Sample Close Reading Beowulf 3137-3155

Beowulf's funeral makes an ambiguous statement about the meaning of his life and death. When Beowulf dies, his thanes build a funeral pyre "hung with helmets, heavy war-shields/and shining armor, just as he had ordered" (3139-40). One last time treasure represents respect for the leader. His body is thrown to the fire "and flames wrought havoc in the hot bone-house,/burning it to the core" (3147-8). The source of the hero's strength and renown is easily destroyed. One last unnamed "Geat woman" (3150) sings a lamentation, not for Beowulf, but for "her nation invaded,/enemies on the rampage, bodies in piles,/slavery and abasement" (3153-55). The king's death leaves his people open to all the attacks and humiliations most feared in Anglo-Saxon warrior society.  This funeral, unlike the one which opens the poem is not a simple celebration of the warrior ethos.

Sample Close Reading Beowulf 1355-57

Grendel and his mother represent a parody of Anglo-Saxon warrior society. Their behavior is understandable; battle is normal, as is avenging one's slain kinsman. Hrothgar's speech, though, shows a number of ways in which this parallel breaks down. He refers to them as "fatherless creatures" (1355) whose "whole ancestry is hidden in a past/of demons and ghosts" (1356-7). In a society obsessed with male lineage unknown parentage marks them as outsiders beyond the pale. Unlike Shield Sheafson, also of unknown origin, they cannot redeem this drawback because they are connected with forces of the underworld.

Sample Close Reading Beowulf 662-665

The poem suggests that Hrothgar might not be the great leader he is portrayed. Knowing that his own mead hall, Heorot, is to be attacked that night by Grendel, Hrothgar entrusts it to the care of Beowulf. The narrator refers to Hrothgar as "lord of the Shieldings, their shelter in war" (663). It is ironic that the shelter should seek his own shelter elsewhere. We are told that Hrothgar left "to lie with Wealtheow,/his queen and bedmate" (664-5). There is a strong emphasis on their sexual relationship. Hrothgar's priority should be the safety of his people; instead, he is seeking the pleasure of the marital bed. 

Beowulf - Background: Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo is an important Anglo-Saxon archeological site with lots of artifacts similar to treasures described in Beowulf.

Lego Beowulf

Sample Close Reading Beowulf 258-63

How people are named carries a lot of importance in Beowulf. When Beowulf is speaking to Hrothgar's coastguard he first tells him, "We belong by birth to the Geat people/and owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac" (260-61). The primary identity is tribal, not personal. Hygelac, who remains at home, is named, but not his followers. Beowulf gives honor to his lord in this way; at the same time, he assumes the coastguard will recognize the name. In speaking of himself Beowulf says, "my father was a famous man,/a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow" (262-63). Geneology is connected to names and stories. Beowulf assumes his father's reputation will vouch for his own. In addition, it is a mark of social difference not to give one's name directly to an inferior.

Sample Close Reading Beowulf 16-25

The opening of the poem establishes the standards for a good king.  As in Paradise Lost, though, there is a tension between human agency and God's power. We are told that "behavior that's admired/is the path to power among people everywhere" (24-25). Such actions include "giving freely" (21) and being ready for "when fighting starts" (22).  This all appears to be directly within the leader's control, all that is necessary for one's name to be remembered. At the same time, we are told clearly, "the Lord of Life, the glorious Almighty, made this man renowned" (16-17). Here, the hero's actions are not the determining factor; rather it is God's will. 

NB: This close reading does not resolve the issue. As you're reading the poem look for clues that might resolve the dichotomy.