Morgan Mayhew

September 11, 2018

Mrs. McFadden
Annotated outline
Authors Style Impact on the Message
1. Every author has a unique style of writing that is distinguishable to them. The author’s style can
help to better convey the message of the story. This is evident in the epic Beowulf and the novel
Grendel. Both author and translator have a unique style of writing that helps to convey the
message of the text. An author’s style helps better convey the authors message, some examples of
this would be with an author’s unique use of imagery, diction and syntax.
2. Body one
a. Authors will often use large amounts of imagery to help covey their message.
i. “a severed leg swells up and burst, then an arm, the another, and the fire turns on
the blackening flesh and makes it sizzle, and it reaches higher, up and up into
greasy smoke” (Gardener 14)
1. Grendel is a dark and gruesome book, including a good amount graphic
imagery. This quote appears in the end of the first Chapter of the book. It
helps set the mood of discomfort for the story. Gardner wants to make
the reader uncomfortable to better receive the messages later in the book.
By describing the burning flesh, it is revealing the theme that life is not
always pretty in a very plain way. It helps to characterize Grendel as he
is a not fazed by such graphic scenes. Ending the chapter with this
imagery, helps show the more cruel and impartial side of Grendel. The
first chapter is meant to show this, and the second chapter shows a more
complex and retable side to him. Gardner does not spare detail when
describing disturbing events, this advances the writing.
ii. The image of Beowulf when he is first introduced describes him and his army
having armor that was glittering and silver-singing and when they walked
sounded like the armor was singing, holding broad-hardened shields (Beowulf
17)
1. In the epic Beowulf, Beowulf and his army are described as inherently
good characters. By describing them with diction such as “Glittering”
and “shinning” creates an image of a hero. The imagery creates a
positive image of Beowulf. This quote is used to describe Beowulf when
he first appears in the novel. Before the reader knew Beowulf as a
 character, they already know that he is a greatly respected and strong. In
the text characters will often be described using imagery to help
characterize, to reveal their personality and importance of the story.
Doing this helps to diferencate between the good and in the evil in the
text, as it is an obvious difference.
iii. “The color of his sharp scales darkened and brightened as the dragon inhaled and
exhaled slowly, drawing new air across his vast internal furnace; his razorsharp
tusks gleamed and glinted as if they too, like the mountain beneath him, were
formed of precious stone and metal” (Gardner 57)
1. The vivid imagery in this quote helps to characterize the dragon, who is
an important symbol in the text. The imagery serves to depict the dragon
as something powerful, and keeper of many valuables. Symbolizing his
wisdom and how he is a part of the world just as much as the other
creatures, while still knowing what he knows. Emphasing that he is still a
victim to the mechanism of the world. His description furthers the
symbol, creating the authors message.
3. Body two
a. Every author uses distinct diction that is disguisable from others, this use of diction helps
the author develop their purpose.
i. “sin-stained demon” (Beowulf 36)
1. When describing Grendel in Beowulf, he was often described with words
related to hell or impure. This helps the author clearly disquishes that
Grendel is a villain that should be disliked, and Beowulf should be
regarded as a heroic prince. Religious diction is found throughout the
epic of Beowulf. The use of this diction reveals the original authors
purpose, that goes beyond the book. The church was the center of
education back in early English times. The religious diction found in the
novel is present because the church scholars wrote the epic down, adding
their own take. The purpose of this diction is to expose the reader to a
Christian view.
ii. “my mother’s fat, foul bulk rolling over” (Gardener 9)
1. The use of diction in Grendel creates a confusing narrative. Grendel is
close to his mother, and it is evident he cares about her, but will also
describe her in this manner. The diction Gardener uses helps to reveal
 Grendel’s view point. He is honest, he does not necessarily see
undesirable features as a negative thing. The diction Gardner uses helps
with charatersation, furthering his message that looks do not always
correspond to feelings.
iii. The author describes Beowulf as wise, stately and splendid ruler. (Beowulf 128)
1. In the text Beowulf is described with positive, high class words. This
conveys his high status. The author uses lots of diction in a single
sentence to signify this. In this one quote the words “wise”, “stately” and
“splendid” to describe Beowulf. These words would have been appealing
to the people during the time this was written. People love heros and one
that is perfect is more appealing to humans as it is part of our nature.
This conveys the message that he is a hero one should support and like.
4. Body three
a. An author’s syntax improves the text to better convey the message.
i. “ragged little bands that roamed the forest on food or horseback, crafty-witted
killers that worked in teams, hunting through the summer, shivering in caves or
in little huts in the winter, occasionally wandering out into the snow to plow
through it slowly, clumsily, after more meat” (Gardener 31)
1. In Grendel, Gardener uses a mix of short and long sentences. The
complexity of the sentence helps to enhance the message. In this quote
the long sentences describes people as less intelligent animals, by
including the commas. The use of commas list simple activities the
people would do, emphasizing the simple predictably of people. By
describing people this way, the author supports the theme that people are
not smart or advanced as we think we are.
ii. In Beowulf the author will use the repition of the words emphasis his points.
Such as on the last page when the reption of no is used to disdcibe that no other
person could be a better king, warrior or person (Beowulf, 128)
1. In Beowulf the author will use repetition the emphasize a point with the
use of repetition. The repetition of “no” in the quote highlights that
Beowulf was the best king. His absolute heroism helps achieve the
author’s message of Beowulf. These grandiose ideas help reveal the
author’s message that Beowulf was a true hero.
5. An author’s style has a great impact the text. That is why it is important to look at an author’s
style when analyzing a text. In Beowulf and Grendel, the authors have two very different style,
but the styles both help create the message of the text. This is relevant in almost every piece of
literature. The author’s writing style helps to develop the message of a piece of literature. This is
evident in both Beowulf and Grendel.
 Work Cited

Beowulf. Tranlated by Burton Raffel. New American Library, 1999.

Gardner, John. Grendel. 1971. New York: Vintage, 1989. Print