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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This is a 3 page paper that provides an overview of perspective in Beowulf. The paper explores how the theme is changed as a result of changing the main character to Wiglaf. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KW60_KFlit088.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
as the sweeping history of the opening passages, or the grim fatalism of the final fight against the dragon. Many interpretations of the poem, however, have considered how the tone
and theme of the work would be altered if the work were narrated from a different perspective. For instance, the recent film adaptation gives the perspective of Beowulf primacy, while
John Gardners "Grendel" reimagines the story from the perspective of the creature whom Beowulf slays to establish his position in Geat society. This paper will examine the changes that the
work will undergo if it is recast from the perspective of Wiglaf; the major thematic change to the work will be that the essence of Wiglafs character, the importance of
bravery and loyalty in Anglo-Saxon culture, will become the primary focus of the entire work. To understand the mechanism of this change, it is first necessary to understand the role
that Wiglaf serves in the story as it stands. Wiglaf, for the most part, serves as a complementary perspective to Beowulfs primacy, a figure who essentially serves to reinforce the
readers impression that Beowulf is a great man. In this sense, some critics have pointed out that he is actually similar to the character of Virgil, who, despite occupying a
seemingly major role in the Divine Comedy, primarily exists to better define Dantes own personality (Ower-Crocker, 2008). By shifting the primary focus to Wiglaf, this perspective is somewhat subverted, such
that instead of serving to sharpen Beowulfs character, Wiglafs own character, that of the loyal vassal, becomes the primary thematic force of the work. In this case, the theme and
tone of the work will change to re-emphasize the importance of these qualities of bravery and loyalty, from a subservient position as a follower, rather than from a dominant position
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