Beowulf: Themes and Motifs Beowulf is the most important work of Old English literature, and is well deserved of the distinction. ... Wild themes. ... In Canto 1 the story teller describes his wealth and importance, not as mounds of gold or jewels, but instead as his ability to "[lead] the Danes to such glory." and as his tendency to "In battle, [leave] the common pasture untouched, and taking no lives." ... Biblical themes and motifs, character is also shown through a certain Man vs. ... Beowulf has many other such archetypal, symbolic themes and motifs, but the most important ...

• Word Count: 1009
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

It is a common theme seen throughout literature that women are nothing more than pretty objects for men to acquire and possess-"Beowulf" and Anglo-Saxon society tell a different story, however. ... One of the most common duties given to women was that of "peaceweaver". ... In Beowulf's story, Wealhtheow is used to unite the Danes and Geats so that Beowulf will help to defeat Grendel. ... She brings together two different kingdoms to reach a common goal, which was very important during the Anglo-Saxon society. ... This man is none other than the legendary warrior, Beow...

• Word Count: 1584
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In the Beowolf story this is an apparent theme. ... The main question is; Why and how are certain groups in Beowulf marginalized and thus made outcasts and in what ways are they similar and different? ... A reason for the unimportance and the subservient role of women in Beowulf is that heroic epics such as beowulf tend to valorize men's deeds in war; thus, in this warring society, it is difficult to recognize the presence of women who are shadows to the main male-centered action. ... We could say that women are outcasts because they are seen as the submissive gender, which was very comm...

• Word Count: 992
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate