LRJ # 2

Values-
This excerpt from Beowulf display multiple values. For one example it is highly valued that when a man is victorious over his enemy; he severs a body part from his enemy (usually the head) and puts it up for all to see. This is depicted when Beowulf displays the head of Grendel to the town. "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both queen and company to behold" (lines 1647-1649). Another value displayed in Beowulf is revenge. Interestingly this is not only seen in the societies but also in the monsters the people face. For example it is no surprise to the people when Grendel's mother comes violently seeking revenge for her son. "but now his mother had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge" (lines 1276-1278).
Unrealistic-
In many stories characters are sometimes depicted to have unrealistic ablilities. For example a character may have unimaginable levels of strength, fairytale powers or simply performing the impossible. In Beowulf there is a point in which, Beowulf spends hours underwater with out resurfacing. "he dived into the heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of the day before he could see the solid bottom" (lines 1494-1496). This is a perfect example of unrealistic ablitities or tasks.
Favorite Quote-
My favorite quote from this excerpt of Beowulf was when his sword was described. The image it creats in your mind of a solid metal sword melting like a peice of ice seems intesting to me. "the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. it was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts when the father eases the fetters off the frost and unravels the water-ropes" (lines 1605-1610).