The Digressions in Beowulf by Adrien Bonjour, first published in 1950 by Basil Blackwell for the Society for the Study of Medieval Languages and Literature, is a specialized scholarly exploration of the numerous digressions found in the epic Beowulf. These digressions, though representing less than a quarter of the poem, have sparked extensive scholarly debate regarding their function, relevance, and role in the overall unity of the text.

Bonjour divides these digressions into several categories, including episodes from Beowulf’s life, historical and legendary events, biblical references, and reflective or elegiac moments. He closely examines their narrative function, suggesting that far from being irrelevant or intrusive, these digressions are intricately connected to the main story, offering thematic depth and reinforcing the poem's structural coherence.

Drawing from prior scholarship while contributing his own analysis, Bonjour argues against the theory of multiple authorship, proposing instead that the digressions serve artistic and symbolic purposes that enhance the epic’s complexity. His work remains an essential contribution to the study of Beowulf, providing insight into how these narrative elements enrich the poem’s portrayal of heroism, history, and fate.

This monograph is a vital resource for students and scholars of medieval literature, shedding light on one of the most complex aspects of Beowulf's narrative technique.