Singing functions as a prevalent art form within Canadian society, as well as countless cultures throughout the world. This prominence is also reflected within Beowulf, a poem written during the Anglo-Saxon period, which portrays the heroic pursuits of the protagonist, Beowulf, within a Scandinavian setting. Singing acts as one of the poem's foremost themes and aids to the portrayal of Beowulf as both a heroic epic, and as an elegy. Within Beowulf, the act of singing primarily serves as an emotional outlet, a social unifier, and a storytelling device.
To begin, throughout Beowulf, singing provides an opportunity for the vocalist to express their emotions, and also creates an elegiac tone. The first instance of this is demonstrated through Grendel, an inhuman creature, who takes pleasure in pillaging and murdering the occupants of Heorot, the meadhall of the Danish sovereign, Hrothgar. Grendel's destructive rampage is impeded by Beowulf, who grapples with the monster, resulting in Grendel's arm being severed from his body. In response, Grendel "sang his dismay", and retreated to his lair (703). In this situation, Grendel utilizes the art of singing to voice his trepidation, which creates an additional effect of intensity, as music is often a more dramatic tool in displaying one's emotions. Similarly, within a tale regarding a past battle between the Danes and a neighbouring society, the character, Hildeburh, "sang out her sorrow" after the death of both her brother and son (977).
Opposed to standard speech, Hildeburh chose to exhibit her emotions through music, increasing the dramatic effect. Additionally, this action also appears at the death of Beowulf as "a woebegone woman/ sang and resang her dirge of dread" (2771-2772). The woman translates her emotions into song, allowing the listeners to absorb the heightened feeling of anguish. Furthermore, the connection between music and melancholy sentiments creates an elegiac tone, as it increases the sense of sorrow. Individuals throughout Beowulf express their emotions through song, adding to the elegiac nature of the poem.
[...] Singing also enhances the elegiac tone of the poem, as well as demonstrating characteristics of a heroic epic. As in singing is a vital aspect of Canadian culture. Numerous occupations, institutions, and forms of entertainment are centered around this art form. Similarly to singing allows the vocalist to display emotion, communicate a story, and also serves to unify a mass of listeners. Works Cited “Beowulf.” Masters of British Literature: Volume A. David Damrosch and Kevin J.H. Dettmar. New York: Pearson Education 31-92. [...]
[...] Analysing the Role of Singing within Beowulf Singing functions as a prevalent art form within Canadian society, as well as countless cultures throughout the world. This prominence is also reflected within Beowulf, a poem written during the Anglo-Saxon period, which portrays the heroic pursuits of the protagonist, Beowulf, within a Scandinavian setting. Singing acts as one of the poem's foremost themes and aids to the portrayal of Beowulf as both a heroic epic, and as an elegy. Within Beowulf, the act of singing primarily serves as an emotional outlet, a social unifier, and a storytelling device. [...]
[...] Individuals throughout Beowulf express their emotions through song, adding to the elegiac nature of the poem. In addition, music instills a sense of unity within an assemblage of individuals, and develops Beowulf as a heroic epic. Within Heorot, feasting is a common occurrence in which warriors and nobility take part as an act of celebration. Music is frequently incorporated as an essential aspect of festivity: all of the Geats could gather together, / [ ] while the scop was singing” (437 and 440). [...]
[...] Within Beowulf, music is utilized as a tool to form cohesive social bonds, and functions as a characteristic of a heroic epic. Lastly, storytelling is habitually exhibited through song within Beowulf, and is deeply rooted within the heroic tradition. Several musical interludes are present within this poem, and frequently include an account of heroic endeavours. For instance, during a time of merriment and festivity within Heorot, “Harp-strings would sound, and the song of the scop/ would recount the tales told of time past” (81-82). [...]
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