Beowulf ll. 1-1798

• 발행기관: 한국영미어문학회
• 저자명: Jie-Ae Yu
• 간행물 정보: 『영미어문학』영미어문학 제98호, 129~146쪽, 전체 18쪽
• 주제분류: 어문학 > 영어와문학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2011.03.30

영문 초록

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the first section of Beowulf, lines 1-1798 depicts varied changeability and its vibrant embodiment through King Hrothgar, his court Heorot, and one of the monsters Grendel. In dealing with the subject of vicissitude, the poet incorporates the various aspects of mutability by linking these three elements closely in the first section of the poem. A number of textual evidences clearly reveal that the poet deploys the recurrent motif of diverse fluctuation in the ambitions and obtainments of minor figures such as Hrothgar and Grendel, and in the glory and stability of the location, Heorot. Most commentators have largely dealt with the protagonist Beowulf so far, accentuating various facets of the hero in good depth. This article contends that the writer of Beowulf maneuvers the significance of the minor characters such as the King, Grendel, and also the place of King Hrothgar's court. The paper argues that the poet's depiction of the various sides of changeability reflects the turbulent, unstable conditions of his contemporary Anglo-Saxon society and culture. Through his thematic concern with the diverse, fleeting features represented in the three elements, the poet conveys the ironic boundary or limitation of men's pursuits and their worldly things, sharing the predominant conception of mutability deployed in numerous Old English works. This broad range of changeability mirrors the contemporary anxiety and awareness of the unpredictable feature of human aspirations and affairs.

키워드

Beowulf Hrothgar Heorot Grendel vicissitude irony