| Heroic Identity in the World of Beowulf Contributor(s): Gwara (Author) |
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ISBN: 9004171703 ISBN-13: 9789004171701 Publisher: Brill OUR PRICE: $229.90 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: November 2008 Annotation: In exploring the identities of foreign fighters seeking glory abroad, this revisionist book challenges the traditional view of Beowulf as a "hero." Beowulf emphasizes the obligations attending excellence and the temptation of power, both personal and civic. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Literary Criticism | Medieval - Literary Criticism | English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh - Literary Criticism | Ancient And Classical |
| Dewey: 829.3 |
| LCCN: 2008040583 |
| Series: Medieval and Renaissance Authors and Texts |
| Physical Information: 1.1" H x 6.5" W x 9.6" (1.85 lbs) 419 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Medieval (500-1453) |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Readers of Beowulf have noted inconsistencies in Beowulf's depiction, as either heroic or reckless. Heroic Identity in the World of Beowulf resolves this tension by emphasizing Beowulf's identity as a foreign fighter seeking glory abroad. Such men resemble wreccan, "exiles" compelled to leave their homelands due to excessive violence. Beowulf may be potentially arrogant, therefore, but he learns prudence. This native wisdom highlights a king's duty to his warband, in expectation of Beowulf's future rule. The dragon fight later raises the same question of incompatible identities, hero versus king. In frequent reference to Greek epic and Icelandic saga, this revisionist approach to Beowulf offers new interpretations of flyting rhetoric, the custom of "men dying with their lord," and the poem's digressions. |