Annotated Bibliography -
1) Conrad-O'Briain, Helen. "Critical Essay on 'Beowulf'." Epics for Students. Detroit: Gale, 1997. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 5 Oct. 2010.
In this work, the author discusses how society's views on a hero largely influenced the making of Beowulf. He talks about how Beowulf is unlike any heroes at the time (Odysseus, Hercules, Ing, Sigmund, or Achilles) The author also discusses how the story continues to show the rises and the falls of all the families within Beowulf. He tells us of the basic structure of Beowulf and discusses its flaws and strengths. The author aims to inform his audience about common recurring themes in Beowulf as well as giving his opinions about the story. This is similar to the story line of Hercules but very different in some ways. I agree with the author when he states that Beowulf is a rather simple poem but is told "elaborate" way. It is the classic story of a hero who bravely conquers all the beasts and demons that are thrown his way. I like how this author gives a new perspective to Beowulf that some people may have not thought about as he tries to offer a deeper look into what made Beowulf, Beowulf.
2) Steltz, David. "Pride & Beowulf" My Words. 2012 . Web. 29, August 2012.
In this work, the author discusses how Beowulf's pride influences the story. At the time the story was created, Christians believed strongly in humility and to rid the body of any vain within themselves. Beowulf contrasts Christian belief at the time because he radiates with pride and constantly boasts about his endless talent. He discusses how it may come off as startling when the readers see how boastful Beowulf is, knowing that he is noble and is supposed to exude nobility and maintain proper conduct. His pride is seen as his tragic flaw. Beowulf's self confidence leads him to believe that he can fight the dragon in his old age without any help from their army. This vanity Beowulf possesses leads him to downfall and ultimately his death. I agree with the author as I too believe that it is one of Beowulf's flaws. "Pride is often interpreted as haughty, selfish, and boastful. It usually has dark and negative connotations, especially in the context of Christian doctrine".
3) Slusser, Michael A. "The Slippery Monster of Beowulf" Human-like Beasts or Beastial Humans? 2000. Web.
In this work, the author talks about how the 3 monsters in this piece seem to be the center of attention in this book; he goes on to discuss each monster in detail as well as their relevance to the story. The author seems to agree with the general public's opinion, that the monsters are not the central piece of attention, and does agree that they are important, in this story and gives his audience his view about the story. His take on the book is interesting; he acknowledges that J. R. R Tolkein himself has said that the monsters are the main part of the story. I like the author's views on the story as they offer a new perspective and deeper insight to the monsters' relevance to the story. I do believe that the battle between the 3 individual monsters is what makes up the entire plot.The main purpose of this work is for the author to offer his views on this story to his audience. He briefly sums up the monster's role of heir importance to the story to calm the thoughts of confused readers.
1) Conrad-O'Briain, Helen. "Critical Essay on 'Beowulf'." Epics for Students. Detroit: Gale, 1997. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 5 Oct. 2010.
In this work, the author discusses how society's views on a hero largely influenced the making of Beowulf. He talks about how Beowulf is unlike any heroes at the time (Odysseus, Hercules, Ing, Sigmund, or Achilles) The author also discusses how the story continues to show the rises and the falls of all the families within Beowulf. He tells us of the basic structure of Beowulf and discusses its flaws and strengths. The author aims to inform his audience about common recurring themes in Beowulf as well as giving his opinions about the story. This is similar to the story line of Hercules but very different in some ways. I agree with the author when he states that Beowulf is a rather simple poem but is told "elaborate" way. It is the classic story of a hero who bravely conquers all the beasts and demons that are thrown his way. I like how this author gives a new perspective to Beowulf that some people may have not thought about as he tries to offer a deeper look into what made Beowulf, Beowulf.
2) Steltz, David. "Pride & Beowulf" My Words. 2012 . Web. 29, August 2012.
In this work, the author discusses how Beowulf's pride influences the story. At the time the story was created, Christians believed strongly in humility and to rid the body of any vain within themselves. Beowulf contrasts Christian belief at the time because he radiates with pride and constantly boasts about his endless talent. He discusses how it may come off as startling when the readers see how boastful Beowulf is, knowing that he is noble and is supposed to exude nobility and maintain proper conduct. His pride is seen as his tragic flaw. Beowulf's self confidence leads him to believe that he can fight the dragon in his old age without any help from their army. This vanity Beowulf possesses leads him to downfall and ultimately his death. I agree with the author as I too believe that it is one of Beowulf's flaws. "Pride is often interpreted as haughty, selfish, and boastful. It usually has dark and negative connotations, especially in the context of Christian doctrine".
3) Slusser, Michael A. "The Slippery Monster of Beowulf" Human-like Beasts or Beastial Humans? 2000. Web.
In this work, the author talks about how the 3 monsters in this piece seem to be the center of attention in this book; he goes on to discuss each monster in detail as well as their relevance to the story. The author seems to agree with the general public's opinion, that the monsters are not the central piece of attention, and does agree that they are important, in this story and gives his audience his view about the story. His take on the book is interesting; he acknowledges that J. R. R Tolkein himself has said that the monsters are the main part of the story. I like the author's views on the story as they offer a new perspective and deeper insight to the monsters' relevance to the story. I do believe that the battle between the 3 individual monsters is what makes up the entire plot.The main purpose of this work is for the author to offer his views on this story to his audience. He briefly sums up the monster's role of heir importance to the story to calm the thoughts of confused readers.