Beowulf and Metonymy
The epic poem Beowulf uses a wide array of literary devices and not the least of which being metonymy. In Beowulf metonymy is used in instances to convey great fearsomeness, glory and fragility to help drive the reader (or listener) deeper into the story and create a greater impact that can further bring home the themes and meanings embedded into this richly imagined tale.
In lines 1–11 with the Shield Sheafson is discussed as being “scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.” The unknown author wants the readers to understand the fearsomeness that the Shield Sheafson imparted on a vast group of people by using Metonymy within the aforementioned quote. He is described as the scourge of many tribes, meaning he is attributed with great suffering. Fearsome doesn’t stop at suffering, however as it is understood that these opening lines are to mean the first king was a great one it can also be interpreted that while he was the scourge of many tribes this is expanded upon in the last part of the quote with “rampaging among foes.” Now it can be surmised that the use of metonymy here is to help the audience realize that while he was bane to others he was so because he was a leader and a great king to his people.
Beowulf is a hero who above all holds the concept of glory akin to immortality. Glory gives purpose and meaning to life, and to strive for such renown makes dying for it a worthy end. This is exemplified in the lines 1388–1389 after Beowulf discusses a warriors purpose he ends it with this quote “when a warrior is gone; that will be his best and only bulwark.” Bulwark here is to mean a warriors life that ends with glory achieved and renown amassed is the most fitting if not only way to die. the metonymy here is a bit clearer to understand as the word ‘Bulwark” ends the line and thought making it a much more impactful idea.
“Oh flower of warriors, beware of that trap.” (1758) a word of caution given by Hrothgar to Beowulf imploring the hero to think about the fragility of his life in this upcoming battle. This title also could mean that Beowulf is in his prime as a warrior, as he is in his full bloom as a warrior. The warning given, is that flowers in full bloom are vulnerable and fragile. The trap being dying in battle to preserve glory. the metonymy used here is how Beowulf is referred to. Likening his ideas of glory and sense of self as a warrior marks him as vulnerable in war. It seems the author wants the reader to understand the solemnity and severity of the hero’s plight if he chooses to ignore the advice given to him and think not for the future but by and for the moment marking him for death.
In beowulf metonymy is a powerful literary device used to convey important concepts and drive home meaning in such a way that leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of how to interpret and understand the lines within in this epic. Overall it is understandable how metonymy is used to help describe the over arching themes like power and glory and what it means to give oneself over to tightly held ideals.
