Reading Beowulf for the first time was a very bold and exciting experience! I was pleasantly surprised about the many themes centered around the character Beowulf. One central theme really allowed me to understand in greater detail about Beowulf and his world. Reputation. This was a reoccurring theme that grabbed my attention on numerous occasions. Thus, this theme helped me see the value it had on Beowulf.
From the start, Beowulf was so concerned about how the rest of the world viewed him. He first introduces himself on line 707 stating, "I am Hygelac's kinsman", "because all knew of my awesome strength. They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies when I battled and bound five beasts"(29). Beowulf made sure to include all the honor he received from his king in order to enhance his reputation.
In addition, when Unferth assaults Beowulf at the banquet saying, "Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca in a swimming match on the open sea, risking the water just to prove that you could win" (35)? This slur was the worst insult for Beowulf. He feels so strongly about how people see him, how dare someone try to ruin his most valuable possession. Since Unferth's insult accuses Beowulf of participating in a swimming contest and losing, Unferth and others may think that if he could not win a silly swimming contest, he surely would not be able to defeat Grendel. Because of this, Beowulf prepares to meet Grendel and further his success as this would only enhance his fame.
Near the end of the poem, when Beowulf is preparing to meet the dragon, he "KING BEOWULF" considers his reputation. He brings 11 thanes with him to help avenge the dragon. However, he insists on telling his men that this was not their fight. "Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning" (171). Beowulf doesn’t even think about how him dying will affect his people. In fact, Hrothgar even tries to warn Beowulf of the danger of his pride. When reading, I was hopeful that Beowulf would have taken into consideration the bigger picture. It's not about him avenging the dragon by himself but as a leader, he should trust help from his men.
Concluding this poem "He was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame" (3182). These lines proved that in Beowulf's world, reputation and fame go hand in hand.
Reputation is certainly an important theme. Not only is it relevant to Beowulf, but also to Grendel as well as the dragon. Beowulf is extremely defensive about his reputation in the same way that the dragon is defensive about his treasure. When Unferth makes one comment slightly shadowing Beowulf's flawless reputation, he takes it to a completely unnecessary level by reinforcing every mistake Unferth has ever made and essentially wishing him eternal damnation in Hell. This to me says a lot about his character and is partly why I can never grow to like him as a human being regardless of his accomplishments. I don't give a damn about someone's accomplishments if they lose being a respectable human being along the way. Rant complete.
ReplyDeleteThe focus on reputation in this poem is not unlike (forgive me, Dr. MB) the focus it also receives in high school. Reputation is all anyone has and once it is tainted you've lost it. Like Addie said, Unferth makes one jab at Beowulf's reputation and Beowulf rips him to shreds. He's proving the point that if someone goes after your reputation, you go after there's. It is a very mature way to go about life, don't you think? In the end Beowulf values his reputation far more than he does his people. And that's kind of pathetic. But maybe that's just me.
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