I'm not among those who are astonished that Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf has made the best-seller list. Beowulf is obviously being bought by hordes of former English majors who still feel guilty about not having finished it the first time it was assigned.
I was an English major myself. That was a long time ago, though, and I can't seem to remember whether I read Beowulf or not. That business about Beowulf, the courageous young prince of the Geats, pulling off Grendel's arm and lopping off Grendel's head sounds familiar--and quite justified, in a rough sort of way, I think,...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
