provenance setting why beowulf? beowulf rachmat nurcahyo ma [email protected] poetic...
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Provenance
Setting
Why Beowulf?
BEOWULF
Rachmat Nurcahyo MA
Poetic devices
Terms
Themes
Why Study Beowulf?1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way
2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today
3. Beowulf is simply good writing
Why Study Beowulf?4. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what you read, but how you read it, so…since Beowulf came first, you might as well start there.
5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English
6. It’s a great story
Beowulf’s Provenance
What we don’t know:
who wrote it
when exactly it was written
how much, exactly, is based on historical truth
Beowulf’s ProvenanceWhat we do know:
Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today.Some of the characters in the poem actually existed.
The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…
The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and…
The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D.
There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Pagan…this means a monk probably translated it.
Beowulf’s ProvenanceSo why wasn’t it written
down in the first place?
This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down.
It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.
Beowulf’s ProvenanceSo what’s happened to the
manuscript since the 11th century?
Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy.
Robert Cotton (1571-1631)
Beowulf’s ProvenanceUnfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in
1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged.
The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.
Setting: Beowulf’s time and place
Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived.
The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.
Setting: Beowulf’s time and place
Europe today Insert: Time of Beowulf
How we date BeowulfSome Important Dates:
521 A.D. – death of Hygelac, who is mentioned in the poem
680 A.D. – appearance of alliterative verse
835 A.D. – the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes
SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for1. Alliterative verse
a. Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line)
b. Generally, four feet/beats per line
c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four
d. No rhyme
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for
Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf:
Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum,
Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah;
Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
The terror of the hall-troops had come far.
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for2. Kennings
a. Compound metaphor (usually two words)
b. Most were probably used over and over
For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road,” but can be translated as “sea”
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out forOther kennings from Beowulf:
banhus = “bone-house” = body
goldwine gumena = “gold-friend of men” = generous prince
beaga brytta = “ring-giver” = lord
beadoleoma = “flashing light” = sword
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for3. Litotes
A negative expression; usually an understatement
Example:Hildeburh had no cause to praise the Jutes
In this example, Hildeburh’s brother has just been killed by the Jutes. This is a poetic way of telling us she hated the Jutes absolutely.
Some terms you’ll want to knowscop
A bard or story-teller.
The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment
comitatus
Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade”
This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another
Some terms you’ll want to know
thane
A warrior
mead-hall
The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.
Some terms you’ll want to know
wyrd
Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.
Some terms you’ll want to know
epic
Beowulf is an epic poem.
This means it has a larger-than life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. There’s a certain serious that accompanies most epics.
Some terms you’ll want to know
elegy
An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. The adjective is elegiac.
homily
A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice.
Some terms you’ll want to know
Themes and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil
Religion: Christian and Pagan influences
The importance of wealth and treasure
Loyalty and allegiance
The importance of the sea and sailing
The sanctity of the home
Fate
Heroism and heroic deeds