tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785065039608350318.post3711045846458133635..comments2023-09-07T04:49:10.648-07:00Comments on Literature and the Contemporary: Option 3Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785065039608350318.post-85674241442216522022011-02-12T10:29:13.907-08:002011-02-12T10:29:13.907-08:00There's a lot that's good here, and a coup...There's a lot that's good here, and a couple points to criticize, or at least question.<br /><br />First, I thought you did a pretty good job explaining both pieces; you seemed particularly interested in Beowulf as a second Cain, but your description of Blackburn was fine, too. As more of a point than a criticism, usually it's not a good idea to start out with research that's well over a century old. I think it's very important for a scholar to understand the ongoing thread of the debate, going all the way back to Blackburn, but it's usually best in literary criticism (like in the science, but it's not quite as important) to at least begin with more current scholarship.<br /><br />That being said, you picked two interesting pieces, explained them, and set them in tension with one another. Ideally I would have liked to know more about *your* views of either the poem or the character keeping in mind the ongoing debate re: its Christian vs. pagan nature.<br /><br />Ultimately I like this because you do a good job of showing that there is, and has been, an ongoing debate on this subject.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.com