| Beowulf, earliest of Anglo-Saxon poems extant, demonstrates a cultural transition in England and its literature contemporary with its production. The time between the oral and written versions corresponds with a shift in England from pagan to Christian tradition and indicates key changes. Alongside the shift from pagan to Christian traditions practices exists the transition from oral to written storytelling. However, this transition has more significant implications such as the shift in the makeup and role of society's center from small, often unorganized, communities, into the larger, more organized, society. Working parallel with historical events, the text of the Beowulf poet indicates a recognition of and makes critical commentary on the shifting community and individuals' places in it. This thesis demonstrates that while many critics argue that the poem is Christian or pagan, the pagan elements of the plot combined with the voice of the Christian author make the poem inseparably Christian and pagan. |
