Beowulf and John Lewis: Significance of Water in Funeral Processions

What significance does water hold in the funeral processions of Scyld Scefing and John Lewis?

1. How does water symbolize journey in both funeral processions?

2. What historical and cultural importance does water carry in these processions?

Answer:

Water in the funeral processions of Scyld Scefing and John Lewis symbolizes a journey and holds historical and cultural significance.

Water plays a significant role in the funeral processions of Scyld Scefing from the Old English epic poem Beowulf and John Lewis, the notable Civil Rights leader and Congressman. In Beowulf, the Danes send Scyld's body out to sea on a boat filled with treasures, signifying his contributions to his people and his journey to the afterlife. This act of sending the body into the water symbolizes a transition to the next stage of existence.

Similarly, in the funeral procession of John Lewis, water holds deep historical and cultural importance. The procession crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a pivotal site in the Civil Rights movement, located near Alabama's Alabama River. This bridge was where John Lewis and other activists were brutally attacked in their fight for voting rights, marking a crucial moment in American history. The presence of water in this procession not only signifies a journey but also serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for equality.

Overall, water in these funeral processions represents a symbolic journey and carries significant historical and cultural weight, reflecting the contributions and impact of these individuals as well as the broader narratives of their time periods.