Extra Credit Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part B

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  Stories source: The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs

Grendel Attacks

  • For the most part, there was a heavy emphasis on the description of the setting, especially the darkness, the trees, the fog, and the wind 
    • This really set up for the introduction of Grendel, which would be the antagonist that Beowulf would have to fight against
    • "The fog parted evenly, and in the wide path is made through the night, a Shadow loomed gigantic in all that was left of moonlight"
  • In terms of the Grendel, the author first characterized it as the "Shadow"
    • Of course, the author already knew what the creature was, but I think the usage of this name was for the readers to see from Beowulf's point of view
    • Also, it could be for a dramatic effect that would set up for the introduction of Grendel
  • Everything that happened within this story was of little to no action, except for the end. However, the author did a great job of vividly describing the setting and expanding on the environment and made the reader WANT to read more until they reach the action.
The Battle with Grendel
  • This was a very interesting story due to the fact that it was mainly an action scene: the fight between Grendel and Beowulf
    • Described a lot of hand movement that would vividly suffice as if it was a movie, every move was documented
    • The author did a great job to instill uncertainty into the reader as there was a part in the fight where Grendel had the upper hand over Beowulf, which enticed the reader to keep on going as if there wasn't a guarantee that the main protagonist would win or not
    • However, it was somewhat unsatisfying that Grendel ultimately got away into the foggy forest after Beowulf did terrible damage to the thing
    • The crowd wants the conclusion of defeat! Not running away! But this also teases and creates the possibility of the monster being included again in another chapter of the story of Beowulf.
(Beowulf Fighting Grendel. Source: Henry Pitz)

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