Beowulf Poem Structure

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I think the structure of this poem is in three different parts, Beowulf's fight with Grendel, the fight with Grendel’s mother and the fight with the dragon. This structure relates to the theme of the poem if you look at each monster representing a different moral challenge that tests Beowulf principled code of being fair and worthy. The fight with Grendel shows the importance of a reputation back in the medieval times, because a reputation means you will be remembered and honored beyond your death. And because Beowulf went up against such a terrible villain he will be greatly rewarded and celebrated for his acts of heroism and courage. The first battle takes place in the Herot because of the monster Grendel has been coming to the mead hall at night, terrorizing and eating many of the soldiers that sleep there. The fight with Grendel shows Beowulf’s strength. Everyone that had tried to kill Grendel always wore armor and used weapons, but Beowulf said that he would not use weapons. He says "When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous any day as Grendel." Which is basically saying that he can easily defeat Grendel and is just as strong and dangerous. He is bragging that he is stronger than anyone else, and during the fight Beowulf was even described as the strongest man ever. The second fight is against Grendel’s mother, Beowulf knows he will struggle against Grendel’s mum. So before he goes out to slay her, he puts on his armor and gets his sword. This is showing us that Beowulf knows this fight will be a lot harder than the one with Grendel, because he did not use any armor or weapons during the previous fight, but for this fight he needs some of the strongest weapons he can get in order to have a chance at beating this “hellish bride”

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