In assessment of Beowulf and The Inferno, two of history’s most influential epic poems which have rarely been mentioned together, it is revealed that there are marked differences between the characters physical and mental makeup. Beowulf is an epic poem which reflected the Anglo-Saxon medieval culture in Western Europe and exposed the Paganistic influence they lived in. Dante however, wrote The Inferno sometime in the mid 14th century during a period of political and religious influence in Florence. There was a vast difference between the culture and time span of the writing of these classical pieces; and though both characters were both passionate about God that is where their similarities ceased. After analyzing both epic poems, the differences in the physical and mental characteristics of Beowulf and Dante were quite evident. Beowulf was portrayed as a warrior who was determined to conquer and defeat everyone who crossed his path. He was obsessed with his own strength and bravery and thus sought to prove it by slaying monsters and demons while exerting very little physical effort. Although almost unbelievable, the tale told of …show more content…
As a result of his intellect, and with Virgil’s assistance, he was competent to continue his journey through Hell. Throughout his journey he transformed from what one might call a bleeding-heart to a heart that fought back against the hypocritical sinners. The journey of both Beowulf and Dante followed a theme that would have them face circumstances that would appear to be impossible, yet caused them to follow a hero’s journey that sent them into a darkness facing their adversaries and eventually emerging as enlightened heroes. Dante’s pilgrimage may have been a symbol for the everyman where as Beowulf appeared to be a hero who saved the
Beowulf represents what a modern hero truly is rather than Dante the pilgrim, because he displays qualities of courage, pride, and humility. In order to be considered a modern hero the individual must demonstrate these particular qualities, and courage, pride, and humility should be reflected in the actions they make.
It is now evident that in the poem Beowulf both Christian and Pagan virtues were successfully incorporated together by contriving the dispositions of the two main characters, Beowulf and Grendel. Additionally, the synchronizing of the two different traditions amalgamates the story as a whole. Furthermore, the epic poem truly unifies a Christian allegory with a pagan fable in order to define a true character. In conclusion, many authors in literature choose to blend two dissimilar traditions and virtues in order to make up a persons true identity.
While fighting the Dragon Beowulf shows feats of strength and courage that define him as a hero. The classical hero displays a special quality that separates him from the rest of
As readers in the modern age, it is sometimes hard for us to examine and understands the words and messages due to the bridge between the ancient classical poems and the modern age poems. In Dante’s inferno poem, it is very challenging to analyze the information in such a rigorously written poem and relate the same poem to the said writer (Williams).
Dante’s Inferno offers literal discussion and allegorical account of historical individuals while emphasizing heavily on the political crisis of the 14th century in which he lived. In addition Dante’s poem assesses the problem of modern society cherishing those whose actions only earned themselves a place in the fiery pits of Hell. His cantos serve as a condemnation of some of the most idolized historical and political figures in his time and now. In the late middle ages political and religious stability was crumbling sparking corruption of souls; many claimed to be the Pope, courtly love turning adulterous, majority of people failing to control of bodily desires, etc. Dante’s pilgrimage through the Inferno lets the reader witness many well-known legends who fell to these corruptions scattered throughout the circles of Hell. This work creates contradictions in the morals and values of today’s culture; history remembers figures such as Achilles and Helen of Troy by just their positive attributes however, their
The epic poem, Beowulf, coming from the years of 600 to 700 AD has been translated in many different styles. In these excerpts by Burton Raffel and Lucien Dean Pearson, provides a clear understanding of this epic poem. Reading the two different translations, Raffel tends to provide the reader with a better understanding of the evil nature of Grendel and the heroic characteristics of Beowulf.
Throughout the epic of Beowulf the central theme of good versus evil (Paganism versus Catholicism), is surrounded by the idea of a “Germanic Hero”. When you think of a “hero” certain attributes may come to mind. Courage, strength, and loyalty may be a few. Through various phrases and inferences, the reader depicts that the author of Beowulf is trying to give life to the idea of a typical “Germanic Hero”. This is done through the character of Beowulf.
The most basic comparison to be made is that of the respective protagonists within the texts. Without having go in depth we can see that Beowulf and Dante are
To begin, we can examine the physical appearances of the two heroes. From the get go, we see Beowulf as a very powerful man. We see emphasise of this through the drawings of the novel. We see how muscular he is and the overall aura. He is relaxed and in control every step of the way.
In the two works of literature in Beowulf and The Inferno, the two main characters have certain qualities, and the ultimate one when comparing the two is being a Christian hero. Dante in The Inferno journeys through hell alongside Virgil, and learns how sinners are punished in hell contrasting the sins they committed, which refers to contrapasso. After the first few circles of hell, Dante was sympathizing for the sinners and doubting God for punishing them; this makes Dante appear to be a weaker Christian hero than Beowulf. Beowulf shows that he is a better Christian hero compared to Dante because of many reasons, like his faith in God, bravery, and heroic feats that he accomplished.
On first entering the folds of Dante's poetic fiction, `Inferno', one finds oneself, like the pilgrim therein, quite lost. To get beyond the enjoyment of it as sheer poetry, to understand its meaning and its historical significance, it presents a multitude of problems. Not least of these is the uncertainty we face when trying to interpret Dante's use of allegory, a practice common to medieval poets but somewhat alien seven centuries on, and beneath which the meaning of the `Comedy' lies. This uncertainty does not go away if we seek guidance from some modern approaches to Dante's use of allegory such as tho...
Inferno is the first and most famous of a three part series by Dante Alighieri known as the Divine Comedy that describes his journey to God through the levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise written in the early fourteenth century. Scholars spanning over nearly seven centuries have praised its beauty and complexity, unmatched by any other medieval poem. Patrick Hunt’s review, “On the Inferno,” states, “Dante’s extensive use of symbolism and prolific use of allegory— even in incredible anatomical detail—have been often plumbed as scholars have explored the gamut of his work’s classical, biblical, historical, and contemporary political significance” (9). In the story, each of the three main characters, Dante, Virgil, and Beatrice, represent
The Inferno was written by Dante Alighieri around 1314 and depicts the poet’s imaginary journey through Hell. Dante spent his life traveling from court to court both lecturing and writing down his experiences. His Divine Comedy – the three-part epic poem consisting of Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso (Hell, Purgatory and Heaven)– is generally regarded as one of the greatest poetic feats ever accomplished. All three parts are incredible literary feats with symbolism so complex and beautiful that scholars are still unraveling all the details today. However, this essay will focus on the first part of Dante’s work, Inferno, which consists of 34 cantos. Dante’s Inferno is a masterpiece of allegorical imagery where Virgil represents human reason, Beatrice love and hope, and Dante mankind on the journey of the human soul through life to reach salvation.
The men of the cross rode out to retrieve the holy land of Jerusalem, bearing arms and the power of our great Lord, Jesus Christ. Medieval Literature was able to further strengthen Christianity during its time as Medieval Literature explores the tales of those who follow Christianity and those who do not are mocked and/or portrayed as villains. For example, Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and The Divine Comedy are all beloved works of arts that explore the idea of the effect of religion has on the masses or individuals. Christianity and the power of Christ played a monumental component of the Medieval era and is one of the overlapping themes of the Literature that was born from the era.
In conclusion, a great deal of tension and contrast between “dark” and “light” in The Inferno helps us to explore Dante’s self portrait—he fears dangerous desires and sinful darkness, but shows much courage and hope towards life since he nevertheless follows his guide Virgil to dive into horrible Hell. As shown in Canto I, such emotional reaction to dark and light symbols lays a great foundation for developing Dante’s broad and universal traits as his journey progresses.