“Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better
to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.
For every one of us, living in this world
means waiting for our end. Let whoever can
win glory before death. When a warrior is gone,
that will be his best and only bulwark.” (“Beowulf” lines 1384-1389).
Introduction
To comprehend the author’s intentions behind Beowulf and how it reflects the values of the past, it is essential to perceive what literary elements the unknown poet used to describe these elements. Thus, the passage selected for this work pinpoints the attitudes through literary devices that provide a unique view into the worthiness of one’s existence, according to the poet. This passage reveals Beowulf’s attitude toward the lives of men and the perceptions of death.
Main Body
First and foremost, this part of the epic poem refers to death and dying. The author uses literary devices to set the tone of the upcoming battle by conveying his ideas directly through the main character’s speech. The first line states that “do not grieve” for those who have fallen, setting the mood for the monologue, which is not to be taken as defeatist rhetoric (“Beowulf” line 1384). Instead, it is apparent that the author wants to put bravery as the central idea of Beowulf’s statement. This part also reveals the poet’s characterization of Beowulf, who is shown as a genuinely stoic hero.
The second line makes those who do not adhere to the suggestion seem weak. The author describes them as those who “indulge in mourning,” giving a negative connotation to the very idea of grief (“Beowulf” line 1385). The purpose of this statement is to reveal how a warrior is or, rather, should be perceived by others. The symbolism is clear in this line, as the author intends to show people who choose to grieve for those who died as those who waste their time and indulge in pointless endeavors. In addition, this part highlights how the diction of Beowulf, albeit short, carries more meaning regarding his attitudes than any lengthy explanations possibly could.
Instead, the author quickly shifts his attention to the actual meaning of one’s demise, which others should see. When Beowulf states that he considers himself and others as “waiting for [their] end,” he further emphasizes heroism and mortality as the primary goals in one’s life (“Beowulf” line 1387). While the idea of waiting for one’s death may be seen as fatalistic, it is also the undeniable truth that the hero does not try to bend or overcome. Instead, the plot of the story revolves around one’s path to glory, which can persist past their demise.
The literary technique applied within this passage also supports this idea by directing readers’ attention to the importance of bravery in life, which carries one’s name long after death. The last line reads that a warrior’s death is his “best and only bulwark” (“Beowulf” line 1389). This imagery, created with the use of metaphor, connects one’s deeds with a place for eternal rest, described as a stronghold rather than a grave. This notion further supports the idea that, in death, a person needs not to be mourned but praised.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the author of Beowulf shows the views of mortality, honor, and the very reason to live for a warrior at that time through the selected passage. Literary elements are utilized to create an image of a stoic, selfless fighter whose goal is to leave a lasting legacy of noteworthy deeds. This passage sets the tone for Beowulf’s inspiration for an upcoming, deadly battle, making him appear fearless in the face of grave danger. With the use of symbolism and literary devices, the unknown poet creates a clear image of a man driven by honor, which gives him strength to prepare for a seemingly impossible task.
Work Cited
“Beowulf.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, translated by Seamus Heaney, 10th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 36-108.
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