Research Proposal on Beowulf
There are many ways to learn about past civilizations and the customs in which people practiced. Some ways include historical texts, films, people, artifacts, and literature. Through literature, the lives and cultures of societies are reflected. Anglo-Saxon society greatly influenced literary works, both oral and written, of their time. A prime example of such a portrait is the well-known epic poem, "Beowulf". This literary piece had originally been transmitted through oral tradition. Through the epic, many aspects of Anglo-Saxon life are reflected. Three examples in particular are, the love of war and battle, heroic morality, and views of Paganism and Christianity.
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Anglo-Saxon society was driven by war and bloodshed. A large part of the epic is devoted to the dangers and brevity of life. After Beowulf battles Grendel, he tacks the bloody arm of Grendel in Herot Hall, a local gathering place. The arm may be equated to a trophy, representing Beowulf's great bravery and victory of humankind over the atrocious monster. According to the speaker, Grendel's arm was, "Hanging high/ From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster's/ Arm, claw, and shoulder and all" (line 408). The arm, bloody and enormous in size exemplifies the love of war and battle of Anglo-Saxon society. Another example of this aspect of Anglo-Saxon life is when Beowulf fights the dragon. According to Beowulf, "We shall see soon, who will survive/ This bloody battle, stand when the fighting/ Is done. No one else could do/ What I mean to, here, no man but me/ Could hope to defeat this monster" (line 642). Even in Beowulf's later years, he still possessed a strong desire to fulfill his original promise and intentions to his king. These instances further stress the importance of bloodshed and fighting to the Anglo-Saxons.
Another aspect of Anglo-Saxon society reflected throughout the epic is the idea of heroic morality. Beowulf was not a hero only because of his great accomplishments, but also due to the way he conducted and presented himself in attempting conquests. Beowulf is an example of the ideal hero. He exhibits heroic qualities such as boastfulness, fairness, dignity, courage, and honor. Beowulf possesses a great physical strength. According to the speaker, " Beowulf, Higlac's/ Follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater/ And stronger that anyone anywhere in this world-" (line 109). His great strength not only helps him in his battles on a physical level, but also helps to intimidate other opponents. When fighting Grendel, Beowulf is very fair. He refuses to fight with weapons because Grendel is not using anything to aid him in battle. This displays Beowulf's great honor and dignity when involved in battling Grendel. Beowulf wanted the battle to be completely fair. The battle continued, with both men using their hands. BeowulfТs desire to fight without weapons brings him to a level above humans. The hero is developed further with all of Beowulf's actions. A hero should be one of great courage and completely willing to risk death, just as Beowulf is. GrendelТs mother attempts to seek revenge in Beowulf for the death of her son. The home of Grendel's mother is an under water lair. Beowulf swims downward for a day before he is able to see the bottom of the mere. According to Beowulf the lair, "Steams like black clouds, and the groves of trees/ Growing out over their lake are all covered/ With frozen spray, and wind down snakelike/ Roots that reach as far as the water/ And help keep it dark. At night that lake/ Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom,/ No wisdom reaches such depths" (line 427).
The home of GrendelТs mother symbolizes the evil within the family, as well as the fear of what happens after death. Eventually, Beowulf dies a good king because his last act was that of protecting his kingdom and his people. He gave his life by protecting others, which was considered to be most noble to Anglo-Saxons. Before Beowulf dies, he gives his necklace and gold-covered helmet to Wiglaf. By passing down these treasures to Wiglaf, Beowulf was passing down the kingdom to him, as well. This is an example of BeowulfТs selflessness, which also defines him as a true hero.
A third aspect of Anglo-Saxon society revealed in the epic is the uncertainty of religion and faith among the people of Anglo-Saxon society. The poem was most likely written during a time when the society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. There are many references to both Pagan and Christian beliefs and values. Pagan beliefs include references to fiends, goblins, and fate. According to the speaker, "So Hrothgar's men lived happy in his hall/ Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend" (line 16). Grendel is being described as a fiend and a demon. These are both considered to be Pagan beliefs. Another example of Paganism is the reference to fate. According to Paganism, fate is determined by a higher being, rather than by the individual. As said by Beowulf, "Fate will unwind as it must" (line 284)! This helps further stress the idea of the future of oneТs like not being determined by the individual. Ideas of Christianity are also introduces throughout the epic. According to the speaker, "the Lord/ Of Heaven and earth; their ears could not hear His praise nor know His glory" (lines 96-98). This speaks of God as being in the hearts of the people, hence, being a Christian belief. The epic contains references to both Paganism and Christianity, which further proves the idea of when the epic originated; when the main religion was shifting from Paganism to Christianity.
