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Epic Conventions In Beowulf

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Epic Conventions In Beowulf
Beowulf is a heroic epic poem. This work represents what is consider epics because, it is a poem written with a great extension. Moreover, it is written by way of alliterative verse, where the legendary exploits by which crossed the Beowulf character are related. Epics narrate actions that include a hero and that is of importance to the significance of a person. Beowulf emphasizes the ethical values of the period, loyalty, and makes allegory to Christianity. The content of the play tells transcendent actions in the life of Beowulf and the communities in which offers help to free them from supernatural characters, another characteristic of the epic. Epic heroes tend to have certain features in common that help the reader to feel admiration …show more content…
The force which he enjoyed exceeded the force that had other men and his body was more powerful than any weapon. An epic convention is characterized by a super human character “I have heard moreover that the monster scorns/ in his reckless way to use weapons; / therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame/ and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce/ sword and the shelter of the broad shield, / the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand/ is how it will be, a life-and-death/ fight with the fiend” (ll. 433-440). Thanks to this Beowulf was able to perform his exploits, such as killing Gretel as well as Gretel's mother to free the Danes, and kill a dragon. This is evidence that was stronger than conventional fighters and had super human abilities showing his epic …show more content…
Wars and trips are common from the epic conventions and these give rise to events that make the hero wins his reputation and honor. For Beowulf, only the just struggles are honorable, characterizing it as an epic hero right. The intelligence he endowed, led him to make important decisions in their battles and additionally during his term as king. Beowulf determine with their decisions the fate of his people, “They said that of all the kings upon the earth/ he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, / kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (ll. 2892–3182). These characteristics reflect the epic conventions again. Its mandate was characterized by peace and prosperity, showing his ability to govern justly as a worthy epic
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