Get social with eNotes!

We're now on Facebook and Twitter. Followers and fans are eligible for prizes!

Beowulf | Essays and Criticism

  • An Overview of Themes in Beowulf

    Essay discussing prominent themes in Beowulf, including the tension between its pagan and Christian elements, fate, good and evil, allegiance and blood ties, honor and reputation, and wisdom and action.

  • The Beowulf Epic

    In the following essay, Helen Conrad-O'Briain discusses the epic elements of and analyzes the Anglo-Saxon epic techniques the Beowulf poet used in the poem. She also compares the character of Beowulf with other epic heroes and reviews several of the themes of the work, including the role of God and providence and the futile, transitory nature of human existence.

  • The Heroic Age, Ideal, and Challenge

    In the excerpt that follows, George Clark discusses the world of Beowulf as it is presented by the poem's narrator. Clark explains that the society of the Danes is first shown to be a prosperous and successful one, until Grendel's attacks, after which it becomes paralyzed for twelve years. By contrast, demonstrates Clark, the Geatish society is one of action, and Beowulf, as a member of that society coming to aid the Danes seems to be surrounded by ''an aura of good luck and good intentions.'' As an afterword, Clark discusses briefly the Sutton Hoo ship burial discovery, and predicts the avenues by which new criticism will likely approach the poem.

  • Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Poetry

    In the following excerpt, S. A. J. Bradley discusses the controversy over the dating of Beowulf and comments on its oral tradition. Bradley notes that the early criticism of Beowulf focused on the work as a source of information regarding early Germanic culture rather than as a poem.