Rumford, J. (2007). Beowulf: A Hero’s Tale Retold. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

ISBN-10: 061875637X

ISBN-13: 978-0618756377

This book is one of the good offerings in a long line of Beowulf representations to come out recently.

SIMILE:

            Often times, when classic stories are updated, changes are made either in formatting or word choice, that many critics feel detract from the magic of the original story.  Modernization commonly seems to include the loss of artful language, justified as more appealing to a wider audience, and both sides of the argument are equally valid.  However, one trait of classical epics considered very significant by myself and others is the inclusion of simile.  The language of comparison in heroic tales makes the characters transcend normal human boundaries, even if deeds already accomplished this, solid use of simile further heightens that sense of the super-human.  Fortunately, James Rumford’s update of Beowulf also seems to value the device and its place in the epics and shows this by maintaining its presence throughout the updated story.  Beowulf’s “locklike” grip is the only thing that can hold the monstrous Grendel and other uses of the colorful literary tool further expand and illustrate Beowulf’s abilities. 

            Additionally, simile is also used to humanize Beowulf, placing him squarely among the rest of us regular humans, although he might just be at the top of the pile.  He is treated; “…as a son,” by the king whose kingdom he freed from Grendel, showing that Beowulf can be like many different things to many different people, and really showing the versatility of the simile.

*Use in English classes (Heroic Journey/Epic tales) [5^th – 7^th grade].

Media: Paint 

5Q/5P

CJS 5/9/08