Boasts and Arrogance

One thing that's stood out to me throughout most of the major pieces that we've read this semester is that there's a lot to do with - for lack of a better word - boasting, or at least talking about oneself. Augustine, Beowulf, and Abelard all really like discussing their actions and attitudes.

But there's a lot of room for difference between boasting and arrogance. Augustine is violently preoccupied with boasting about God, not about himself; his flaws are almost perversely touted, making ample excuse for thanksgiving and gratitude. Even Beowulf's boasts have a thread of humility to them, when it's obvious that he is only telling the truth in a culture that values valor and strength over all. His boasts don't border on bragging.

Abelard's running theme, however, tends to be focusing on his own martyrdom and victimhood. From the very first, he makes it clear that he is the greatest sufferer that he knows, and that he doesn't know of anyone who deserves to complain after they hear his story. His detractors only hate him because he speaks the truth. The account reeks of arrogance - bragging about his suffering, focusing only on the injustices done to him. He doesn't recount what God was done for him, or really much of what God has done at all; he doesn't even follow through on his promises, as Beowulf would.

Of course, Abelard does suffer - no one could say that his life was easy. But it's insulting and exceedingly arrogant for him to say that his suffering trumps everyone else's. Abelard is a disheartening, uncourageous follow-up to heroes like Augustine and Beowulf.

PS: I commented on Brydon's post.

Persecuted?

       While reading of the weary, sad, tragically pathetic life of Peter Abelard, I cannot help but scoff a little at his emphasis on how miserable his life was. Granted, in the class God, Evil, and Suffering, we are reading about the Holocaust, so in comparison, I have little sympathy for Abelard.
       On the other hand, it stands out to me the fact that the "Christian" community seems to be the worst for discord and violence against one another. It was so bad for Abelard that he sought community with the pagans rather than his own "kin". That is truly what is pathetic. I do not know if I consider Abelard a martyr for his sufferings. Yes, he devoted himself to doctrine and logic and teaching, but his attitude is much less humble and pious than Augustine. What I have read so far of Abelard's devotion to the faith is stale and two-dimensional compared with Augustine's devotion and pure love of who God is.
       I have not completed reading Abelard yet, but I am finding it very dull and uninspiring. Perhaps it is because Abelard complains so much about himself and does not seem inspired by his doctrine that he is giving his life too, he seems more interested in empty knowledge.

p.s. I have no posts to comment on yet because I am the first one for this week. But I will.

Deep Water is Scary

Water is always a good thing for someone to throw into a spooky tale they are writing. Water encompasses a kind of mystery that no other thing on earth can. This is why a lake is the best place for Grendels mother to build her home. The commonality of water is what brings about the horror. Water, especially the ocean, will always be incredibly mysterious to man because they will never be able to see all of it, nor will they be able to conquer it. Yet, it is all right at their finger tips, always taunting them with its mystery. It is so dangerous and quick to kill, but people need it in order to stay alive. Of course Grendels mother would be at the bottom of a huge churning lake; she would be the one who is able to conquer the water because she has been separated from any kind of humanity she ever had. The element of water makes her much more terrifying, and it is very impressive that Beowulf was able to conquer the one who conquered the water.
P.S. I commented on Danielle's

Beauty in Oration

While reading this epic I was immediately intrigued by the phrasing used to explain the battles and the scenery. This makes since, given the story was originally orated. When telling a story it is crucial to keep your audience intrigued and give them enough detail to envision what is happening. I was enthralled by the explanation and the detail given to describe the dragon and his lair.  They also use a ton of compound nouns to offer a fuller picture to the audience. The way this epic is written gives me the longing to vividly read this it to the masses.  

P.S. I commented on Brydon's post. 

The Knight in Shinning Armor, Yikes

      Maybe it's my recent obsession with all things OUAT (Once Upon a Time) or Galavant, but I can not help but to read this epic a bit sarcastically or with a bit more humor than maybe was originally intended. Beowulf's telling of his battle and the praise he receives are just a little overdone for me to attempt to take in the most literal sense. While Beowulf is telling his account of (anything really, but specifically) the defeat of Grendel and his (oh, so loving) mother, he seems to be boasting and not even denying or being even a bit subtle about it. I have to question whether the situation was as quite as dramatic. Also, the praise from Hrogarth (okay, probably not right), is too saint-like. Maybe I'm am all wrong, but he seems to push Beowulf ego through the roof with his "your words are from the Lord" comments. Like, yikes.

I commented on Matt's blog.

Pride

"Unferth...was not man enough to face the turmoil of a fight under water and the risk to his life. So there he lost fame and repute." This is interesting to see because of Unferth's boasting and challenging of Beowulf earlier in the poem. It's sad that so many people pretend to be something they aren't to live up to the expectations that they believe others hold them to. Unfortunately, if their character cannot back up their claims, they will let themselves down and run the risk of letting others down as well.

I commented on Kelli's blog.

Beowulf a Tale of Bravery?

Beowulf a Tale of Bravery?

              I want to reverence what we have talked about in recent semesters about what bravery really means. Specifically, the “essence” of bravery. I, from what I see in this story, believe Beowulf does not seem to be brave or rather he does not portray bravery but rather reckless. Although I do not see it expressly stated in the reading he defiantly seems to take on these challenges out of a sense pride in who he is and what he is capable of doing. On the other hand, Wiglaf seems to fit a definition of bravery. He could have easily ran away with the other men without any consequences from any one. Instead he chose to stay and fight. As I see it, Wiglaf at the least shows a mire genuine form of bravery.

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