ENG 211 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Sigmund, Heremod, Hildeburh
13 Jan 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Why would the epic have the somewhat far-fetched and unrealistic accomplishments (swimming contest, beowulf has the strength of thirty men in one arm: past is superior to present. Why does nobody mind that beowulf is boasting: flyting. Boasting contest between unferth and beowulf: there is no other way to become known (advertise yourself) besides by boasting. At least initially: rothgar actually likes the fact that beowulf is boasting of his accomplishments even though beowulf is not of his tribe. Rothgar is a dane: beowulf is proud and vain, so that might also be part of why is boasting. Just cuz they are idealized does not mean that they are perfect: a monk is transcribing this and pride is one of the seven deadly sins. The most serious sin because it is the root of all the other sins. Pagan and christian references: before they leave geatland, they look for omens (pagan, thank god when they get to their destination (christianity)
