I need to explain Beowulf's speech lines 365-428. topic audience and tone of the speech.
I don't have a copy of Beowulf anymore, so I can't find this speech by line numbers.
Please try these things:
1. Summarize the speech.
2. Figure out who his audience is (to whom was he speaking).
3. Figure out his own attitude toward the topic of his speech; that is his tone.
To explain Beowulf's speech lines 365-428, we need to refer to the original text of Beowulf. Here is the excerpt from Beowulf in which those lines appear:
"Then Beowulf spoke, son of Ecgtheow,
‘Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better
to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.
For every one of us, living in this world
means waiting for our end. Let whoever can
win glory before death.'
Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast
for the last time: ‘I risked my life
often when I was young. Now I am old,
but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight
for the glory of winning, if the evil one
will only abandon his earth-fort
and face me in the open.'
‘And I promise you this, you will not
need to hide my head. Heaney, Seamus (2000-06-19).
"But you must send away, home,
all your great self-assurance,
and the better part of the valor you boast of.
I will meet him
with my hands empty—unless his heart
fails him, seeing a soldier waiting
weaponless, unafraid.
Let God in His wisdom extend His hand
where He wills, reward whom He chooses.'
Then out of the night came the creature
Grendel, walking in darkness….”
Now, let's analyze the topic, audience, and tone of this speech:
1. Topic: The topic of Beowulf's speech can be described as his willingness to fight and avenge those who were dear to him. He is expressing his determination to battle Grendel, the evil creature plaguing Hrothgar's kingdom.
2. Audience: Beowulf's speech is directed toward the members of Hrothgar's court, including Hrothgar himself. These are individuals who have witnessed the terror caused by Grendel and are seeking a solution to the problem.
3. Tone: The tone of Beowulf's speech is one of bravery, confidence, and defiance. He acknowledges the inevitability of death and encourages his audience not to mourn the loss of loved ones but to seek revenge. His words also convey his commitment to face Grendel alone, without weapons, showcasing his unwavering courage and trust in God's will.
In summary, in lines 365-428 of Beowulf, Beowulf gives a powerful speech, expressing his readiness to avenge the victims of Grendel's attacks. His speech displays a tone of bravery and confidence, appealing to the audience's desire for justice and assurance in his ability to defeat the evil creature.