Final answer:
Beowulf was composed during England's transition from an oral to a literate culture, influenced by the Christian Church and the establishment of stable monarchies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Beowulf was composed, England was transitioning from an oral to a literate culture. This shift was due in part to the influence of the Christian Church, which promoted learning and literature, and was a result of the changes in political power and social structure.
The oral culture was characterized by the Germanic tribes' tradition of passing stories and knowledge through spoken word.
Over time, and especially after the establishment of various kingdoms in England, such as Wessex and Mercia, the influence of the church and the increasing stability brought by monarchies like that of Alfred the Great, led to an environment where written literature, such as Beowulf, could be produced and preserved.