Literary elements in "Beowulf"

1. Consider the following selection from “Beowulf.” Can you find 

• one kenning 

• one example of alliteration  

• one Caesura 

Look here, Literary and Narrative Tehniques for definitions. 

2. In the given text box, Paste each one that you find and explain why the author may have used this device. What does it add to the poem and how?  

For Example:  

The use of describing Grendel’s actions as “gulped the blood and gobbled the flesh” makes the creature seem more monstrous and animal-like. He has no manners. The G-sounds add to the disgusting feel of this monster.  

So man shall do 
whenever in war he weens to earn him 
lasting fame, nor fears for his life! 
Seized then by shoulder, shrank not from combat, 
the Geatish war-prince Grendel’s mother. 
Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath, 
his deadly foe, that she fell to ground. 
Swift on her part she paid him back 
with grisly grasp and grappled with him. 
Spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior, 
fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown. 
On the hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword, 
broad and brown-edged,   the bairn to avenge, 
the sole-born son. — On his shoulder lay 
braided breast-mail, barring death, 
withstanding entrance of edge or blade.