"Beowulf"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, despite its age, the poem "Beowulf " utilizes a complex method of storytelling called embedded narratives, which is essentially a story within a story; not only does this Old English epic have many embedded narratives within but also the narratives possess strong coherency with the current story at hand. The author analyzes five of these embedded narratives; the last one, found in the third epic of "Beowulf" is a story partly told to give the reader a brief history on the dragon that Beowulf must defeat and the treasure-horde it protects. The paper concludes embedded narratives throughout the epic poem of Beowulf seem to serve multiple purposes: A vehicle for foreshadowing, clarity in regards to character identification, comparing and contrasting and understanding, depiction and overall detail of the Anglo-Saxon period.

From the Paper:

"The first embedded narrative in Beowulf, begins immediately after Grendal's death. Following the demise of the fiend was a celebration to honor the heroic feats of Beowulf, the protagonist of the adventure. At one point during the festivities, King Hrothgar's thane, a story teller, shares the story of Sigemund. The narrator indicates that Sigemund had received a "treasure-hoard" after defeating a dragon by piercing a sword through its scales. In addition to the treasure, Sigemund gained publicity and his "name was known everywhere" (51). This embedded narrative is significant since serves to foreshadow the victory of Beowulf against a dragon in the concluding portion of the poem. As any reader who has finished the epic poem may know, Beowulf is victorious in slaying a dragon in the Geatish-territory."

More papers on "Beowulf":

• Analytical Essay # 134779 : "Loyalty in "Beowulf"
• Poem Review # 116965 : "The Monsters of "Beowulf "
• Comparison Essay # 32818 : "Restoration Vs. Translation of "Beowulf"
• Book Review # 69025 : "Heroic and Elegiac Elements in "Beowulf"

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