...Lynn Wells Dr. Brandy Lowery ENGL2322 16 September 2015 Title “Beowulf” is the universal story of life’s journey from adolescence to adulthood and to old age. The hero grows in wisdom about himself and about the world through the pain and triumph of personal experience. In the mythical poem “Beuowulf” the audience is able to see how he grows in wisdom about himself and about the world with each monster he faces. Beowulf is a hero who battles three different monsters, Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the Dragon. Each monster he faces represents different meanings to him. In times of battle, Beowulf experience many hardships and victories. Grendel is a strong evil water-monster who went to Herot Hall and slaughtered many of Hrothgar’s men. When Beowulf is called to fight Grendel he depicts himself as a man with no fear. Beowulf knows that he is a young strong warrior and is the only one who has the strength to defeat this evil monster. He accepts the challenge and announces that he will fight barehanded which concludes that he is fully confident in himself. He announces, “I have also heard the thrust of a weapon no threat to his threws. Thus I foreswear my sword and strong shield. Instead I shall grab and grapple with Grendel, fighting for life with that fearsome foe” (Gardner 40-41). Beowulf proves his expertise to defeat Grendel by keeping Grendel’s arm. As described, “ As a token of triumph, the troop leader hung the shorn-off shoulder and arm by its hand: the grip of Grendel...
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...challenges no matter how scary or challenging they are. Being strong in one’s spirit first is important to showing a brave quality because having a strong spirit first and belief in good outcomes is the first step towards success. In the epic poem Beowulf by an unknown author, the protagonist Beowulf demonstrates J.R tolkens quote about bravery “it is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit” through the numerous obstacles he goes through as well as the battles he faces with the antagonist’s Grendel’s mother...
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...The next way Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and James Bonds shows heroism is they all are willing to sacrifice to achieve what they were striving for. Beowulf sacrificed his life when he fought for the king against the dragon. Right before he went to fight Grendel, he said “No weapon therefore/for either this night; unarmed he shall face me/if face me he dares” (Beowulf 683-685). Here he is saying that Grendel can throw anything at him, but he will be unsuccessful. Beowulf was not afraid to die and was actually pretty confident that he would not die. Just like Beowulf, Sir Gawain shows sacrifice when he accepts the challenge against the green knight. Before the battle he did not fear the Green Knight saying, “Some stood and stared then stepped away....
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...Courage. These are among the central themes that encompass the epic of Beowulf and allow the reader to take an intimate look at Anglo-Saxon society. Beowulf, the hero of this story, is the focal point, demonstrating his phenomenal super human abilities throughout the epic as he conquers and kills anything dangerous or beastly in his path. Although Beowulf is viewed as a superhero, Hrothgar, does not hesitate to present Beowulf with the best advice that he can muster. Hrothgar’s guidance is essential in outlining the basic and most vital themes of the epic. He warns Beowulf about overweening, resenting tradition, and dishonoring customs, among many other points. As seen in this passage, the themes of wyrd, paganism, and heroism are clearly distinct in Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf through the harrowing adventures retold. The concept of wyrd, or a sense of inevitable doom, is a central theme in Beowulf, demonstrated by the constant reminder that the destruction of events or people will most definitely occur. When Hrothgar bestows his advice upon Beowulf, it is stated that “ancestral possessions/ and the goods he hoarded are inherited by another/ who lets them go with a liberal hand”, which clearly exemplifies a belief in ultimate ruin (ll 1756-7). Despite the honor that one must earn in order to receive such goods, once one dies it no longer has any meaning, showing how gloomy the Anglo-Saxon society was in it’s outlook about death. Additionally, Heorot Hall, the great meade hall...
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...story of Beowulf represents what qualities a hero should embrace. Many heroes are portrayed as men with god-like gifts, or born half god; Beowulf is simply born strong, courageous, brave, and selfless. He does what good he can do where he can. His mood and tone are always that of someone doing the good deed, for the sake of the deed itself. In the film Beowulf, filmed in 2007, the hero still retains some of his virtuous qualities but in a smaller form. Beowulf still comes to Hrothgar’s to repay his father's debt, however, in the film Beowulf gives lust, and is clearly attracted to Hrothgar’s Queen. In the book, Beowulf does not think twice about the queen. His virtues keep him from drifting off task, as he is simply there to kill the monster, which plagues the Danes. The film may not have meant to, but does portray Beowulf as prideful concerning his achievements. A portion in the story addresses Beowulf’s swimming race with Breca. In the film, Beowulf is matched in strength with Breca and claims he was saving his strength for the last loop. In the book, Beowulf makes note that he and Breca were tied, and neither could beat each other. Unferth challenges whether or not Beowulf can even beat Grendel, because of his loss of the swimming race. Beowulf’s response in the book shows his maturity and a level head. Though he is young he manages to answer very calmly, traditionally Beowulf would have had rights to challenge Unferth, despite having this opportunity Beowulf declines...
