Beowulf: On The Edge Of Being Essay, Research Paper

The epic poem Beowulf is definately an informational and entertaining piece of literature from the Anglo Saxon period. This great piece of literature is believed to have been composed by a Christian poet around the first half of the eighth century with its frame of reference being somewhere around the fifth and sixth centuries. The story of Beowulf was originally oral poetry, usually sung by a “scop” or storyteller, but was eventually written down. Unfortunately, Beowulf is not a completed manuscript from the original composer becuase part of it was burned in a fire in 1731 before a modern translation was made. Beowulf is a heroic narrative consisting of more than 3000 lines, and it is told in a straightforward manner with a simple plot and theme. Typical of its time frame, this piece of literature is comprised of dramatic episodes, emotional moments, and even grim tragedy. Because the story is actually oral poetry, the verses are highly structed, musical and repetitive, and have a halting formation. This enables the scop to teach and entertain his or her audience in a poetic manner, and this also allows the audience to get lost in their own imagination of what is happening in the story. Beowulf provides its audience with a story filled with supernatural feats, intimidating monsters, and more importantly, an inspirational hero. It is quite obvious that Beowulf is set in a time of a warrior/hero culture. There is much implication that in order to conquer evil the warrior must have the qualities of being brave, noble, and dignified. Beowulf, the ultimate hero, definately possesses each of these qualities throughout the story. The composer’s use of vivid imagery and exceptional language makes this epic easy to read and get lost in. Beowulf was definately on the edge of being real.