天津大学英语系本科 英国文学复习内容 补充材料.doc

英国文学复习内容 Beowulf: an English Epic Though traces of Christian values can be clearly seen in Beowulf, it is pervaded with paganism. In the noble figure of Beowulf, pagan heroism and fatalism are mingled with Christian qualities. The non-Christian story of monsters and mighty sea beasts is blended with some serious thoughts on the power of a wise God. In the poem, the poet expresses a hope that the evil should be punished, and the righteous will be rewarded. Structurally speaking, Beowulf is built around three fights. The first part deals with the fight between Beowulf and the monster Grendel that has been attacking the great hall of the Heorot, built by Hrothgar, the Danish King. The second part involves a battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother, a water-monster, who takes revenge by carrying off one of the king’s noblemen. The last part is about the fight between Beowulf and a firedrake that ravages Beowulf’s kingdom. The long poem ends with praises of Beowulf’s noble deeds and his acts of courage. Beowulf is a pagan poem concerned with the heroic ideal of kings and kingship in North Europe. Battle is a way of life at that time. Strength and courage are basic virtues for both kings and his warriors. The king should protect his people and show gentleness and generosity to his warriors. And in return, his warriors should show absolute obedience and loyalty to the king. By praising Beowulf’s wisdom, strength and courage, and by glorifying his death for his people, the poem presents the heroic ideal of a king and his good relations to his warriors and people. Two Early Anglo-Saxon Lyrics: The Seafarer and The Wanderer The Seafarer and The Wanderer are two early Anglo-Saxon lyrics found in the famous Exeter Book ---- one of the four important collections of the surviving poetry of the Anglo-Saxon period. The Seafarer is a monologue, describing an old sailor who is torn between the attractions of the sea and the perils it might bring. Some critics read it as a dialogu