Doc's first PowerPoint was primarily focused on explaining the history of the Medieval times. From this, I learned that during this era so many important events occurred and one of the clearest ways to understand these happenings (in both a subjective and objective sense) was to seek understanding in the art produced during them. By exploring the literature, artifacts, relics, etc. that survive from this period in time, one is given a rare, subjective glimpse into the creators mind that can, in turn, be understood through modern contexts.
In retrospect, this may have been the most beneficial and surprising things I learned this whole week. I never would have expected to understand this period so well, so fast that I could begin to empathize with characters that represented a civilization which existed over 1,000 years ago. Ultimately, all of this aided in my arrival at, perhaps, the most important realization of all; the term 'dark ages' amounts to nothing more than a gross oversimplification and stereotypical coining of this period of time.
In retrospect, this may have been the most beneficial and surprising things I learned this whole week. I never would have expected to understand this period so well, so fast that I could begin to empathize with characters that represented a civilization which existed over 1,000 years ago. Ultimately, all of this aided in my arrival at, perhaps, the most important realization of all; the term 'dark ages' amounts to nothing more than a gross oversimplification and stereotypical coining of this period of time.
Sure enough, Doc had prepared yet ANOTHER amazing PowerPoint. However, this one focused more specifically on the history of 'Anglo Saxon'* literature. One of the main points discussed in this presentation was the distinction between the story and the scribe. Having learned that the pagan, oral translation of stories were ultimately recorded by Christian scribes, my initial approach to reading the literature was compromised and I soon began to read each with a grain of salt. This point was reiterated when a brief outline of the common themes and motifs that were central to Anglo Saxon literature were discussed. Each of them I felt, had an undertone of Christian symbolism and, as a result, I was able to identify many of these (Christian) themes when reading Heaney's translation of Beowulf.
In Grendel lines 514-518 explain how Beowulf braved the water, "Taking its measure, mastering currents, Riding on the swell." and goes on to say how an encounter with Breca lasted seven nights. Additionally, in line 3039 in The Death of Beowulf, a "serpent on the ground, gruesome and vile, Lying facing him [Beowulf]" is described in addition to the mentioning of twelve warriors that rode around his [Beowulf's] tomb. The symbolism appearing in Grendel describes Beowulf controlling the waters like Moses and, later on, compares him to God after emerging victorious after the seventh night. In The Death of Beowulf, a serpent is described lying near Beowulf as he near's death, symbolizing the evil power and chaos that will soon overtake the kingdom as a result of his passing. Furthermore, near the end of the second reading, twelve warriors are described as taking place in the burial procession, in contrast with the twelve sons of Israel. These biblical allusions serve as indicators of the Christian's hand in the translations of Anglo Saxon literature. It is an especially significant point because it puts into question the role of the translator and reminds the audience to consider their role when reading pieces such as Beowulf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this week, in part because I was able to learn at a different speed and in a different way than I initially expected. Beowulf and the history of the Medieval era has certainly given me a lot to think about in regards to my specialty area and I hope to further explore the elements of each more throughout the semester.
In Grendel lines 514-518 explain how Beowulf braved the water, "Taking its measure, mastering currents, Riding on the swell." and goes on to say how an encounter with Breca lasted seven nights. Additionally, in line 3039 in The Death of Beowulf, a "serpent on the ground, gruesome and vile, Lying facing him [Beowulf]" is described in addition to the mentioning of twelve warriors that rode around his [Beowulf's] tomb. The symbolism appearing in Grendel describes Beowulf controlling the waters like Moses and, later on, compares him to God after emerging victorious after the seventh night. In The Death of Beowulf, a serpent is described lying near Beowulf as he near's death, symbolizing the evil power and chaos that will soon overtake the kingdom as a result of his passing. Furthermore, near the end of the second reading, twelve warriors are described as taking place in the burial procession, in contrast with the twelve sons of Israel. These biblical allusions serve as indicators of the Christian's hand in the translations of Anglo Saxon literature. It is an especially significant point because it puts into question the role of the translator and reminds the audience to consider their role when reading pieces such as Beowulf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this week, in part because I was able to learn at a different speed and in a different way than I initially expected. Beowulf and the history of the Medieval era has certainly given me a lot to think about in regards to my specialty area and I hope to further explore the elements of each more throughout the semester.
Works Cited
Heaney,
Seamus. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation.
NY: Norton, 2001. Print
*I put Anglo-Saxon in quotations because, as we all learned, there were many more tribes than just the Anglos and the Saxons who, unfortunately, get thrown under this alleged all -encompassing term.
*I put Anglo-Saxon in quotations because, as we all learned, there were many more tribes than just the Anglos and the Saxons who, unfortunately, get thrown under this alleged all -encompassing term.
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