This last section of Beowulf is darker than the first two sections, and is filled with foreshadowing. Select and discuss one event that represents a decline in the fortunes of Beowulf and/or the Geats. What causes the event you selected? As always, refer to at least one specific passage in the poem to support your answer and build on the comment of one other student.
A passage that shows me the decline in the fortunes of Beowulf, is found where it says, "And so the son of Ecgtheow had survived every extreme, excelling himself in daring and in danger, UNTIL the day arrived when he had to come face to face with the dragon." This is the first time it shows that Beowulf may not always succeed. Beowulf is known for his heroic endeavors and cheating death more than any mortal man could be concieved of doing. Yet, Beowulf is mortal, and death is the debt that all men pay. It is starting to show how Beowulf, although may be larger than life, is still human. Which tells us, that being mortal, he can be defeated and one day die. Has it finally come the time for great Beowulf to be defeated by the dragon? No one has questioned it before. Beowulfs future hangs not on his death but on his legend of being invincible.
ReplyDeleteIn previous passages Beowulf is greatly described with the characteristics of being heroic,undefeated,powerful and brave.He even calls Unferth out saying he is not as keen or as courageous as he claims to be.He also states that Unferth is not really celebrated for his swordsmanship. While talking about Grendle, Beowulf says," But he will find me different. I will show him how Geats shape to kill in the heat of battle"(lines 601-603). The story of Beowulf and his heroic qualities began to decline and came to a turning point when he faced the dragon. Before, there was never fear or doubt of Beowulf being defeated.According to the passage,"That final day was the first time when Beowulf faught and fate denied him glory in battle"(lines 2573-2575).This is one of the turning points that shows Beowulf has flaws and is not perfect.As said," Beowulf was foiled of a glorious victory. The glittering sword infallible before that day, failed when he unsheathed it, as it never should have"(lines 2583-2587). Although Beowulf holds many superior qualities and is known for his heroic acts, he is human and can be defeated.It is the battle between Beowulf and the dragon that shows his side that isnt so perfect.
ReplyDeleteThere is a noticeable decline in the fortunes of the Geats that is greatly extrapolated on and is the focal point of the ending of the story. That is, Beowulf's death. Beowulf was a fearsome king and kept his lands protected from the other war-faring tribes in the vicinity that were none too satisfied with the actions of previous Geat rulers as shown in the text several times, "Now war is looming over our nation, soon it will be known to Franks and Frisians, far and wide, that the king is gone." "Nor do I expect peace or pact-keeping of any sort from the Swedes." Obviously the uneasy tensions between the Geats and several of their neighbors will rise to less than friendly levels in the coming days now that the fear of the great warrior Beowulf is no longer present. These feelings of mall will aren't unwarranted however, as the actions of Geats such as Hygelac's invasion of Friesland and the slaying of the Swedish king Ongentheow. But Beowulf decided slaying the dragon was worth the potential well-being of his people because as Queso says he is only mortal and must one day face his coming death, and the text even tells that Beowulf knew before he fought that he would perish. Did he realize that other nations would take advantage of the Geat's new weakness and decide that the dragon was a greater harm than leaving his country undefended and untrained to protect themselves from the other tribes long held grudges? Or did he make a mistake?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Queso when he says that although Beowulf seems invincible he is still only human and all humans days are numbered. Beowulf was very proud and always wanted everything put on his shoulders. He always would take care of other peoples problems himself. I think ultimately that was his down fall in how when he was killed the Swedes attacked the Geats when before Beowulf was alive they would not attack them. This to me shows lack of leadership to his men. He did not have anyone who could fill his shoes and this proves it right here. I think that Beowulf should have had that covered. But again like Queso said i think he thought he could not be killed. His pride was the cause of the decline in the fortunes of Beowulf and more so the Geats. The quotation "Go on, dear Beowulf, do everything you said you would when you were still young and vowed you would never let your name and fame be dimmed while you lived" shows that his pride and boastfulness was very boastful and confident. Wanting glory so bad that he would do anything to attain it. He was only thinking of himself and keeping his fame. Yes he protected the Geats but he also got fame and glory in the process and did not think about what would happen to them if he was killed.
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