Beowulf is indeed an action-packed poem. It’s heavy on speeches. Heaney’s interpretations and translations of the Anglo-Saxon speeches provide insight into the relationship between speech & characters. The story of Beowulf is illuminating for the reader as it explains the relationship between speech & character.
Hrothgar addresses Beowulf in his speech (Heaney, 1321-13822). The reader is able to see a unique relationship between speech-character. This speech shows Hrothgar’s character in a way that is not known. Hrothgar’s speech shows him as a warm, sentimental, and loyal friend to Aeschere. Hrothgar’s grief at Grendel’s mother’s death of Aeschere makes him sympathetic towards Hrothgar. “A soul-mate, a true guide, and my right-hand man in times of war when our boar-crests suffered a beating in line of action,” he said. Hrothgar has been described as a gracious, generous, and benevolent man. However, this speech shows that he is capable of loving and tendering others. Hrothgar’s speech gives insight into Grendel’s mother’s character. Hrothgar informs Beowulf by stating that Grendel’s mom has sought revenge for Beowulf’s involvement in her son’s death. This line reveals Grendel’s vindictive mother. Hrothgar goes into detail about Grendel’s history and the mother of Grendel. This gives context and explains how these characters came to be. Hrothgar’s speech gives context and historical background about Grendel. Hrothgar also provides physical descriptions of Grendel’s mother and Grendel himself, making it more tangible and animate. Hrothgar said that “one of these things looks like a female; the other, twisted in the shape of an adult man”. Hrothgar gives the reader a deeper understanding of Beowulf. Hrothgar ends his speech by pleading with Beowulf for revenge on Aeshchere to restore peace to Heorot. You do not know the danger zone where the demonic waits. It is your right to seek it out if you so desire. Hrothgar’s speech is a clear indication that Beowulf relies on him heavily. This foreshadows Beowulf winning against Grendel’s mother and placing Beowulf as the hero. Hrothgar’s speech, along with the characters in the poem, provides the reader with a deeper insight into Hrothgar. Wiglaf also delivers this speech, as he prepares to go to battle alongside Beowulf. He reminds his friends of the honor code, ‘comitatus,’ and gives them a reminder of it. Wiglaf’s frustration with his fellow man’s lack in loyalty and chivalry makes this speech sad and brooding. Wiglaf’s speech and compulsion in joining Beowulf to fight the dragon tells the story of Wiglaf’s character. It is righteous, honorable, and values kinship. The speech’s relationship to character in the speech shapes the reader’s understanding about Beowulf and his role in the poem. The speech shows that Beowulf, although he is the hero, most of this responsibility falls on him. This is because he lacks a potential, willing hero. This speech also gives insight to Beowulf’s moral character. The speech gives insight into Beowulf’s brave independence, generosity, trust, and loyalty. Wiglaf’s affection for Beowulf can be seen in his admiration and fondness. I will stand with you.” Wiglaf’s speech demonstrates how Beowulf perfectly fits in with Anglo-Saxon ideals for heroism. Beowulf makes frequent use speeches to educate the reader. This is apparent in Wiglaf’s speech to his fellow soldiers.
Beowulf, in summary, is both action-packed and heavy on speeches. This poem includes speech as an element that helps the reader to better understand the characters and the concept behind them. This poem’s speeches help to make the poems more interesting and to better understand characters. The relationship between speech, character and Beowulf can be seen in the evaluations of Hrothgar (1321-1382) and Wiglaf (2633-2668).