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...Nick Bailey Professor Scott Keeton English 2110 11 October 2015 The Story of the Man, the Hero, and the Legend: Beowulf Beowulf is one of the most important stories in all of literature. It’s a tale of a man who challenged beasts, and rose to the likes of a god, but still had time and age catch up to him, and cause his fall. It’s a classic tale of the hero’s journey to fame and glory, of a man who truly went above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve the lands he roamed. It’s tale is a classic one, one that’s been cited countless times throughout the ages, but its unique approach towards hubris and character study makes it one of the most memorable in all of fiction, and one that must be analyzed to be truly understood. The story of Beowulf stars the main character, Beowulf, and follows him on his journey to defeat Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, a dragon, and, at a far deeper level, his own mortality. The story begins with Beowulf being seen as a hero of legend, and a boaster; he often shows this through recounts of his stories of greatness in the past, like his swimming race with Breca, of his superhuman accomplishments and stupendous deeds. Despite that, he is defend his honor from those who wish to diminish it, as he once told to Unferth, a warrior who tried to belittle his accomplishments against Breca. “"The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen and courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity...
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...Dominic Bowen Beowulf Archetype Hero essay Within the tale of “Beowulf” four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the “Beowulf” introduction, “a relationship based less on subordination of one man’s will to another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only afterlife a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is...
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...Within the tale of “Beowulf” four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the “Beowulf” introduction, “a relationship based less on subordination of one man’s will to another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform...
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...Benedict and Beowulf: The Great Ruler and Loyal Subjects In The Rule of St. Benedict, an ideal ruler is presented as a good abbot who follows all the rules of God, but also one who properly leads his monks in the word of God. An ideal subject is presented as a loyal monk, who properly follows the rules and teachings of his abbot and follows the word of God. Though, in Beowulf, an ideal ruler is a man who is fierce and almighty warrior. An ideal subject would be a warrior who is extremely loyal and is willing to die for his ruler at any time. The Rule of St. Benedict and Beowulf propose some similar ideals of a good ruler, but they also differentiate in numerous ways; however, this applies to the fairly similar ideals for a good subject as...
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...the Great was born July 356 B.C. to Philip II and his third wife Olympias. Alexander the Great is a hero because, any historians consider him the greatest military leader of all time, military genius, and bravery drove him to conquer many lands. Alexander the Great was born on July 20, 356 B.C., in Pella, Macedonia. His parents were King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympia. Alexander got the support from Macedonian Army and eliminated his enemies to become king and leader of the Corinthian League. Alexander the Great is a hero because, like Beowulf, he was brave enough to conquer many lands, founded many cities, and he was considered one of the best military leaders. Alexander was as Alexander III then later he got the title Alexander the Great. He was born in Pella, the capital of Macedonia. His father got assassinated in 336 BC and that caused Alexander to inherit a powerful yet uneasy kingdom. He ended up receiving the support of the Macedonian Army, and he took out his enemies to become the king/leader of the Corinthian League. Alexander had passed away at the age of 32, just 14 years after becoming the King. Beowulf comes from the...
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...Heroic literary characters are often an idealistic representation of what is valued in a civilization. These characters allow insight on the standards of the time in which the works were written. By exploring such roles, one is able to reach a deeper understanding of what heroism meant to those in the past. Beowulf, a medieval epic, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a poem emerging from the mid to late 14th century, exhibit protagonists that mirror the idealistic persona of their respective ages. Beowulf, in his namesake epic, steps up to face every challenge he is presented and performs a flawless display bravery and strength. Sir Gawain is a flawed, more human character, yet continues to strive for glory and the greater good. As a reflection of the ideal hero of their periods, Beowulf and Sir Gawain differ in their values, noble qualities, and the motivations behind their achievements. Beowulf establishes a clear-cut vision of the Anglo-Saxon heroic ideals- devotion to bloodlines, demonstrating one’s valor in battle, and accepting the spoils of war with...
