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Constructing the monstrous body in Beowulf

Abstract:
The monstrosity of Grendel and his mother have long held the interest of Beowulf-scholars. Examining the bodily attributes of both figures in order to detect inter-textual patterns of diction, this article focuses on depictions of the monsters' skin, hands and blood. In analysing these attributes, it becomes clear that the Beowulf-poet's chosen descriptors align the monstrous body with manmade objects in general and with weapons and armour in particular. This blurring of body and human artifact creates an environment for monstrous existence that is between and outside of both human culture and nature.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1017/S0263675114000064

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Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Journal:
Anglo-Saxon England More from this journal
Publication date:
2014-12-01
DOI:
EISSN:
1474-0532
ISSN:
0263-6751


Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:663124
UUID:
uuid:9d55e9ff-21de-4972-b7c6-1775444ef059
Local pid:
pubs:663124
Source identifiers:
663124
Deposit date:
2016-12-01

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