The Structure of "Beowulf"

In a place far from libraries, I have often read the text of 'Beowulf' for pleasure, partly, no doubt, the pleasure of reminiscence. Re-reading has brought a fresh interest in some structural problems, on which there are wide differences of opinion between scholars, especially between scholars of different periods. Not much can be established with even a moderate degree of probability, and generally we must be content with exploratory views and impressions. There is no one key to the appreciation of 'Beowulf'. But it may be useful to choose a line of approach, and follow it through even when it leads to some conflict with predominant opinion.