| A narratological analysis of Beowulf reveals three concurrent structures associated with time--order, duration, and narrating. The comments originating from the narrator and the anachronies (the references to past and future times) establish different time levels, yet present common views and attitudes, thus drawing the times together. Views toward God, for example, remain consistent throughout the time levels. Duration, the comparison of relative story-length to story-time, provides information on acceleration and deceleration in the poem. At least two parts of the poem are decelerated for the sake of emphasis. The section after the introduction of Beowulf and before the Grendel fight (ll. 194-218) deals with important tests that Beowulf must undergo before he battles Grendel--he must prove himself by his manner of speech, by a recounting of his past achievements, and by his demeanor before he can even approach Hrothgar. The second section emphasized by duration is the last part (ll. 2200-3182), which, in fact, is the focal point of Beowulf. The death of Beowulf and its aftermath are emphasized through the proleptic references, which announce in advance that Beowulf is to die. The length of this last part also serves to highlight this part of the poem, as do the numerous remarks on the significance of Beowulf's death, such as those made by Wiglaf, the messenger, and the woman at the funeral pyre. The speeches in the last part also prolong the events and provide opportunity for Beowulf to survey the tests he has successfully completed, a link back to the first section emphasized by duration. Thus, a narratological approach to Beowulf shows the intricate operation of order, duration, and narrating in the poem. |
