Journal 11: Themes and Techniques

Themes which are present in both Anglo-Saxon poems and heroic narratives like Beowulf include ideas of bravery and loyalty. Beowulf was loyal to his men and to his country. He was brave enough to travel to a foreign land and to engage in battle with a monster which seemed undefeatable. He did not cower in the face of danger. The sailor in the “The Seafarer” bravely travelled the seas. He was loyal to his faith, and held out hope that he would one day see heaven. Techniques that the literary forms have in common include alliterations and kennings. “Beowulf” used more of these literary devices than the other poems, especially kennings, but there was a certain presence of these techniques throughout the works.