Customer Reviews

Beowulf (Signet Classics)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Raffel's translation of "Beowulf" to me seems more vivid and poetic in its language than Seamus Heaney's now more famous one. The images he provides stand out as clear and beautiful pictures, making a deep sensory impression where Heaney's poetry seems to employ at times more abstract, at times more mundane, less inventive language. This is not to say that Heaney's translation lacks poetic beauty--it certainly does not. Yet, browsing both editions, comparing various passages, I found that Raffel's rendition almost always struck a deeper chord with me, appealing to the senses and the imagination more strongly. Raffel's translation is not available in the same beautifully bound, larger-print, dual language edition as Heaney's, yet I still find that it gives me greater reading pleasure. As to accuracy, I do suspect that Raffel might be granting himself somewhat more poetic license than Heaney does, and yet, neither translation strays significantly from the original. I prefer Robert Fitzgerald's poetic, somewhat less accurate translation of the "Odyssey" to Richmond Lattimore's for similar reasons.

I first read Beowulf, as did countless high schoolers over the years, in my senior English class; the experience was less than memorable, due in part to my teacher's insistence on using an Old English text. When I entered college the most vivid imagery I still had was of Grendel entering the mead hall and tearing the diners limb from limb.
Had I been able to also read the text in modern English in that senior class, I would have been well-prepared to tackle the OE with a deeper understanding of how this great work acts as a foundational text for all British literature from Chaucer to the Renaissance and beyond.
Burton Raffel's clear translation allows the reader to establish a connection to the allegorical and mythological constructs without having to resort to a "Beowulf for Dummies," just to get a passing grade. I am using this book in a graduate class in Horror Text and Theory, and though I am now able to read the OE with more fluency, the accessibility of this translation situates the text in a more viable position for discussion and critical analysis in an arena populated with 20th and 21st century horror. I would recommend Raffel's Beowulf to anyone as their entree into Old English Lit.; to be read along side the original text. It takes the "horror" out of ready Horror.

The translation by Burton Raffel in this book is by far the best I have ever read. The book reveals a world that was completely different from the one we live in, however, human nature being the same then as now, we feel as if we know the charcters and wish we could meet them. Highest recommendation.

ONE
The timeless tale of a valiant warrior
Daring to cross foam-crested waters
With a goodly company on a proud-prowed ship,
Desirous to ease the Danish king's distress,
Bold Beowulf, the great Geat, did land upon
Denmark's grief-ravaged shore, there to offer
Unselfish service against the gross blood-fiend, Grendel.
Alone among many brave me, Beowulf feigned sleep
To greet without weaponry the merciless monster.
Scorning to use his shining shield, sword or shirt of mail,
He sought simple strength combat with the arrogant foe,
Ultimately wrenching one clawed arm from the beast.
Watching in relief as the vanquished foe staggered to his inky lair.
Great were the rewards bestowed by the grateful, yet aged ring-giver.

TWO
Yet the eternal struggle between men and evil was not yet complete.
Short-lived their relief when there arose a second beast to wreak revenge:
Grendel's distraught mother, ravaging the sleeping hall in her pain.
Determined to end her arrogant and wanton destruction, again the hero
Rose to defend Denmark's honor. Fearlessly he plunged into the evil lake
Of murky waters -scorning the aid of his shivering men. To end forever the Mayhem of madness, alone in that liquid hell, used a giant's ancient sword.

THREE

Ancient tales of valor and extraordinary courage, daring international rescue:
Alliteration and use of rhythm, familiar motifs and repetition of action--
All are essential elements in pre Anglo-Saxon sagas. Set against Nordic and Germanic backdrop, the singer/poet performed vital social and historical roles.
Pagan deeds set in a Christian framework prove a curious literary conflict,
As courteous speeches or crude insults inspire action, honor and shame.
Let the tongues of men unborn continue to praise the hero for 100 generations!

FOUR
Let pass the winters of 50 years; slowed now is the steel of his sinews,
But untarnished beats the heart of Beowulf's nobility, his admired honor.
A third time he is summoned to pluck those in peril from a Dragon
On the rampage for the theft of his tarnished treasures.
Well knows the hero that fate may be weighted against him this time.
But his royal honor Demands the attempt to end forever the blood reign of terror.
With faithful Wiglaf's aid the Dragon is slain, but behold the hero upon his funeral pyre.

*** ***

[note: this is a review of the poem generally, not this particular translation]

Beowulf is one of those Medieval works of literature that many have heard about but few have read. However, it's worth reading, if only to experience a story so different from modern sensibilities. The poem extols Beowulf's physical courage and bravery against monsters and dragons. It's an odd mix of early Christian and warrior ethos. Beowulf is not a modern hero. There's not much to recommend him to modern readers - he's boastful, relies on brawn not brains, and his search for glory ends up putting his kingdom at risk. Still, it's fascinating to read this type of story and realize how far away it is from our own times.

Because this is a translation of an Anglo-Saxon poem, it's worth saying a word about the text itself. It's readable, but isn't smooth reading for the uninitiated. I'd say this - if you don't like reading English-language poetry, you probably won't enjoy reading this poem. If you do make the effort, I'd recommend really making the effort. Go slow and make sure you understand the story. Don't skip over a few lines thinking they're not as relevant.

Perfect for what she needed! Required for English Literature class. It was the right version etc. Nothing more to say.

I bought this book for my son because he wanted to read it after having seen the movie. Definitely wasn't at a level he would be comfortable reading.