Metonymy and Beowulf
Beowulf is an Old English epic that tells of a story of heroism, identity, and evil. The story is told in a way that resembles a historic record that recounts of the heroic deeds of Beowulf and humanizes the monsters that are encountered by the characters. The poem also highlights the culture of that time and the focus it had on family, strength, and honor.
Metonymy is often used in Beowulf to describe a character or a setting. For example, the term “twelve-winters’ time” is used to describe the twelve years of Hrothgar’s suffering caused by Grendel. Or the use of the word crown to represent a king. The use of metonymy paints a more vivd image for the reader. When describing 12 years as “twelve-winter’s time,” it invokes a cold, harsh reaction to the time Hrothgar spent suffering. And describing the ship and it’s parts with words like “ocean-keel” and “sea-cloth” give a vivid description of the intricacies of the ship.
In the time in which Beowulf takes place, the culture of the Scandinavian and Germanic people focused much on family, strength, and honor. Much of what made a person “good” was to bring honor to their lineage and to their people by acts of strength and heroism. In Beowulf, a character’s history and lineage is often brought up to impress others and to boast of one’s own accomplishments. Boasts were seen as a way to increase one’s reputation and honor. Throughout the poem, Beowulf speaks of his fathers great deeds and of his own in his boasts and when meeting new people. This heroic code is echoed consistently throughout the poem.
Many of the characters’ actions in Beowulf are dictated by the heroic code which represents their honor. Honor and glory are gained by facing the most challenging foe to increase their reputation. In the poem, Beowulf seeks this glory and treasure when facing Grendel and when he performs heroic deeds throughout the lands. This glory and reputation is sought after up until Beowulf’s death after facing a dragon. Beowulf’s last wish is to see the treasure he won from the dragon and hope that it will be enough for his people. However, Beowulf’s heroic acts ultimately do little for his people. In Beowulf, even a mighty hero can do little to protect his people from the grave.
There is, however, a bit of parallelism in the poem between Beowulf and the monsters he faces that makes the reader question whether or not Beowulf was truly a hero. Despite taking place in early Scandinavian history, the poem was written from a post-Christian conversion Anglo-Saxon point of view. Beowulf is seen as a great hero by his people, but many of his motivations and actions are also reflected in the monsters he fights. Beowulf fights Grendel with no armor or weapons and is inhumanly strong, just as Grendel is. Beowulf seeks revenge against Grendel’s mother just as Grendel’s mother sought revenge against Beowulf and his people. Most noticeable is Beowulf’s greed for wealth and fame compared to the dragon. Dragons, in many cultures, are symbolic of greed. While the poem does admire the bravery of Beowulf’s deeds, the Christian values directly challenge the more savage and vengeful traits of the character. The writer calls into question those ancient values and considers whether they are truly good or evil.
Overall, Beowulf is a rich story with some deeper meaning than some might originally find in the story. With themes of good vs. evil, identity, and heroism, Beowulf no doubt has influenced many modern stories that explore the same topics. In the end, heroism itself is a metonymy to Beowulf; Beowulf’s heroism is just a part of his character. A part that is highlighted throughout the poem, but is ultimately questioned on the basis of Beowulf as whole.
