THE MONSTERS AND THE CRITICS

The first argument that J.R.R. Tolkien writes about in "The Monsters and The Critics" is that Beowulf should be used for literary purpose not as a historical document. He recognizes that in most of Beowulf the poetry is so interesting and powerful that is overshadows the historical content that is there. He also points out that the historical content that is there is just a product of art. Tolkien argues the point that W.P. Ker made saying that there is nothing much in the story and says that the real value is in the style of Beowulf. Most critics criticize on the contrast between the defect of theme and structure. Tolkien states the fact that Beowulf is known to be a wild folk-tale and not a well conducted epic, or not even an epic at all. He does compliment on the the detail, the tone, the style, and the total effect of Beowulf. In his words Beowulf is more beautiful that each line there is more significant than in the other long Old English poems. There is a controversy between theme and style and has been known to be a literary improbability. There has also been study to find out if Beowulf is historical or scientific. The allusions in the poem have caused study and attention and have shaped the economy of Beowulf as it is. There is the debate between Beowulf being a myth or a folk-tale. Beowulf's dragon should be criticized for not being dragon enough. The large amount of symbolism in the book is not totally obvious nor does it become allegory. To Tolkien it is not irritating that the tone of the poem is so high and the theme is so low. The monsters are essential ideas of the poem and give it the tone it has and the level of seriousness. Tolkien wants people to know why the monsters are adversaries of god and symbolize the power of evil.
I think Tolkien has many important and interesting ideas. Knowing his ideas will help people focus more on the literary effects of the book rather than the historical. He also points out all the main ideas and points of the poem. I think his main focus and purpose for Tolkien's piece was to help people focus more on all the literary meanings in the book and how it was put together rather than the flaws.