Zoobuns
2nd Period
Final Exam Blog post
Introduction
Burton Raffel’s translation of Beowulf transports readers to the world of warriors and monsters. Beowulf is a heroic Geatish warrior who travels to Denmark to help fight Grendel. Throughout the work, the author provides themes of heroism and honor. In the metafiction, intertextuality, and randomness and playfulness, Raffel trusts his readers will understand the consequences of one’s actions.
Summary of Element One - Metafiction
Literary Tradition Text
“Everyone knows the treasure His life bought: but Beowulf was worth More than this gold, and the gift is a harsh one.” (Raffel 3084-86)
In this quote, there's a metafictional element with how Raffel reflects on Beowulf's reputation and perception by others. The narrator discusses how Beowulf was considered to be "worth more than gold." This shows that Beowulf's reputation within the story can be seen as a metafictional commentary. It's as if Raffel is commenting on the constructed nature of the story and its characters, adding self-awareness to the text.
Link to Postmodern Media Source
Kate Crosby, “Inside Where You Belong” Pank Magazine.
There is narrative awareness shown when video games are shown. The narrative blurs out the boundary between reality and fiction. The narrator includes his video games which reflect his escape into constructed realities. The use of symbolism also is used to add depth and interpretation.
My Take - Both sources provide a blur between reality and fiction. The usage adds depth into the stories because the author allows the reader or a new situation to be included in what is already happening.
Summary of Element Two - Intertextuality
Literary Tradition Text
“Fate saves The living when they drive away death by themselves!” (Raffel 572-73)
The role of fate is not unique to Beowulf; they have the recurring message of having the ability to choose your own fate. By referencing that theme, Beowulf becomes part of a larger intertextual conversation, connecting with human experience.
Link to Postmodern Media Source
Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, “Semantics” SC Publishing
Intertextuality is an attempt to comment on the situation in which both literature and society found themselves in the second half of the 20th century living, working, and creating on the backs of those that had come before. Nnamdi used intertextuality by referencing WWE, biblical imagery, and pop culture. These references provide a blend of diverse cultural references which is very common in the postmodern world.
My Take - Both sources have completely different intertextuality elements. but they both provide relatable contexts. This allows a further connection with the author/artist because they contribute and allude to current human experiences.
Summary of Element Three - Randomness and Playfulness
Literary Tradition Text
“Grendel’s mother Is hidden in her terrible home, in a place You’ve not seen. Seek it, if you dare! Save us!” (Raffel 1377-79)
There are a few instances where unexpected events occur, which could be seen as somewhat random within the story. This quote describes a random event of Beowulf's confrontation with Grendel's mother. The sudden appearance of Grendel's mother after Beowulf defeats Grendel adds an element of surprise and randomness to the narrative.
Link to Postmodern Media Source
Gorillaz, “Humility” The Now Now
The setting is in Venice Beach, LA and at times it shows human beings being isolated from other people, doing their own thing. It also shows cartoon characters 2-D, Noodle, and Ace doing activities as if they were normal humans walking around. This is not a usual combination and can confuse the human mind. You don't normally see cartoon characters skating, playing chess, or popping basketballs. The title of the song, Humility, is also shown with the rejection from skate help, the checkmate (DO NOT mess with Noodle), and getting tripped. We can also see 2D’s eyes become black which could be the reason why “Him” is mentioned. It could show a possession of the demon since “In your highest moments, that's when the devil comes for you.”
My Take - For Beowulf and the reader, Grendel’s mom coming out to represent Grendel was random at first. Additionally, in the music video, it was random to see characters from power puff girls because it didn’t correlate with the lyrics. Both sources utilize randomness in order to offer a dynamic and to show symbolism for other situations.
Conclusion
As each genre reveals, fate and risk often intermingle. The human experience, it seems, involves understanding the consequences of your actions.
Beowulf, A Prose Translation. Translated by E. Talbot Donaldson, W.W. Norton & Company, users.pfw.edu/flemingd/OE2020/Donaldson_Beowulf.pdf. Accessed 10 May 2024.
Crosby, Kate. “Inside Where You Belong.” PANK Magazine, 2022.
https://pankmagazine.com/piece/inside-where-you-belong/ Accessed 10 May 2024
“Gorillaz - Humilty (Official Video). YouTube, uploaded by Gorillaz, 31 May 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5yFcdPAGv0. Accessed 10 May 2024
Mathew, Jake. "Video Games Animation." Giphy, https://media1.giphy.com/media/cphHiqUgk889Tm8Jxf/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952dy5lqz7yab3vfdd77lahdfoay588r4ngy0kdkzso&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g
Ogbonaya , Nnamdi. "Semantics." Brat. Sooper Records, 2020. Accessed 10 May 2024.
Pixar, Disney. "Angry Inside Out." Giphy, https://media3.giphy.com/media/11tTNkNy1SdXGg/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952rhsbk50c0gxy6k50w44zv2t1c8nme5fis38er7r4&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g
Tumblr. "Surprised Cat." Giphy, https://media1.giphy.com/media/PUBxelwT57jsQ/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952nqsxcbz5lg5cjur1zeoxkhxdurbhllllombvatqw&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g