Review of 'Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Note:: This review only deals with the epic poem itself, excluding the academic commentary, "Sellic Spell", and the "Lay of Beowulf" contained in this book.
Tolkien's Beowulf provides an interesting and incredible take on the epic poem already laden with Anglo-Saxon overtones. The format of Tolkien's translation resembles more of a short story or fantasy novel rather than the poem as read in such anthologies including The Norton Anthology of English Literature. This change in structure make the poem seem more postmodern in structure, which should provide structuralists and other literary theorists food for thought.
This version contains various alterations that vividly describe the scenes and specific details. I felt more immersed by this translation than the one featured in the Norton's Anthology, and that one separates the scenes into sections for unfamiliar readers. Even if this review only covers the primary text, the content does enough--both personally …
Note:: This review only deals with the epic poem itself, excluding the academic commentary, "Sellic Spell", and the "Lay of Beowulf" contained in this book.
Tolkien's Beowulf provides an interesting and incredible take on the epic poem already laden with Anglo-Saxon overtones. The format of Tolkien's translation resembles more of a short story or fantasy novel rather than the poem as read in such anthologies including The Norton Anthology of English Literature. This change in structure make the poem seem more postmodern in structure, which should provide structuralists and other literary theorists food for thought.
This version contains various alterations that vividly describe the scenes and specific details. I felt more immersed by this translation than the one featured in the Norton's Anthology, and that one separates the scenes into sections for unfamiliar readers. Even if this review only covers the primary text, the content does enough--both personally and academically--to earn the five stars.