Tag Archives: Beowulf

Election 2022: Win or Lose, Beowulf

By Robin Bates | Published: November 10, 2022

Two passages from “Beowulf” to capture feelings of despondency and elation, depending on how the election went for you.

By Robin Bates | Published: April 10, 2022

The “ressentiment” that drives Iago to destroy Othello is present in our own society and equally destructive.

By Robin Bates | Published: September 12, 2021

A case involving a Boston bar (Grendel’s Den) may be invoked in legal challenges to the new Texas abortion ban. What would Beowulf do?

By Robin Bates | Published: August 13, 2021

People resisting the Covid vaccines are like the counselors in “Beowulf” worshipping false idols to ward off Grendel’s attacks.

By Robin Bates | Published: August 5, 2021

Beowulf would favor vaccine mandates and passports and his firmness would convince the rest of society to go along.

By Robin Bates | Published: August 3, 2021

“Bowulf,” a poem about rage, violence, and the end of empire.

By Robin Bates | Published: July 20, 2021

“Beowulf” is a poem in which a once proud nation sees a dismal future. Should America take note?

By Robin Bates | Published: March 23, 2021

I survey my intellectual history, especially the evolution of my thinking about literature’s impact on human behavior.

By Robin Bates | Published: March 11, 2021

In which I compare Wanda from WandaVision with Grendel’s Mother. Who knew?