Beowulf | The Heroic Age, Ideal, and Challenge

In the excerpt that follows, George Clark discusses the world of Beowulf as it is presented by the poem's narrator. Clark explains that the society of the Danes is first shown to be a prosperous and successful one, until Grendel's attacks, after which it becomes paralyzed for twelve years. By contrast, demonstrates Clark, the Geatish society is one of action, and Beowulf, as a member of that society coming to aid the Danes seems to be surrounded by ''an aura of good luck and good intentions.'' As an afterword, Clark discusses briefly the Sutton Hoo ship burial discovery, and predicts the avenues by which new criticism will likely approach the poem.

Discovering the Poem's World
The poem imposes many delays on its central story and includes many explorations not directly related to its main business, but despite an indirect movement and moments of leisure, Beowulf creates a powerful impression of a great action moving irresistibly forward, advancing not steadily but abruptly in sudden lurches and turns toward a fearful event. Brief summaries of the "basic story" of Beowulf conceal its rich variety of forms and matter; the poem captures a vast historical scope, includes a variety of genres or...

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