English+Extension


 * __English Extension__**


 * __Beowulf Resources__**



**Using the images provided and your core text discuss how the heroic figure has been represented across all three texts studied in class** //Anyone have any ideas for layout of essay? Feel free to comment on people's work?//
 * __Assessment__**

__ Haywood's Beowulf Movie Rambling Notes __
This movie is more of a contrast, adaption or an appropriation than it is true to the text.
 *  Starts off with battle music- with excitement, sets an atmosphere, battle chants with a strong introduction like the text, echoes the Pagan warrior culture, backdrop for the epic story.
 *  Introduction of the drinking horn, appropriation from the original text.
 *  Neutral angle, we empathise with the Queen, her facial expression suggests that she is disgusted by the rude behaviour of Hrothgar.
 *  Duality and comparisons- the feasting, celebrations in the movie instead of the violence
 *  Both the text and film represent Hrothgar as a beloved king, yet in the film he is suggested to be irresponsible and a drunkard. His first statement is 'mead, give me mead'. A close-up shot of him drinking from the horn (a symbol of Grendel's mother fealty to her).
 *  The movie would feature a slant on Christianity rather than the text- Unferth speaking to another thane about his influence from Christianity, but it is a Pagan warrior culture portrayed in the mead hall.
 *  The mead hall has been described as 'a place of merriment, joy and fornication'.
 *  Her envious facial expression of the girl having sexual intercourse outside is nostalgic before Hrothgar became unfaithful.
 *  A high angle shot from a camera looking down at Hrothgar, suggesting he is inferior and vulnerable.
 *  Canted framing (tilted framing) suggests something is wrong, such as her situation with Hrothgar.
 *  The Queen in the film is used as vehicle to set the characters, unlike the text where she is a one dimensional character.
 *  However he is gentle and kind despite being drunk, being generous with the giving of his treasure.
 *  The animation of the setting gives it a supernatural feeling
 *  There is a cover of sepia over the film, enhances the other worldly and underground. Good for setting as far as the period (pre-Christian era- keeps in the text). Use of orange filter.
 *  His treatment of Unferth decreases Hrothgar.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The representation of the scop is relatively accurate.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Overshot (or bird's eye) camera angle make the humans look vulnerable and like ants.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Foreshadowing of the taking of the rat by the eagle, with Grendel's first attack. Symbolic of the powerless nature of the mortals from the supernatural creatures such as Grendel.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'The kingdom fell in darkness and shadows ruled the night,' reflects the sepia tones
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Reflects faith, and reflects the culture of religion.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The long shot zooming out of the clouds is not Godly, but reflects emptiness- still ominous, not benevolent, trees without leaves, clouds, dark at night, as well as the music is hellish. The cartoon-like images add to the ominous feeling not the cute stylised feeling.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'The beast was gored and peace restored'- another quote of Hrothgar deeds.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The audience is positioned to be sympathetic for Grendel, he self-mutilates by the pain caused by the chanting. He rages out of self-preservation.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Good use of canted framing and camera angles as Unferth assaults the boy, his facial expression suggests he is enjoying it. He is represented as a cruel character.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The character of Grendel (semi-animated)- highlights the gore and demonic nature. Everything is very internal, they are unprotected when Grendel comes- they are disarmed and drunk.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Their screams are a catalyst for his anger.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The real battle is with Grendel, not before in the mead hall. They are trapped internally, when the mead hall is symbolic of refuge.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Ironic in that the mead hall is a safe refuge, broken by Grendel. It is difficult for the responder to see what is happening with the flashing lights and the zooming camera. Therefore it is suspenseful, keeping both the characters and readers in the dark metaphorically. The violence is more pronounced, but not realistic using semi-animation- supports the concept of violence of the era it belonged to. Even though it is a modern adaption, modern technology lends itself to explore and exploit the ancient text, allows us to view it in the way it was meant to be seen- we can't see Grendel break of arms and legs without animation, we can see how contrasts through modern technology. Without animation, this would have fallen in horror genre, it detracts from the film.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Rather than pursuing integrity of the text, realism adds violence. The strength of Grendel is in its semi-automated status, using darkness making it more demonic rather than robotic. The responder is left uncomfortable with Grendel's appearance. Modern sophisticated viewers would appreciate the semi-animated rather than robotic appearance, it didn't develop into a horror genre.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Alliteration is used to show Grendel's fight, non-digetic sounds used to show bodies being ripped apart, to emphasise the horror. Use of blue filter, foreshadows the presence of evil. Use of low key lighting (lot of shadows by obscuring the light source and adding the shadows of the frame)
