Epic of Beowulf Essay - Ambiguous Allegories and Imperfect Symbols

Ambiguous Allegories and Imperfect Symbols in Beowulf Though Beowulf contains apocalyptic elements from beginning to end, perhaps the most important apocalyptic element of Beowulf is the poets historicizing of the biblical monsters in his characterization of Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. Of course, the many ambiguities found in Beowulf is the source of considerable confusion. For instance, on the one hand, early in the poem we read that the Danes in their dire demand pray at heathen temples, invoking the devil for aid Such was their custom, the hope of the heathens they thought of hell in their hearts they knew not the schoolmaster, the Judge of deeds, they knew not the Lord God, nor could they praise the Protector of the Heavens, the Ruler of Glory (Beowulf 175-188). On the other hand, Hrothgar and Wealhtheow constantly pray to the Christian God, whom they are supposed not to know, according to the lines cited above In Beowulf and in the Book of Apocalypse, identity betwe en symbols and realities, between allegories and their significations is ambiguous and imperfect. A few scholars have pointed out eschatological elements in the poem. John D. Niles writes Although Gods final purpose of humankind is affirmed by only a few verses (977b-979, 3069a, perhaps 2741a and 3083b), the prospect of judgment is implicitly present throughout the poem. Similarly, the reality of Christs incarnation is alike implicit--in fact, it is never mentioned (192). The last things are alluded to in Beowulfs seeking out the judgment of the righteous, (2820), in Scylds going into the Lords keeping (27b), in Hrethels finding Gods light (2469-70), and in Heremods, Unferths, and Grendels excruciation torments in hel... ...duction. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1967. Collins, John J. Apocalyptic Literature, Harpers biblical Dictionary, ed. Paul J. Achtmeier. San Francisco Harper, 1985. Emmerson, Richard K. and Bernard McGinn. The Apocalypse in the Middle Ages. Ithaca Cornell, 19 92. Garmonsway, et. al. Beowulf and Its Analogues. New York Dutton, 1971. Gang, T. M. Approaches to Beowulf. RES 3 (1952).6-12. Gildas. De Excidio Britanniae in Wade-Evans, A. W. , trans. Nennius History of Britons. London Methuen, 1938. Goldsmith, Margaret. The Christian Theme of Beowulf. Medium Aevum 29 (1960) 81-101. Green, Martin. Man, Time, and Apocalypse in The Wanderer, The Seafarer, and Beowulf, JEGP 74 (1975) 502-518. Hieatt, Constance B. Envelope Patterns and the Structure of Beowulf, English Studies in Canada 1 (1975) 249-265.