1. If any retainer made bold to look her in the face...death qualms in an evil display. (ln. 1933) These lines play into the theme of the roles of women. While the role of the queen is to make peace, Modthryth creates chaos among men by killing off any who look at her. This provides us with a direct contrast to the other queens in the epic, as well as comparing her with Grendel's mother. Both women do the opposite of what is expected of a woman by killing certain men/warriors. But, the society of warriors is more accepting of Modthryth than of Grendel's mother causing them to marry her off to Offa, rather than killing her like the hag. While Modthryth is considerably tamed by her marriage, Grendel's mom never gets the chance to do great things because of her death (and also because she is a monster).
2. And although he got away to enjoy life's sweetness a while longer... (ln. 2096) This is ironic because there was nothing even remotely sweet about the remainder of Grendel's life. He had just suffered the humiliation of having his arm ripped off in battle. That humiliation combined with the pain he undoubtedly felt would have made the end of his life a living hell (not that it wasn't already with his life as an exile). Maybe that's why Beowulf calls the end of Grendel's life sweet. He knows that Grendel's suffering as an outcast is coming to an end, and Grendel can find peace in the fact that in death, everyone is made equal.
3. ...my time had not yet come. (ln. 2141) This is an allusion to various books of the New Testament of the Bible. Jesus mentions many times that his time has not yet come, and different scenes are described where he escapes because of this. The allusion reinforces the idea of Beowulf being chosen by God, or even being a Jesus figure. It also brings in a connection to the Bible that we haven't seen yet, since most of the allusions have been to the Old Testament. This could suggest a turning point in the epic.
4. ...a gem-studded sword in the Geat treasury. This he laid on Beowulf's lap and then rewarded him... (ln. 2193) This line suggests that there is a deeper meaning to the sword presented to Beowulf. The way it is written makes the sword seem much more important than the land, the hall and throne, etc. Giving Beowulf the sword is symbolic of Hygelac's trust in him and the faith that he has that Beowulf will make a great ruler. It also suggests that Hygelac knows that Beowulf will need it for a greater purpose one day. The sword is a protector that gets him through great battles.
5. ...grew old and wise as warden of the land... (ln. 2209) This line suggests that, while Beowulf may have been a good king, he didn't do his duties as traditionally as one might expect. Instead of just being a figurehead, he was the "warden of the land," keeping the evil things out and the wealth within his country. Eventhough this could be considered a good thing, it isn't the king's place to fight, it is the duty of his warriors who have pledged their allegiance to him and their country. Beowulf might be a good king, but he has trouble giving up the ways of a warrior.
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I like comment #3 in the connection between Beowulf and Jesus. You should look up the exact lines from the New Testament and compare them with Beowulf.
ReplyDeleteRemember: The king without a sword = the land without a king.
A good king makes the land fertile (protector and/or gardener). Thus his sword might have more than one meaning.