Presentations
Location
Schewel 215
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
93
Start Date
4-4-2018 4:30 PM
Department
English
Abstract
The most prolific literary work of the Old English period is the folk epic Beowulf. The 3,000-line poem is an example of one of the first attempts to communicate a heroic narrative to an audience. In A History of the English Language, linguists Albert Baugh and Thomas Cable assert that “Beowulf is the greatest single work in Old English literature” (65). Baugh and Cable support their claim by recognizing the epic’s themes of courage, valor, and heroism that are still applicable to stories written today. Beowulf’s lasting impact can be attributed to its qualities as a tale of adventure and bravery, in addition to its creative display of the English language. The poem’s ability to remain relevant to modern English literature allows it to transcend time and become a significant piece of literary writing. As the folk epic Beowulf is passed down through generations, capturing the meaning and power of the original text becomes increasingly important. Thus, translators of Beowulf are given the task of providing Modern English speakers with an accurate and honest portrayal of the Old English epic.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Leslie Layne
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Translating Beowulf: How Marc Hudson’s Poetic Translation is more like the original Old English text than J.R.R. Tolkien’s Prose Translation
Schewel 215
The most prolific literary work of the Old English period is the folk epic Beowulf. The 3,000-line poem is an example of one of the first attempts to communicate a heroic narrative to an audience. In A History of the English Language, linguists Albert Baugh and Thomas Cable assert that “Beowulf is the greatest single work in Old English literature” (65). Baugh and Cable support their claim by recognizing the epic’s themes of courage, valor, and heroism that are still applicable to stories written today. Beowulf’s lasting impact can be attributed to its qualities as a tale of adventure and bravery, in addition to its creative display of the English language. The poem’s ability to remain relevant to modern English literature allows it to transcend time and become a significant piece of literary writing. As the folk epic Beowulf is passed down through generations, capturing the meaning and power of the original text becomes increasingly important. Thus, translators of Beowulf are given the task of providing Modern English speakers with an accurate and honest portrayal of the Old English epic.