Through this epic poem, readers gain information about Anglo-Saxon life and culture. In our world today, such themes discussed prove withstanding in contemporary lifestyles. Along with his great physical strength and pride, we see who Beowulf really is; a heroic figure for the people. Defeating Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and even in his old age, the mighty dragon, Beowulf shows perseverance, persistence, and prominence.
Another aspect of Anglo-Saxon society reflected throughout the epic is the idea of heroic morality. Beowulf was not a hero only because of his great accomplishments, but also due to the way he conducted and presented himself in attempting conquests. Beowulf is an example of the ideal hero. He exhibits heroic qualities such as boastfulness, fairness, dignity, courage, and honor. Beowulf possesses a great physical strength. According to the speaker, " Beowulf, Higlac's/ Follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater/ And stronger that anyone anywhere in this world-" (line 109). His great strength not only helps him in his battles on a physical level, but also helps to intimidate other opponents. When fighting Grendel, Beowulf is very fair. He refuses to fight with weapons because Grendel is not using anything to aid him in battle. This displays Beowulf's great honor and dignity when involved in battling Grendel. Beowulf wanted the battle to be completely fair. The battle continued, with both men using their hands. BeowulfТs desire to fight without weapons brings him to a level above humans. The hero is developed further with all of Beowulf's actions. A hero should be one of great courage and completely willing to risk death, just as Beowulf is. GrendelТs mother attempts to seek revenge in Beowulf for the death of her son. The home of Grendel's mother is an under water lair. Beowulf swims downward for a day before he is able to see the bottom of the mere. According to Beowulf the lair, "Steams like black clouds, and the groves of trees/ Growing out over their lake are all covered/ With frozen spray, and wind down snakelike/ Roots that reach as far as the water/ And help keep it dark. At night that lake/ Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom,/ No wisdom reaches such depths" (line 427).
The home of GrendelТs mother symbolizes the evil within the family, as well as the fear of what happens after death. Eventually, Beowulf dies a good king because his last act was that of protecting his kingdom and his people. He gave his life by protecting others, which was considered to be most noble to Anglo-Saxons. Before Beowulf dies, he gives his necklace and gold-covered helmet to Wiglaf. By passing down these treasures to Wiglaf, Beowulf was passing down the kingdom to him, as well. This is an example of BeowulfТs selflessness, which also defines him as a true hero.
A third aspect of Anglo-Saxon society revealed in the epic is the uncertainty of religion and faith among the people of Anglo-Saxon society. The poem was most likely written during a time when the society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. There are many references to both Pagan and Christian beliefs and values. Pagan beliefs include references to fiends, goblins, and fate. According to the speaker, "So Hrothgar's men lived happy in his hall/ Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend" (line 16). Grendel is being described as a fiend and a demon. These are both considered to be Pagan beliefs. Another example of Paganism is the reference to fate. According to Paganism, fate is determined by a higher being, rather than by the individual. As said by Beowulf, "Fate will unwind as it must" (line 284)! This helps further stress the idea of the future of oneТs like not being determined by the individual. Ideas of Christianity are also introduces throughout the epic. According to the speaker, "the Lord/ Of Heaven and earth; their ears could not hear His praise nor know His glory" (lines 96-98). This speaks of God as being in the hearts of the people, hence, being a Christian belief. The epic contains references to both Paganism and Christianity, which further proves the idea of when the epic originated; when the main religion was shifting from Paganism to Christianity.
Through this epic poem, readers gain information about Anglo-Saxon life and culture. In our world today, such themes discussed prove withstanding in contemporary lifestyles. Along with his great physical strength and pride, we see who Beowulf really is; a heroic figure for the people. Defeating Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and even in his old age, the mighty dragon, Beowulf shows perseverance, persistence, and prominence.
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___________________________________________________________Warning!!! All free online research paper proposals, research paper samples and example research papers on Beowulf topics are plagiarized and cannot be fully used in your high school, college or university education.
If you need a custom research paper, research proposal, essay, dissertation, thesis paper or term paper on your topic, EffectivePapers.com will write your research proposal or research papers from scratch. Starting at $12/page you can order custom written papers online. We work with experienced PhD. and Master's freelance writers to help you with writing any academic papers in any subject! High quality and 100% non-plagiarized papers guaranteed!
