Rivew 'BEOWULF' poem by Beowulf Poet
Title : BEOWULF
Author(s) : unknown
Language : West Saxon dialect of Old English
Date : Disputed (c.700--1000 AD)
Manuscript(s) : Cotton Vitellius A. xv (c.975--1025 AD)
First printed edition : Thorkelin (1815)
Genre : Epic heroic writing
Verse form : Alliterative verse
Length : c.3182 lines
Subject : The battles of Beowulf, the Geatish hero, in youth and old age
Personages : Beowulf, The Dragon, Hrothgar, Grendel, Grendel's mother, Wiglaf.
Orientation
Beowulf is a poem rooted in the Germanic heroic legend tradition, consisting of 3,182 alliterative lines. It stands as one of the most significant and frequently translated works of Old English literature. I deeply admire this work, as it holds legendary status during the Anglo-Saxon era. Beowulf is an exceptional poem because it not only narrates the traditional story of an epic hero and his journey but also conveys deeper meanings beyond the surface. While the author remains unknown, elements of historical fact suggest it may reflect real events. This literary classic is a testament to the evolution of storytelling and language over time.
Evaluation
Text : I cannot offer a critique of the Old English version of Beowulf, but I can assess the modern English translation. This version uses more straightforward language than the original, though it retains an archaic tone and poetic form. Despite being easier for modern readers, terms like "whale-road" or "mead-seats" might still be puzzling to those unfamiliar with ancient metaphors. Overall, the text strikes a balance between preserving its ancient poetic style and making it more accessible, though it may remain challenging for readers unfamiliar with medieval literature.
characterization :
Beowulf -- The main character, Beowulf, is depicted as a powerful, brave, and fearless hero. Even though he is nearly invincible, his character illustrates that even the mightiest warriors must face death, highlighting the limitations of human strength.
King Hrothgar -- As the king of the Danes, Hrothgar is a wise leader but is aged and unable to defeat Grendel. He represents a respected ruler, though one constrained by the inevitability of aging and declining power.
Grendel -- The first major antagonist, Grendel, embodies fear and chaos, symbolizing pure evil.
Grendel's Mother -- She portrays a different aspect of evil. Though a monster, her motivation is personal---seeking revenge for her son's death. This suggests that even characters viewed as "evil" can have deeply emotional motivations.
The Dragon -- The dragon, Beowulf's final enemy, symbolizes the inevitability of death and destruction. The battle with the dragon signifies the end of Beowulf's journey, reminding us of the mortality that even the most heroic figures must face.
Wiglaf -- One of Beowulf's loyal young warriors, Wiglaf is the only one to stand by his side during the final battle with the dragon. He represents loyalty, courage, and the continuation of leadership in the next generation.
3. Interpretation: The prologue of Beowulf highlights the strength and leadership of Scyld Scefing, a king who earns respect and fear through his ability to conquer enemies despite early hardships. This reflects the Anglo-Saxon cultural emphasis on a ruler's strength and the necessity of overcoming challenges to lead successfully.
4. Summary
Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, assists King Hrothgar of the Danes by defeating the monster Grendel, who terrorized Hrothgar's hall, Heorot. Beowulf then kills Grendel's mother with a giant's sword found in her lair. Later, as king of the Geats, Beowulf's kingdom is threatened by a dragon whose treasure was stolen. Though Beowulf tries to defeat the dragon with his followers, only Wiglaf, his young kinsman, joins him. Beowulf slays the dragon but is mortally wounded in the process. After his death, a burial mound is built in his honor by the sea. Beowulf is an epic poem, telling the story of a hero who overcomes supernatural foes, highlighting themes of loyalty and valor. The poem begins and ends with funerals, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and leadership.
sumber : https://www.mit.edu/~jrising/webres/beowulf.pdf
Nama : Shintia Yuliamanda
Nim : 21019059
No Urut: 2
24 JD I-E TRANS JM9-10 NKall21 LM