英国文学writers,works.docx

The Language of BeowulfNational EpicsEPIC: A long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Most epics include elements of myth, legend, folklore, and history. Their tone is serious and their language grand.Most epic heroes undertake quests to achieve something of tremendous value to themselves or their society. Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneidare the best-known epics in the Western tradition. The two most important English epics are the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf and John Milton’s Paradise Lost.The story of BeowulfBeowulf is a classic tale of the triumph of good over evil, and divides neatly into three acts. The poem opens in Denmark, where Grendel is terrorising the kingdom. The Geatish prince Beowulf hears of his neighbours’ plight, and sails to their aid with a band of warriors. Beowulf encounters Grendel in unarmed combat, and deals the monster its death-blow by ripping off its arm.There is much rejoicing among the Danes; but Grendel’s loathsome mother takes her revenge, and makes a brutal attack upon the king’s hall. Beowulf seeks out the hag in her underwater lair, and slays her after an almighty struggle. Once more there is much rejoicing, and Beowulf is rewarded with many gifts. The poem culminates 50 years later, in Beowulf’s old age. Now king of the Geats, his own realm is faced with a rampaging dragon, which had been guarding a treasure-hoard. Beowulf enters the dragon’s mound and kills his foe, but not before he himself has been fatally wounded.Beowulf closes with the king’s funeral, and a lament for the dead hero.BalladThe old English ballads include some of the best and most exciting poetry in the language. They have had a great influence on later poetry and indeed on English literature in general.Most of them seem to have been composed at some time between 1350 and 1550, which means their language differs a little from modern language.It happens that the best bal