Water Symbolism In Beowulf

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Pages: 1

“The water was welling”, “the terrible swirling waves”, how these phrases are electrifying. Full of static energy. Although it may be shunned in the appendix and not announced as a prominent feature. Water is an indicative narrational tool as an indication to symbolize heroism and strife in Beowulf.

The first time we observe the sea is Shield Sheafson’s funeral, “and let the waves have him, gave him to the sea with grieving spirits” ( Pg 57,48-49). As the ocean takes him away to his watery grave with his sea burial. The ocean gives as we receive another future king, Beowulf who traveled a great sea voyage to give aid “a good wave crosser, said that he would seek out that war-king over the swans riding” (pg 67,199-200). Beowulf gains assistance

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Symbolism is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone (http://www.symbolismexamples.com/). Common examples of symbolism are doves which symbolize peace, and the color black which usually represents death or evil. In the epic poem Beowulf by Seamus Heaney (translation), there is an abundance of symbolism that plays a crucial…

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Symbolism Of Grendel And His Mother's Home In Beowulf

Grendel and his mother’s home in the story of Beowulf is described in great detail. Through literary devices such as symbolism and the use of similes the lair of Grendel and his mother is depicted as a literal Hell. The grove of trees surrounding the lake in which Grendel and his mother reside are symbolic of death. The trees are covered with “a frozen spray” representing winter an archetype for death. Furthermore the roots of the trees wind down “snakelike” into the lake and help keep it dark.…

Words 211 - Pages 1

What Would Beowulf Do? How Beowulf Is a Christ-Like Figure Essay

Christ and Beowulf were able to accomplish in the success of their quests. Perhaps even some of the credit of Christ and Beowulf’s victories may be given to the supernatural abilities they both possessed in defeating their enemies. Beowulf’s immense strength of 30 men, and his ability to swim in the ocean for seven days straight, is almost parallel to Christ’s ability to raise Lazarus from the dead, multiply fish and bread by thousands to feed the hungry, and His feat of walking on water- no pun intended…

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Alliteration In Beowulf

Within this excerpt from Beowulf, the narrator describes the home of monsters Grendel and his mother. The present alliteration, similes, gloomy diction, and symbolism effectively set the morose tone of the setting. The literary devices and word choice assist the reader in visualizing the residing place of Grendel and his mother. The imagery created by alliterated phrases such as “Roots that reach” and “stirs and storms” is rather detailed. The sprawled out roots and turbulent water establish an unsettling…

Words 356 - Pages 2

Beowulf Epic Hero Traits

Beowulf Essay The main character, Beowulf is shown as an epic hero in the book Beowulf. There are three traits that support the fact that he is an epic hero. First, the noble birth, second, the capable of deeds of great strength and courage and third one is his great warrior. First of all, most epic heroes will have an above average station in life. Commoners usually do not become epic heroes. They will be kings, princes, or nobles of some sort, so luck is needed to be an epic hero. It is not like…

Words 1767 - Pages 8