Understanding Literature...

        Literature is one of the terms that doesn't have an exact definition. There have been various attempts to define "literature". Simon and Delyse Ryan begin their attempt to answer the question "What is Literature?" with the observation:

            

    ‘   ’The quest to discover a definition for "literature" is a road that is much travelled, though  the point of arrival, if ever reached, is seldom satisfactory. Most attempted definitions are broad and vague, and they inevitably change over time. In fact, the only thing that iscertain about defining literature is that the definition will change. Concepts of what is literature change over time as well’’.

         

Speaking for myself ; it's a recipe which contains spices that are used to make the dish called life, which is served on the eternal plate of time. Human is the main ingredient for sure. If you are a beginner literature student than it is advisable to create your own definition of literature first of all. what's ''literature'' for you ? 

       

Although definition of literature is relative, it is certain that it is the reflection of the time period in which it takes place. English Literature thus is considered as periods starting from Old English Period. Therefore, it plays a vital role to know the society, culture and historical events of the period to understand a literary work composed at that time..  One needs to know who are Anglo-Saxon(Scandinavian Germanic Tribes; Angles,Saxons and Jutes), what were their customs, values and religion or from where and how they came to the Island, in order to comprehend various elements that is seen in a literary work written in Old English Period. In order to explain their connection with literature some works of Old English Period can be inspected as a first step.

          ''Beowulf''  as an epic poem is the most outstanding work of Old English Period, which you need to have a background information of Paganism(Teutonic/Norse Mythology), Heroism, Christianity(Old Testament) and especially History to be able to visualize the picture depicted behind the lines. It turns into a magnificent journey to a society who lived thousand years ago, if one is able to interpret all these elements and bring the pieces of the puzzle together to see the whole picture created by poem. How they lived, how they thought, their struggles(against nature and also struggle of man himself ; inner and outside conflict of man), their interactions with each other, kinship, class distinction, gender(subordination of woman), their altering through time are just some of the points that becomes visible through out that picture.

            Initially, we have a society ruled by a King(Ring-Giver, Treasure-Giver called in text), divided into classes such as Ealdorman (Counselor of King)Thanes(Warriors), Ceorls(Freeman) and Slaves is vividly depicted in ''Beowulf''. Moreover, the primitive feudal system they run in which thanes battle for the glory of their king and nation, and in return king provides them weapons and armor beside delivering the treasure earned from battles in Meed Halls(built by King for his people to gather and feast). Importance of kinship is also another point that is contrasted in ‘’Beowulf’’. One is responsible to revenge his murdered kin or Lord either by killing the murderer or getting tribute called ‘’wergild’’.. [Coming Soon]  

         For a detailed exploration of ''Beowulf'' online lectures of Dr. Ted Sherman is advisable for those who are going to be studying ''Beowulf'' ;