What is the purpose of the digressions in Beowulf?
The use of digressions constitutes the artistic design of Beowulf and the most important function of these stylistic devices is to provide the reader with additional pieces of information, so that the poem as a whole can be understood up to a greater extent.
What is the relation between the digressions and the main narrative in Beowulf?
To the characters of Beowulf, the song is simply entertainment, but to the reader it is foreknowledge of future events that will unfold as the story continues. The digression is used to hint to Beowulf’s fight with the dragon, becoming king, and tell what kind of king Beowulf will not be in the future.
What is morality in Beowulf?
Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time: bravery, honor, and loyalty. Beowulf, the hero of the poem, exhibits great bravery in everything he does. As the story’s great and glorified hero, Beowulf also demonstrates honor.
What kind of information does Beowulf give us?
| Beowulf | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Is Beowulf an ideal hero and king?
Beowulf is presented as the ideal warrior. He is almost inhumanly brave and strong. He is loyal to his king, Hygelac, and he leaps to take revenge even against opponents who haven’t harmed him personally (like Grendel and Grendel’s mother).
What moral lessons can be learned from Beowulf?
Life Lessons (themes) We Can Learn from Beowulf:
- Honor your King and Queen.
- Never Underestimate the power of Heritage and Reputation.
- Beware the Grendels.
- Every Grendel has a mother.
- Choose your Battles.
- Make Ready the Battle Gear.
- Gather Thirteen Warriors.
- Be a Good Leader.
What is the main lesson of Beowulf?
The poem includes many histories of various warriors: their ancestry, deeds of valor and debts they owe or have paid. On one level, the poem teaches about heroism and the importance of honoring one’s lineage (one’s parents and ancestors), but it also offers lessons about civic duty, camaraderie, friendship and respect.