What changes in outlook, or tone, does the speaker of “The Dream of the Rood” go through? Which lines would you pick that cue us to changes?
Beowulf ll. 1-661: Offer a few comments or questions on the Prologue and sections 1-2. Then choose one or more of the speeches in sections 3-9, by the watchman, Beowulf, Hrothgar, or Unferth, and consider what the speech’s purpose is, why it might be suited to the speaker and the occasion, and any other issues that you see in it.
If you can, also frame two questions about any of the day’s reading in your blog response.
The speaker of “The Dream of the Rood” is anonymous, an unremarkable person who is no more or less prone to sin than the rest of humanity. Yet this narrator is privy to a fantastic retelling of Christ’s crucifixion via a dream.
He – let’s assume he is male – begins his tale with excited reverence, as he describes the tree and angels in terms of man’s most precious earthly possessions: “gold” and “gems” (Line 6). He also uses superlatives to illustrate the importance of the “sweetest dream” and “most wondrous tree” (Lines 1, 4).
A shift soon occurs in Line 11, when the heavenly image is marred by the arrival of a man “fouled by sins.” While the change in tone was hinted at by mentioning the “felon’s gallows,” a symbol of death and therefore of mankind, the change occurs because the speaker bemoans his obscene unworthiness before the pure piece of heaven. This humble attitude is adopted by the tree, as it tells the story of Christ’s crucifixion.
The other changes in tone are signified by the beginning on new stanzas. The tree’s tone becomes somewhat proud in Line 76, while he briefly becomes the featured character. With the address, “Now I bid you, my beloved hero,” the tree’s proud tone increases to a didactic level in the next stanza (Line 94). The final stanza is narrated hopefully and piously by the speaker, who uses a smooth blend of earthly and heavenly diction.
Thoughts on the first part of Beowulf, Prologue through Line 660
Prologue, Line 11: “That was a good king!” Is this sarcasm? How did medieval readers regard sarcasm in literature?
Prologue, Lines 50-52: “Men do not know how to say truly…who received that cargo [the ship carrying Scyld Scefing’s body].” What is foreshadowed in the prologue? Where could Scyld Scefing have gone, and what would that imply about the fate of his people?
Beowulf is said to be a mighty warrior, but it is not until he encounters the watchman on the Danish shore that the reader gets to see him in action. The watchman, “a fearless officer,” is Beowulf’s first test (Line 287). “This thane of Hrothgar” is strong, intelligent, observant, loyal, and courageous (Line 234). He would clearly pose a challenge to an invader. However, Beowulf and his men have the advantage of numbers, and the presence of the hero himself. Therefore, the watchman’s speech gives Beowulf an opportunity to show his character. Not only does he respect and impress the watchman, Beowulf asserts himself as a likely hero.
Works Cited
"Beowulf." 2011. The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Ed. Joseph Black. 2nd ed. Vol. A. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview, 2011. 62-110. Print.
Works Cited
"Beowulf." 2011. The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Ed. Joseph Black. 2nd ed. Vol. A. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview, 2011. 62-110. Print.
"The Dream of the Rood." 2011. The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Ed. Joseph Black. 2nd ed. Vol. A. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview, 2011. 58-60. Print.