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> No mortal weapon can harm Grendel, similarly the axe does not inflict any damage on Grendel.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Hrothgar challenges it to a fight, 'Fight me'. One of the themes is to fratricide (kill your father) in the movie and the text.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Grendel's refusal to fight Hrothgar suggests he knows the truth. There are frustrated noises partially because of there is no connection between them. He longs for affection and acknowledgement, through his pained facial expression and whimpering sounds. This value of relationship between father and son is a 20th century value, to appeal to a modern audience.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Grendel fights in the mead hall due to a jealous nature, while the film portrays him physically tormented through his weak eardrum.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Grendel's voice is submissive and childish, appears cartoonish and weak in front of his mother. The film loses power and strength in this scene- sentimentalises because it shifts to a cartoonish nature.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The accents and voices are over exaggerated which makes it lose integrity and weak. The whining/high pitch and the annoying accent make it childish and cartoonish- a significant shift to become trite. This conflicts with his massive size and demeanour.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Unferth emerging from his hiding place shows his cowardice, even though he is a loyal thane. In addition he boasts.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The serpentine head of Grendel's mother is a Biblical allusion of a phallic and the Devil. She tempts men as a seductress- an equivalent of the Devil.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The closure of the mead hall is symbolic of closing the morale and economy of a kingdom.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> This place reeks of death, juxtaposed to a place of merrymaking.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'Shall we also pray to the new Roman god, Christ Jesus?' emphasises Christian values to the audience. 'Perhaps he can lift our affliction', implies Jesus is more powerful a god.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The gods will do nothing for us that we will not do for ourselves. As men we can't look to someone else we need to do something, We need a hero'.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The storm in nature, crashing waves, lightning- implies chaos in the kingdom implies great need for a hero. Nature is also in chaos, with the metaphor of being blind when the warrior states that there is nothing to navigate through use of low key lighting, extreme long shot, boat is obscured by the waves.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The boat is given power and status through low-angle shot, as the prow shoots above the wave.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Calm, heroic pose is the first impression of Beowulf with a neutral camera angle.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'The sea is my mother, she will never take me back to her murky womb', he is not afraid while his second-in-command shows signs of fear. Beowulf retorts by laughing at danger.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Shifts back to modern technology giving integrity and force to the text. The break in authenticity ironically weakens the strength of the demonic character which places the strength in the hero's hands.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'If we really want in, the storm will not hold us in'. Refers to Hrothgar's inference. The implication is that men continue to be brave in the face of satanic and demonic images but they are unrelenting in their knowledge that they will win. Thematically, Beowulf wants glory and gold, which are the motivators for life with a serious expression and calm voice.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The movie has an aura of mythology to it, 'if we die, it will be for glory, not for gold' as glory is correct to the culture. The camera angles are epic, not earthly. The swiftness in which they travel, with the close shots make them seem larger, even though they are mortal man- supports the epic paradigm of the hero which contextually is mythological.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The lone sentinel is portrayed and represented the same as in the film. He is unfazed by the spear point at his face.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The appropriation of language, the acting is inferior and weak, not believable. Ironically the text speaks of great strength and great men in the epic fashion, yet Zemekis's use of simplistic language by not integrating the language of the text Beowulf creates an aura of unbelievable, losing integrity, not supporting a classic text. Yet he shows arrogance through his bold definitive statements of high modality. He dwarfs Hrothgar in the scene, as well as everyone else, dominating the centre of the frame.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Social distance is a visual technique, which uses low camera angle shot between the Queen and Beowulf, suggests there is no personal space, and they are oblivious to her space. Beowulf is too close to the Queen, their facial expressions suggests a relationship, which is constantly foreshadowed, while the original text has no such notion.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Merrymaking in the hall brings the devil, Grendel- they have grown to live in fear of Grendel therefore they convey that Grendel has succeeded in removing the joy of their lives.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The drunk negates his ability to be his hero- that he is an inferior hero, 'a boastful fool'.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Beowulf holds his gaze at Unferth, while he does not establish eye contact. Beowulf does not show emotion and allows Unferth to insult him without showing any sign of violence, much like the text. It is also important that Unferth is drunk while he is making the boast, his cowardice is further emphasised by him coming with an armed escort
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Temporal dislocation (constant temporal shifts) are used in the text, canted frame
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The sheer size of the sea monsters compared to Beowulf in the frame show how powerful Beowulf is to overpower several of them, use of orange filter suggests he is triumphing.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> There is a jump cut from him being dragged down from the surface to a close-up of his face confused and unsure, which then jump cuts back to him having fun with a mermaid. This foreshadows Beowulf's moral failing, female characters seduce him and betray him (fem fetar).
