Beowulf: Difference between revisions
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{{tropelist}}
* [[Alliteration]]: The poem is written in alliterative verse, like most Germanic poetry.
* [[Ambiguously Human]]: The poem isn't big on physical descriptions; Grendel is only briefly described, and his mother isn't described at all, so one can only guess what sort of beings they were. Modern fiction often depicts Grendel as a sub-human monstrosity or ogre, but he could just as well have been a savage barbarian. His mother is usually depicted as a hag or she-beast, or even a shapeshifting seductress, but she could have been simply a [[Dark Action Girl]] type (the text names her as ''aglaecwif'', a pormanteau of ''ides'' which means "lady" and ''wif'' means "woman"). Of course, not much description was given to the Dragon either, but hey, everyone knows what a dragon looks like.
* [[Author Filibuster]]: Did you know that a proper ruler should always be benevolent, open-minded, and willing to honour his people who honour him in return? No? Don't worry, the poem will make sure you don't forget it.
* [[Authority Equals Asskicking]]: Beowulf, of course.
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