulf and America Today (884 words, 4 pages)

Comitatus In Beowulf, the Viking Era, and TodayBeowulf kept him helplessly locked in a handgrip... The monsters whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lappings broke (55). This depiction of Beowulfs fight, a gory and vividly portrayed scene, shows that he ... Read More

The Societal Heroic Values and Ideals Based on Two Epic Heroes: Odysseus and Beowulf (1386 words, 6 pages)

IntroductionThe societal heroic values and ideals based on two epic heroesBasically, an epic hero could refer to the central figure on which the story revolves around hence, elaborating on the heroic values and character traits of given individuals within the society. The authors critically analyze the specific traits of various ... Read More

A Summary and Analysis of Lines 1251 and 2300 of Beowulf (537 words, 1 pages)

Lines 1251-2300SummaryA day after Beowulf rips Grendels arm off and kills him, he takes upon the challenge of killing Grendels mother. Before he does so, he talks to Unferth and he lends him a powerful sword entitled Hrunting, a sword that has been passed on for many generations. Beowulf was ... Read More

A Summary and Analysis of Lines 2300-3182 of Beowulf (554 words, 1 pages)

Lines 2300-3182SummaryIn the last third of Beowulf, the arrival of the dragon as the next villain that Beowulf fights is foreshadowed extensively. Furthermore, Beowulf is throned as king of the Geats and is described to be a great king whom people looked up to and revered. Then, the dragon is ... Read More

Military Experience Is Required to Be an Effective Leader as Shown in Beowulf and the Article about Dwight David Eisenhower (1159 words, 5 pages)

Hell on EarthSociety tends to differentiate warriors and leaders by placing leaders higher on the social pyramid than warriors, signifying that they are two completely different social classes. However, there is some gray area between the two groups. It is no coincidence that most of the world leaders throughout history ... Read More

An Analysis of the Depiction of Revenge in The Finn Episode and the Tragedy of Revenge in Beowulf, an Article by Martin Camargo (594 words, 2 pages)

The Finn Episode And The Tragedy Of Revenge In Beowulf AbstractCamargo, Martin. "The Finn Episode And The Tragedy Of Revenge In Beowulf." Studies In Philology 78.5 (1981) 120. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.In an article by Martin Camargo, The Finn Episode and the Tragedy of Revenge in Beowulf, ... Read More

The Central Theme of Revenge in the Epic of Beowulf (1880 words, 7 pages)

Blood began to boil and tensions began to rise. Eventually it happens to everybody whether it be a family member, friend, or random stranger, tensions rise because of misunderstood, or perhaps very well understood, actions. For most individuals, a primary reaction is to get even. There is a place for ... Read More

The Importance of Male Homosocial Bonds in Beowulf (1600 words, 5 pages)

Primates are social by nature, humans are no exception to this. The importance of these homosocial bonds are displayed throughout interactions in Beowulf. These male homosocial bonds in Beowulf are also known as comitatus and are created through several ways. They play important parts in the actions and adventures of ... Read More

An Analysis of the Value of Strength in the Epic of Beowulf (910 words, 3 pages)

The value strength is necessary to succeed and be victorious. In Burton Raffels translation of the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf achieves glory because of this attribute. He has many moments where he demonstrates this strength such as when he easily snaps off Grendels limb, and lifts up the sword that ... Read More

The Cultures Shown in Beowulf and Gilgamesh (1539 words, 5 pages)

Introduction Culture forms an essential part in the continuity and existence ofevery community. A peoples' culture forms the framework on which acommunity's values, beliefs, and hope are built on. As such, differentcommunities have come up with different means of passing on the culturalknowledge and information to future generations to ensure ... Read More

Beowulf’s Courage and Determination to Defeat the Dragon (250 words, 1 pages)

Having defeated two deplorable monsters with little to no help and resultantly been honored with treasures, gifts, and kingship, Beowulf is led to believe that he is the "chosen one" to lead and protect the Geats from their perceived evil. In this last fight, Beowulf is egotistical, tenacious, and determinedsome ... Read More

The Christian Elements in Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem (1778 words, 11 pages)

The epic poem Beowulf is one of the earliest examples of English literature. Originally written in Old English, the story has been translated and passed on for generations. The fundamental story line of the poem follows an Anglo-Saxon hero named Beowulf, who is responsible for saving his town from multiple ... Read More

The Story of Beowulf in Chapter 7 of Asma’s On Monsters (685 words, 2 pages)

Asmas On Monster Ch. 7 Reflection Human spirituality has created a need to destroy monsters. Through Asmas discussion of Beowulf in his book, On Monsters, a paradigm shift is expressed through the prevalence of Christianity that shows the destruction of monsters comes from viewing them as misunderstood as opposed to ... Read More

An Analysis of the Characterization of Beowulf in the Play “Beowulf” (533 words, 2 pages)

Characterization of BeowulfI believe that Beowulf is a selfless brave hero who seeks to always do the right thing often risking his own life to do it. He fought multiple beasts with his pure strength with no regards for his own safety to protect people in danger. He rules over ... Read More

The Nature of Grendel in the Epic Poem of Beowulf (992 words, 3 pages)

The Nature of GrendelBeowulf and Grendel by John Gardner depict Grendel in vastly different ways. In Beowulf, Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches among the banished monsters (102). We were not able to see much of Grendel except in the very beginning and during its ... Read More

The Use of Violence as a Means of Vanquishing One’s Enemies in the Poem Beowulf (671 words, 3 pages)

Violence In BeowulfThe Beowulf author sees violence as an essential means for asserting dominance and claiming victory over one's foes in seizing life from them. While the violence carried out by evil individuals is considered problematic, violence on the part of the hero, Beowulf, is glorified and depicted as righteous.Death ... Read More

The Personal Confrontations in Beowulf That Are Essential in the Progress of the Narrative (968 words, 4 pages)

Battles of BeowulfThroughout Beowulf, the hero must prove himself by conquering a number of monsters which imperil the order of the Anglo-Saxon world. The poet uses Beowulf's battles with Grendel's mother and the dragon to emphasize values and traditions of Anglo-Saxon culture, providing an effective template for the warrior and ... Read More

A Comparison of the Idea of Heroism in the Characters of Beowulf and Sir Gawain (959 words, 3 pages)

The idea of heroism is very prevalent in both Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by Burton Raffel. Although it is true that being a hero is based on performing heroic deeds, the personality of an individual ultimately determines whether or not a ... Read More

The Depiction of Christ in the Poem Beowulf (437 words, 2 pages)

In the Poem Beowulf, he is given a exceptionally hard task to accomplish but he is able to do what no other man was about do. In this poem Beowulf is showed as a Christ figure. Christianity was able to change the poem so that Beowulf was depicted as a ... Read More

The Demonstration of Immorality in the Book “Beowulf” (754 words, 3 pages)

Immortality is a classic treasure for the fools and villains of many ancient tales. All of these characters tend to have one quality in common not accepting their own mortality. This concept of mortality is emphasized by all the major characters in the book Beowulf regardless of whether or not ... Read More

The Courage of Beowulf (728 words, 2 pages)

As Socrates said, He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy. Beowulf showcases great courage throughout this epic poem that is crucial to his success and earns him his fame and pride. He does these courageous acts ... Read More

Old English Literature and Poetry Essay Examples