755 - 782 Flashcards
What happens in this passage?
Comes after the first encounter, marking the assertion of Beowulf’s heroic dominance. This passage links Beowulf and Grendel and foregrounds Beowulf’s individual heroism
Hyge?
Opens up with the words heart. blurring boundaries between human and monster. Creates a more complex characterisation of Grendel
secan deofla gedræg? 756a
We are told he is a descendent of Cain, a human, yet he wishes to return to the devils
ne wæs his drohtoð þær swycle? 756b
The negative construction highlights his exclusion from the human world, aligning him more closely with monsters
ealderdagum?
Happax legomenon days of life suggests that Beowulf is highly unique compared to all other humans
se goda’ (758a) and ‘mæg Higelaces’ (758b)?
Creates tension as balance between individual achievement and communal responsibility. We are reminded here that he is loyal to the geats
‘uplang astod // ond him fæste wiðfeng’
The swift movement as Beowulf stands ‘upright’ is perhaps mirrored in the disyllabic quality of the words ‘uplang astod’ which, unlike the previous word, ‘æfenspræce’(759a), is read quickly and rhythmically, conveying a sense of immediacy and physical action. By recalling his earlier speech and acting in accordance with it, Beowulf signposts this heroic notion by demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his own honour and reputation, as well as his duty to those he serves.
fingras burston?
This evokes a vivid image of raw, destructive power, but the line remains ambiguous as to whose fingers are bursting.
Eoten wæs utweard; / eorl furþur stop?
Giant stepped outward and the earl stepped further
The simple construction of the sentence allows for a direct comparison to be drawn between the fleeing Grendel and the advancing Beowulf, clearly highlighting the power imbalance between the two, placing Beowulf as the mightier.
Line also established a clear distinction
Short sentences syntactically similar
wiste his fingra geweald // on grames grapum
His fingers were in the grip of the hostile one
The recurring motif of fingers here could be read as a metaphor assuming that Grendel’s life is now in Beowulf’s
Beowulf is an agent of fate and reinforces divine justice
‘geocor sid’?
Grendel’s journey was unhappy. the construction ‘sið … ateah’ (765b – 766b) is the same idiom is found in Genesis 2094. In Genesis, the idiom is often tied to figures who move away from God’s favour, journeying into punishment or alienation and thus Grendel’s journey can similarly be interpreted as a literal and symbolic movement toward his inevitable destruction, compounded by the earlier evocation of the theme of fate
‘Dryhtsele dynede’ (768a) ‘eorlum ealuscerwen’ (770a) and ‘reþe renweardas’ ?
Important aural qualities of poem as Beowulf was part of the oral tradition The plosive consonants could reflect the elements of aural chaos that the Danes outside would be hearing echoed from inside the hall.
Danes outside and fighters inside?
This juxtaposition between the Danes positioned outside and Beowulf and Grendel engaged inside Heorot, perhaps could be interpreted as a metaphor emphasising their shared estrangement from civilisation, an idea compounded by the word ‘renweardas’ (hapax legomenon - occupants of the hall), which seems to unify both Beowulf and Grendel into one descriptive noun
dryhtsele and winesele?
Both compounds for the great/wine hall. The hall is the central microcosm of the poem
microcosm representing the Danes’ social and cultural values, encapsulating notions of community, wealth, and power
fæger foldbold?
Fine building - fricative phrase shows the value of the location
innan ond utan / irenbendum
The iron bands are given particular attention. He praises the hall for withstanding the battle
betlic ond banfag?
excellent and adorned with bone
Hall is not just a functional space but a work of art. Humans shape their environment through skill and labour
medubenc?
Throwing of the meadbench - Grendel is destructive - contrasts the previously highlighted craftsmanship
disrupts the social order which the hall represents
golde geregnad?
adorned with gold
Gilded ornamentation represents wealth and status but also pride in human artistry. creates a tension between the man made and the supernatural
þæt hit a mid gemete / manna ænig?
any man by any ordinary means
reflects repetitive structure
reflecting a confidence in the hall’s durability and the community’s craftsmanship, also places emphasis on the mundane, human limitations of their destructive ability.
swulge on swaþule?
swallows it is flames
This of course foreshadows the eventual destruction of the hall as it is consumed by fire, where this element of foreshadowing highlights the undeniable supernatural force of fate at play within Beowulf
