Of unknown authorship, Beowulf is an Old English epic poem which incites contentious debate and has been endlessly interpreted over the centuries. This Reader's Guide provides a much-needed overview of the large body of Beowulf criticism, moving from 18th century reactions to 21st century responses. Jodi-Ann George: - Charts the changes in critical trends and theoretical approaches applied to the poem. - Includes discussion of J. R. R. Tolkein's pioneering 1936 lecture on Beowulf , and Seamus Heaney's recent translation. - Analyses Beowulf in popular culture, addressing the poem's life in film versions, graphic novels, music and comics. Clear and engaging, this is an indispensable introductory guide to a widely-studied and enigmatic work which continues to fascinate readers everywhere.
Autorentext
JODI-ANNE GEORGE is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Dundee, UK, where she also runs the JOOT Theatre Company.
Klappentext
Of unknown authorship, Beowulf is an Old English epic poem which incites contentious debate and has been endlessly interpreted over the centuries. This Reader's Guide provides a much-needed overview of the large body of Beowulf criticism, moving from 18th century reactions to 21st century responses. Jodi-Ann George:
- Charts the changes in critical trends and theoretical approaches applied to the poem.
- Includes discussion of J. R. R. Tolkein's pioneering 1936 lecture on Beowulf , and Seamus Heaney's recent translation.
- Analyses Beowulf in popular culture, addressing the poem's life in film versions, graphic novels, music and comics.
Clear and engaging, this is an indispensable introductory guide to a widely-studied and enigmatic work which continues to fascinate readers everywhere.
Inhalt
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Hwaet!
'Rude beginning': 1705-1899
'Conflicting babel': 1900-1931
The Monsters Meet the Critics: the 1930s and 1940s
The Debates Continue: the 1950s and 1960s
Stock-taking: the 1970s
Critics on the Crest of a Wave: the 1980s
An Embarrassment of Critical Riches: the 1990s-Present
'Beowulf'in Popular Culture
Conclusion
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index.