This week was all about the complexities of superheroes, Angelo-Saxon culture and just how badass Beowulf is (or was). Since I've never really blogged before I guess I'll open up with a discussion centered on Angelo-Saxon culture, or at least cultural references in the literature. I know we covered it in class but there are somethings I'd like to review. Personally, I think there are three major characteristics that take priority in Angelo-Saxon inspired literature; these attributes are: pride, loyalty, and respect. Of course this is just my own personal opinion but the story of Beowulf really seems to highlight these specific characteristics. Pride: Beowulf sails across the sea so that he can defeat the infamous demon Grendel. I'm sure that Beowulf wanted to help the Danes, but lets be real, he chooses to fight Grendel so that he may find pride in a legendary victory. The literature also suggests that loyalty is an important component in the Angelo-Saxon lifestyle. Before embarking on the voyage to go fight Grendel, Beowulf first asks his King's permission. I think that the balance between pride and loyalty is fairly offset by Beowulf's boasts, but it still makes for an interesting dynamic. Lastly, I'd say respect is of huge importance to Beowulf. Beowulf does not simply want to pride himself in his own doings, but wants to act in a way that makes others respect him, such as taking off his armor to fight Grendel. Although such an action does serve as bragging rights, Beowulf states, "So I shall bear no blade in the night if he sees fit to fight without weapons." Beowulf could still have a hearty serving of pride if he defeated Grendel with a sword, but he chooses to test his raw power in a hand-to-hand melee.
In class today we also went over different attributes that Beowulf had that made him heroic, or superheroic (if thats a word). Super human: yes, courageous: yes, selfless: definitely not. I suppose not all superheroes are selfless. Take Iron Man and Bat Man for example, if they were truly selfless they would give away their fortunes and keep only what they need to fight crime, save the day and what not. Generally, however, I would say that superheroes should be altruistic. Not to mention, Beowulf is less focused on the common good and is more focused on his ego. So is Beowulf a superhero? In my opinion yes, at least he was about 1200 years ago. Its all about cultural preference. In modern times, he's just a really strong dude who will tear your arm off if it makes him look good.
Here's an interesting idea: is Beowulf, the story itself, directly symbolic in any way? That's something i wondered as I read through Part 1. Of course there is the symbolic struggle of good vs. evil, but what about Grendel? Is he directly symbolic of something? A sin perhaps? Or is he simply an evil monster that likes to eat Thanes for breakfast? Im not sure, but something makes me think that many bits and pieces in Beowulf are meant to represent something else entirely. Beowulf is obviously meant to symbolize the perfect warrior and hero, but does Unferth represent something? Does Hrothgar? I have no idea, but it is food for thought.
Final Statements: Beowulf is awesome. The class discussions are awesome. This class is awesome.
WC:565
