Beowulf LRJ #2

1.) Values:
Thinking quickly is a value in the Geats society, as shown when Beowulf quickly decides to rid himself of his sword when fighting Grendel's mother. He drops his sword, and fights her with his bare hands. He says, "So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in a combat. Life doesn't cost him a thought." (Haney, lines 1533-153). This quote also shows that glory is important to the Geats society. Beowulf used his instincts and bravery to get glory- all of this was treasured by his society. Another example of glory is when Beowulf returns with Grendel's head. "In he came then, the Thane's commander, the arch warrior, to address Hrothgar: his courage was proven, his glory was secure." (Haney, lines 1644-1646). This is a pure example of someone presenting another to their society as glorious, which shows they value that trait.

2.) Unrealistic Parts of Beowulf:
The most prominent unrealistic part of this story is when Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother underwater. They could never be underwater long enough for this fight to occur with out drowning. The narrator says, "Watching the lake water, saw a heave-up and surge of waves and blood in the backwash." (Haney, lines 1592-1594). This is completely not plausible, but this drama makes the story much more effective, and was more enjoyable for people to here as a song. It surly added crescendos, differences in pace, and excitement to the music. Another example of this is when Beowulf decides to fights Grendel's mother with his bare hands, because his sword has broke. "So she pounced upon him and pulled out a broad, whetted knife, now she would avenge her only child." (Haney, lines 1546-1548). This is simply another example of a situation no one could have lived through, which is what makes Beowulf so amazing, and this story so much fun to read or hear.

3.) Favorite Quotes:
My favorite quotes of this story are the most descriptive one. They add more personalization to the story, and improve the visual so the story is more adventurous. The first is from when Beowulf killed Grendel's mother. It reads "Meanwhile, the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw." (Haney, lines1606-1608). I love the lavish adjectives used, and that passage makes me really realize the importance of that battle. Another quote takes place earlier in the story, when Beowulf's armor is being described. It says "Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand-forged, fine webbed mail would soon meet with the manace underwater. It would keep the bone-cage of his body safe" (Haney, lines 1442-1446). This quote makes me really admire Beowulf, see how brave he is, even though he knows he may be facing death. It also gives me a great picture, even though it doesn't specifically describe Beowulf himself. The last quote I will discuss is from the last verse, describing Beowulf's return. "his courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both queen and company to behold. They stared in awe. It was an astonishing sight." (Haney, lines 1646-1650). Although this is a bit gruesome, it really portrays the values of the story nicely. It also wraps up this section of the story nicely. I also think it is humorous that Beowulf can walk into the mead hall, dragging a bleeding monster head, and everyone, even the queen, will "stare at him in awe". This is a nice, bright way to finish the story of a hard battle.