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...common and the impact hierarchy rankings have on one’s insight. The literary analysis essay interprets and defines the term “knowledge”. The meaning focuses around learning, instruction, insight, philosophy, and proficiency. The texts that will be used throughout the essay as sources are: Beowulf translated by Michael Swanton, The Wife of Bath’s Tale and the author is Geoffrey Chaucer, and The Tempest which is a product of William Shakespeare. Characters from the chosen texts demonstrate their perception of knowledge and wisdom based on the significance of superficial existence. People’s assumed power and privilege promote certain actions they could partake in when trying to fulfill personal desires. Acts of knowledge can be either appropriate or inappropriate gestures. It is difficult to distinguish right from wrong deeds the overall circumstances has to be examined and the answer lies in the outcome of the decision when wisdom was applied. There is good and evil in everyone, selfless or self-centered choices formulate one’s character and the observed perception others have. The texts educate the reader that karma usually constructs challenges or rewards depending on if your knowledge was practiced in a selfish or beneficial method. Confirmation and rationality supports what institutes positive and negative knowledge. Every journey in life requires the application of prior knowledge and the assurance to accept wisdom presented throughout a quest. Those who are true to themselves...
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...Trails of heroic fate of Beowulf Introduction The narrative of epic poem Beowulf consists of three episodes in which the hero is engaged in the peculiar mission of fighting with three fabulous monsters (Fisher 1958, p.173). The first monster Grendel is quickly defeated; the second, Grendel’s dam is depicted with greater elaboration but also ends in demise at the hands of Beowulf; and the eventual dragon, distanced from the previous two in a span of fifty years, brings the heroic career of aging Beowulf to an end. The unity of Beowulf’s three fights from ease to death, perceived by some researchers like Klaeber (1950), holds the epic together. Others see the epic poem more than a collection of three different fights in a hero’s life, but it is united and intertwined by two parts—the fights with Grendel and his dam and the final dragon fight—signaling “the opposition of hero and king, youth and age, the beginning and ending of a life achievement” (Tolkien 1936). On the basis of this premise, Fisher (1958) conceives the theme of the epic as the “doom of Beowulf”, the integration of “redemption and judgment treated in a way which skillfully blends the Germanic hero with the Christian saint” (p.171). Wrenn (1958) states the similar notion, arguing Beowulf, a Germanic hero, shows his greatest splendor “ not alone in winning glory by victory, but rather by finding his supremely noble qualities especially in the moment of death in battle”. The essay aims to analyze the three fights...
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...specific aims. The first is to create or to encourage in every student the desire to read the best books, and to know literature itself rather than what has been written about literature. The second is to interpret literature both personally and historically, that is, to show how a great book generally reflects not only the author's life and thought but also the spirit of the age and the ideals of the nation's history. The third aim is to show, by a study of each successive period, how our literature has steadily developed from its first simple songs and stories to its present complexity in prose and poetry. To carry out these aims we have introduced the following features: (1) A brief, accurate summary of historical events and social conditions in each period, and a consideration of the ideals which stirred the whole nation, as in the days of Elizabeth, before they found expression in literature. (2) A study of the various literary epochs in turn, showing what each gained from the epoch preceding, and how each aided in the development of a national literature. (3) A readable biography of every important writer, showing how he lived and worked, how he met success or failure, how he influenced his age, and how his age influenced him. (4) A study and analysis of every author's best works, and of many of the books required for college-entrance examinations. (5)...
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...nobly, but instead spares him and brings him back to the kingdom. Every time Grendel raids, he chooses to kill about Unferth. Among all the cruel actions, destroying a man's belief of life is most atrocious of all. He praises himself on his evil deeds, laughing, “Ah, Grendel, you sly old devil!” (Gardner 110) As the novel continues, Grendel gains pleasure from the destruction and “war” with Hrothgar, but senses a danger on the way. Towards the end, Grendel grows enraged at simple things such as a goat climbing a mountain. “I smile, threatened by an animal already dead, […] I snatch up a stone and hurl it. The air is sweet with the scent of his blood.” (Gardner 140). Grendel is so confident in his evil that in the end, when Beowulf grabs hold of him and rips off his arm, the monster tells that it was only a mistake, nothing more than an accident that caused his...
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