This term paper aims at analysing the change of the traditional war hero during the First World War. When the Great War began in 1914 people were still believing that war meant splendid cavalry charges associated with heroic glamour. Officers were polishing their sabres and their steeds. But this war would be different. It brought an end to sabres, cavalry and heroic charges. It also brought an end to the prewar hero and changed the idea of heroism significantly.
The examined works are "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son", by J.R.R. Tolkien and selected poems by well-known trench poets of the Great War among them Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, and most importantly Wilfred Owen. Tolkien’s work distinctly rejects the traditional concept of heroism, whereas not all trench poets broke with the concept completely as will be demonstrated. Tolkien’s work is difficult to place, as it is a form of comment on the Old English heroic poem "The Battle of Maldon", published in the 20th century after Tolkien himself had seen two World Wars. In order to fully understand Tolkien’s "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son" this paper will first give an insight into the traditional Maldon poem. Likewise, before the poems of the trench poets will be discussed and compared to Tolkien’s work, a short historic outline of the hero immediately preceding the Great War is provided. After the relevant works have been introduced, the works of Tolkien and the trench poets will be compared.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth
- The Battle of Maldon
- Tolkien's Heroism
- The Heroic Figure of Beorhtnoth
- The Role of Tídwald and Torhthelm
- Great War Poetry
- The Pre-War Hero
- The Soldier Poet's Words
- The Poetry of Wilfred Owen
- The Poetry of Robert Graves and Rupert Brooke
- Beorhtnoth and the works of the Trench Poets
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper delves into the evolution of the traditional war hero during World War I. It specifically analyzes the transformation of the heroic ideal through comparisons between J.R.R. Tolkien's “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son” and selected poetry by notable trench poets like Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, and Wilfred Owen.
- The changing nature of the war hero in the 20th century
- The impact of World War I on the concept of heroism
- A comparative analysis of Tolkien's reinterpretation of the traditional heroic ideal in "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son" and the works of trench poets
- The portrayal of heroism and its complexities in "The Battle of Maldon" and its relevance to Tolkien's work
- The divergence of the trench poets from the traditional heroic model
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the context for the paper, highlighting the shift in the perception of war and the heroic figure during World War I.
Chapter 1 focuses on the traditional heroic archetype as depicted in "The Battle of Maldon." This chapter examines the heroic qualities of Beorhtnoth, the leader of the Saxons, and his role in the battle against the Vikings. It also explores the poem's themes of loyalty, courage, and the glorification of the heroic ideal.
Chapter 1.2 delves into Tolkien's unique perspective on heroism, particularly in his fictional works. This section highlights how Tolkien often reinterprets the traditional heroic spirit in his writings, demonstrating a complex and nuanced understanding of the concept.
Chapter 1.3 explores the central figure of Beorhtnoth in Tolkien's "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son" and provides an analysis of Tolkien's reinterpretation of the heroic archetype in light of his personal experience of the World Wars.
Chapter 2.1 examines the pre-war concept of the heroic figure, emphasizing the romanticized perception of warfare that prevailed before the outbreak of World War I.
Chapter 2.2 analyzes the poetry of soldier poets and the impact of their experiences during the Great War on their understanding of heroism.
Chapter 2.3 delves into the poetry of Wilfred Owen, focusing on how his works challenged the traditional heroic model and explored the devastating realities of war.
Chapter 2.4 explores the poetry of Robert Graves and Rupert Brooke, examining their perspectives on heroism in relation to the pre-war and wartime realities of the Great War.
Chapter 3 examines the connection between the traditional heroic ideal and the works of the trench poets, exploring the common themes and perspectives that emerge from the comparison of their works with Tolkien's reinterpretation of Beorhtnoth.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This term paper explores the concept of heroism and its evolution during World War I. It examines key themes related to the changing perception of war, the clash between traditional and modern heroic ideals, and the impact of the Great War on literature and the portrayal of heroism. The paper focuses on works such as "The Battle of Maldon," "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son," and the poetry of notable trench poets, including Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, and Wilfred Owen. It delves into themes of loyalty, courage, sacrifice, and the complexities of war and its effects on the heroic ideal.
- Quote paper
- Felicitas Deckert (Author), 2020, For King And Country. The Change of the War Heroes in Poetry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1160714
