Beowulf LRJ # 3

Chue Meng Vang

Ms. Peifer

English 10 IB

December 9, 2008

Beowulf

Loyalty is value in Beowulf. "I remember that time when mead was flowing, how we pleged loyalty to our lord in the hall," (2634-2635) This is said by one of Beowulf's loyal soldiers remembering his pledge to Beowulf. "Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you." (2666-2668) This is said by Wiglaf as he stands by Beowulf during his encounter with the dragon as the other soldiers leave.

This story differs from the other stories in several ways. In this story Beowulf is King of the Geats. Beowulf is becoming an old man. His new foe is a far more difficult challenge to him compared to the other past foes. Beowulf defeats his foe eventually but is killed in the process when the dragon wounds him. "When a chance came, he caught the hero in a rush of flame and clamped sharp fangs into his neck." (2691-2693)

Beowulf's death would be considered honorable because he died fighting for his people and his land. He also accomplished his mission which was to slay the dragon making the land safe.

Beowulf LRJ #1

Chue Meng Vang

Ms. Peifer

English 10 IB

December 5, 2008

Beowulf

A value in the society is heroism. In order for the people or more specifically the men in the society to be accepted they have to become a warrior. "After Hrothgar became king he won many battles: his freinds and family willinglly obeyed him; his childhood freinds became famous soldiers." (prologue) Hrothgar king of the Danes won his people's hearts after winning battles.

Another value is taking trophies. In the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm because Grendel was trying to break free of beowulf's grip. After confirming Grendel's death, they took hhis arm and hung it in Hrothgar's mead hall. "The foe was too powerful in his going. However, he left behind his hand to save his life, and his arm and shoulder, though that won't buythe wretch much comfort." (Adventures of Beowulf Episode, 5)

Kennings: "The warriors bore into the ship's bosom bright weapons,fitted armor." (Grendel Attacks) This is simply saying that the warriors went into the ships hull. "Who are you, in armor, who come over the sea-road" (Grendel Attacks) The sea road refers to sailing over the sea.

"Poets sang sad songs throughout the world," (Grendel Attacks) This alliteration adds a sad effect to the line. "The foamy-necked shipwent out like a birdso that the next day its curved prowhad gone so farthat the seafarers saw land,shining shore cliffsand steep mountains." (Beowulf Hears of Grendel) The alliteration in this line helps to make it better to picture what Grendel and his crew see.

Beowulf LRJ #2

Chue Meng Vang



Ms. Peifer



English 10 IB



December 4, 2008



Beowulf
One of the values in Beowulf is revenge. This is a big one because Grendel's mom comes and attacks the Danes in the mead hall and retrieves her son's arm. She also kills one of the king's best friends. In her attack she makes the king want to retaliate against her. "Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always best to avenge those dear to you then it is to indulge in mourning." (1384-1385) This is the advice Beowulf gives to the king mourning about his good friend's death.
Another big value is taking trophies after a victorious fight. After defeating Grendel's mom Beowulf takes Grendel's head as a trophy back to the mead hall.
An unrealistic thing in the story is Grendal's mom. When she attacked the hall she killed a lot of people. This in turn enraged Beowulf who sought out to kill her.
"Rest? What is rest? Sorrow has returned." (1322) King Hrothgar said this to Beowulf when Beowulf returned. This quote helps add on to the emotions in the meade hall. Everyone is obviously shocked, scared and angry.
"Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always best to avenge those dear to you then it is to indulge in mourning." (1385) This quote adds on to the story because Beowulf is basically saying that they should go and kill this creature that attacked them. This quote sets the stage for the hunt for Grendel's mom.