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Unferth killing his brothers is a Biblical allusion to Cain and Abel. The reference to the horn and the allure of the treasure with the queen, it is metaphorical for the Queen and Beowulf when Hrothgar is referring to the horn. The queen looks longingly into Beowulf's eyes. The fact that Beowulf is seduced by Grendel's mother means he is not morally upright.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Low angle shot of Beowulf shows how much more dominant he is compared to Unferth.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The words of the song the queen sings defines a hero for modern audiences, 'he goes where no one else goes, but always a hero comes home'. Beowulf has brought hope which makes Grendel angry, because they should be living in fear for him contrasted with the monster's motifs.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Beowulf displays honour, 'we shall fight as equals' when fighting Grendel which makes it more glorious. Fate shall decide, this is a big component of the epic.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The dragon horn was won from his battle with a dragon, but in fact it was from Grendel's mother, foreshadowing the relationship between Beowulf and Grendel's mother.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> I wonder how many men have died from her beauty, this line is a dramatic ironic statement. In this frame, the queen is fore grounded suggesting she knows his secret.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Any change in the film from the text will most likely detract the integrity of the text.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The translation in the film from the text has been dumbed down, making it seem silly- the word epic is associated with the language- which detracts the hero making it trite and insignificant.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Hope to see you in the morning, Odin willing- Paganism
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Comparison of orange filter in hall, and use of blue filter in Grendel's cave.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The demon is my husband's shame, this is irony because Grendel is Hrothgar's son, on a literal level as he is not able to protect his people from him.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> A warrior's mind must be uncleared, too many unattended women- a warning for the battle.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Another theme is cannibalism- Grendel eating the thane. 'I am ripper, tearer, slasher, gouger'. 'I am not the demon here'. Repetition of verbs to emphasise his qualities/ physical prowess. A hero comes home is the theme music after Grendel is slaughtered. Twice, Beowulf boasted, and the Geats didn't want to celebrate because several of them died in the fight. The low angle shot of Grendel changes to high angle shots, demonstrating that the power has shifted. Neutral angles are then used during the last part of the battle when Grendel shrinks. Use of high modality, 'I am Beowulf'. Accumulation of abstract nouns, mine is lust strength and power- close up with a determined facial expression
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Blue filter and overshot of Grendel, showing loss of power and vulnerability.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The audience is positioned to feel sympathy to Grendel's mother, as she tenderly cradles his body and sings before she loses it.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Beowulf rejects Grendel's mother's seduction in the image of the Queen to seduce him. It is important that his moral character is still intact.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Part of the hero paradigm myth is vengeance. The psychology of man does not make sense when Unferth begs forgiveness- there is no reason to doubt Beowulf after his companions are murdered- there is no logic to beg forgiveness. It is incompletely incongruous with human nature, pledging and giving him his ancestor's weapon.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The heroic myth to have immortality- is to achieve fame, there way of achieving afterlife
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Music is ominous when he is seduced by Grendel's mother- answers question with a question
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Dramatic irony when Grendel's father can cause no harm to man, Hrothgar will not have another child.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Beowulf is also portrayed as very brave, yet he still marvels at treasure.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Grendel's corpse is small and pitiful, our sympathy is directed with Grendel.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Underneath the glamour, you are as monstrous as my son, Grendel- suggests that mankind and the Pagan warrior culture is inherently flawed and evil.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> She appears to fulfil Beowulf's desire to live forever in legend as well as earthly riches and power- what men have always desired
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> She also appears to be in power, though circling him and Hrunting as no effect on her, similar to the text.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Hrothgar's little talk with Beowulf foreshadows his fight with his own son- dramatic irony
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The golden streak symbolises Grendel's mother taking the soul/ body of Hrothgar.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'The time of heroes is dead Wiglaf, the Christ God has killed it, leaving men with weeping martyrs with nothing but shame
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> I died many years ago- he made a Faustian pact with Grendel's mother
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> We men are the monsters now- Grendel's mother's prediction comes true.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Without the teachings of Christianity, the warrior Pagan culture is cyclic, violence never ends.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Nothing was as good as it should have been, if you make a Faustian pact, it never works- he forfeits any chance of happiness due to this.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> 'Your nothing. Even with all our power, glory, riches and your women', said his son. Beowulf is a morally ambiguous character, his temptation, lust and greed is his downfall despite his good qualities, but as a man he is flawed.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Grendel's mother as a hag is allegorical of Satan. Calamity is the ultimate end to his greed- despite a life of riches and power, but he is ultimately unhappy with the choices he made, it consumes him.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Kings have a lot on their conscience. Too many secrets. The burning of the cross is an attack on morality. The sins of the father- Biblical reference, the children pay for the sings of their fathers.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The clashing of Paganism of Christianity is represented by the appearance of the dragon.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> The sins of the father shall be visited upon the sons, is a Biblical allusion, an a theme of literature
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Keep in memory of me, not as a king or as a hero but as a man fallible and flawed- summed up the human condition (Christian representation) with triumphant music and soft orange filter symbolising his apology, with a low angle shot giving Beowulf power in his realisation. The queen has a facial expression of acceptance and forgiveness.
 * <span style="direction: ltr; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: middle;"> Satanic allusion- Grendel's mother steals Beowulf's soul on the boat, in Christian ideology, Beowulf is going to hell- by having the water spirit repossessing his body and taking it.