Dear Diary,
I remember the days, where everything was peaceful around the kingdom. Everywhere you looked there were smiles all around you, it actually warmed my soul. That was twelve years ago, oh how I wish that I could go back to then, yet I know I can’t...if only the pain and suffering could end. All of these problems came from the demon Grendel, who has slain so many. The screams terrified me for days and nights, to where I couldn’t sleep only think of the sadness surrounding me. My lord and devout husband, Hrothgar tried with all his might to ensure that our kingdom was safe but it seemed like all hope was lost. So many men have tried to defeat this demon and died trying.
Dear Diary,
Today was the beginning of a brighter future, when I woke up this humble morning I had a feeling that God was on my side. I am so grateful that God sent the great warrior, Beowulf to defeat the evil Grendel. From the stories I hear from my husband, Beowulf’s father was a good man and anyone could see that they have an obligation of loyalty between the families (381). I only spoke to Beowulf briefly but I do consider myself to be a judge of good character. Beowulf seemed like a loyal man, one that wouldn’t betray those he felt an obligation to; even though when he spoke it sounded more cockiness than confidence (630-638). That night I had no worries, I knew that Beowulf would help our kingdom and restore it back to the peaceful place it once was.
Dear Diary,
As the day went on, I wish I had you by my side to tell you everything that happened today. Beowulf had wounded Grendel and taken his arm as a trophy. When my lord came into Heorot, he was joyful about Grendel being wounded and promised Beowulf rewards for his good deed. It hurt to see my husbands pride showing on his face that he felt humiliated because our Dane men couldn’t defeat Grendel that an outsider had to save us from this monster. My lord is good king and I hope that he dare doesn’t doubt himself, he is loved by so many but men would be men and doubt themselves (861). The warriors praised Beowulf, I could sense that he was going to more than a warrior in the future, I do not know why but I have this feeling. I pray that my sons Hrethric and Hrothmund would become either a great ruler like their father or a humble warrior like Beowulf.
Dear Diary,
Tonight, Hrothgar threw Beowulf a banquet at Heorot, I felt that it was only right that I gave Beowulf a gift, a gift of appreciation. Beowulf is a great man and it brings me great pleasure having him around. I know that my sons will have many advisors around them; I just wish that Beowulf would keep them boys in mind and guide them on the right track, when they get older. All young men need someone to look up to and I feel that Beowulf wouldn’t steer the boys wrong.
Dear Diary,
It has been a long time since I have told you all of my days and troubles. It seems like I am pushed out of the troubles the warriors are facing. I sit inside the kingdom and only pray for the warriors, those who are bravely fighting and those who lost the battle fighting bravely. I have become more worried over the days and it became worse when I seen our warriors come back without Beowulf after the fight with Grendel’s mother. Foolish I to think that Beowulf could die too soon, I knew that he was supposed to live longer and now wasn’t his time....until Tomorrow
Dear Diary,
Today was the day of goodbyes, all of the work the warriors have done for us Danes. There was not enough thanks to give, now our kingdom could be the way it was and we could tell stories of Beowulf, the warrior who restored our kingdom. As usual the men celebrated but I thought of it more as a send off because we all knew he had to leave. I knew Beowulf sooner or later would have to leave, but I was beginning to enjoy his company. Everyone said their goodbyes I hope that he wouldn’t forget everything we spoke about and would think about his future and be wise. I know that goodbyes are meant to be forever; since God had sent him here I know God will keep him safe on his journey.
Morgan,
ReplyDeleteI liked the way you formatted your essay. It seemed like you were really trying to get into the Queen's head. With that said, I think you could do with a better proofread of your essay. There were some grammer mistakes that made the essay a little difficult to read. I also think that you neglected to note what was at stake for Wealtheow. I think, and this could just be my specific take on her, that she was a bit more cunning and aware then you portrayed her in your essay. We talked about this in class for a while. There had to be a reason why she gave that huge speech to both her husband and Beowulf. I truly think that it was her only way to make sure that her children would be provided for. The advice I have for you is to look a little closer at Wealtheow's interactions with Hrothgar and Beowulf and see if you can get a better grasp on her character. History has shown that Queens know much more than many give them credit for. Why should this be different for this Queen? I hope this helps!
Lindsay
I agree fully with everything that Lindsay said, everything from the formatting of the piece, which I also liked, to her central point about W.'s awareness.
ReplyDeleteLet me elaborate on what she said briefly. It's not just in Lindsay's imagination - W. is in a position of privilege and power, but one which is under threat from all directions. Her sons are in the hightest position in her society, but they also wear targets.
In this world a queen is a "peace-pledge between nations" (137). She cannot be simple or naive, though - and you've portrayed what seems to be a simple and naive W. which doesn't really work with the material we talked about in class re: her political interests.
To put it another way - we talked about her character a lot in class. You should have expanded on that, *or* challenged what we/I said, by taking her in another direction. But this does neither - it comes very close to simply summarizing events, rather than developing her character in an interesting direction.