All About Hrothgar
By: Katrina Ness, Emma May, Chase Alberts, Chris Bottman
Tone of Hrothgar
Hrothgar’s Tone:
Hrothgar is highly respected and admired by the people of his kingdom and by Beowulf.
(line 360- “Wulfgar addressed his dear lord”)
Describing Words
key: D= denotative C= connotative
-(L.465) “first flush of kingship”
(L.479) “harrowing”
-(L.619) “warlord”
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d: first sudden rush of kingship
acutely distressing
d: military commander
d:
c: power
disturbing and troublesome
c: power and how formidable he was
-(L.607) “grey haired treasure giver”
-(L.663) “their shelter in war”
-(L.577) “desolate”
d: old, gift giving man
d: empty and deserted of people
d: he protects his people in war
c: friendly
c: security/safety
c: alone
-(L.616) “homeland’s guardian”
d: protector of the land
-(L. 371) “protector of Shieldings”
d: the protector of the Shield people
c:
Characterization
-(L.470) “I healed the feud” Hrothgar is a peacemaker
-(L.473-474) “It bothers me to have anyone with all the grief Grendel has caused”
He feels sad and a bit embarrassed that he couldn’t deal with Grendel himself. Yet he remains humble and
compassionate
-(L.478-479) “God can easily halt these raids and attacks” - Hrothgar expresses hope that the attacks will end. He is
optimistic
-(L.499) ”Crouched at the king’s feet”- Unferth is below Hrothgar. Shows that Hrothgar is superior.
-(L.619) “festive cheer” -He is not always serious, he knows how to have a good time. He is a happy man.
-(L.653) “Hrothgar wished Beowulf health and good luck” -Hrothgar is a caring and kind king.
*Overall, these images create a positive tone of Hrothgar
Symbolism
Hrothgar = Sovereign Power
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he is mighty and powerful
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he is humble
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he is a peacemaker
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he is giving, friendly, and kind
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he is caring and compassionate
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he is joyful in the right moments
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he keeps his hope