Beowulf, one of the oldest long poems, is an Old English epic written by an unknown poet. The poet was trying to capture the heroic language and style of ancient Germanic poetry. He was a Christian and presented that throughout the poem, which the reader can tell reflects Christian tradition. Beowulf can be considered a very simple epic in many people’s view point. The whole plot is mostly focused on a courageous and mighty warrior that battles against demons and evil things lurking amongst the townspeople. This writing views Beowulf’s three great fights against evil, which will help to show the themes being analyzed. There are many themes present, but three that stood out amongst the rest include: good vs evil, courage and violence. Beowulf showcases all three of these motifs in an intriguing way. The good versus evil, courage and violence help to show Beowulf’s heroicness throughout this poem, and each affects his character in a different way.
Good versus evil is a very common and reoccurring theme in Beowulf. The representation of the good would be, of course, Beowulf and the three monsters would serve as the evil. Beowulf, in many’s eyes, rose to the rank of a true hero, and “his contest were viewed in the light of a struggle between good and evil” (Gwara 8). Beowulf is bolder than any other warrior, “There
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These three themes made an impact on Beowulf 's character; it lead him to be courageous yet violent, but also a component of good versus evil. He was good and brave by fighting off evil monsters and saving people. He was violent, not only himself but others, due to their beliefs, culture, and way of fighting. Beowulf was, also, a factor of good when battling against evil forces. These three themes not only presented his character but helped the reader see how heroic he truly was. These themes tend to be a reflection of what Beowulf was like in
In Beowulf, the essence left behind by a true hero is extremely important. In epics such as this one, leaders tend to have the determination and boldness of a hero. On the other hand, the main character, Beowulf, does not only display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem. There are many moments in Beowulf that manifest the many traits that a person should have. This proves how important these attributes are to the characters and the Anglo-Saxon society. Although Beowulf has no known author, it embodies many of the beliefs and morals of the early Germanic society. The author of this epic poem uses many approaches in order to demonstrate that respect and trust are fundamental characteristics of a leader and hero.
In the epic Beowulf, the reader can clearly find the very distinct conflicts, although some go unnoticed. This poem came to be around the birth of Christianity and the dying out of paganism. In Beowulf, the battles between the monsters and the warriors are interpreted as a battle between the old way of faith and the coming of Christianity. Beowulf himself comes across many conflicts of his own. A literary critic, Alfred Bammesberger, analyzed the person who gives Beowulf the idea to go to Herot and fight Grendel, “.... Beowulf wanting to fight single-handed and challenge Grendel based on the information he had given to his uncle, the Great King Hygelac” (Bammesberger). The Danish king asks not for help however, Beowulf goes anyways. While he has many physical battles with enemies, he also has internal conflicts that seem to hold heavy in his mind. These conflicts include but are not limited to, “Battle of Grendel”, “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” and “The Last Battle.”
Beowulf is a hero that shows honor respect and courage. In lines 710-1007 is where the battle with Grendel happened. Thinking of the destruction that he will get, Grendel bursts into Heorot. Grendel tears the door from its hinges with his hands and quickly becomes a Geatish warrior while Beowulf carefully looks around. When Grendel reaches out to pick Beowulf up, he is surprised to find his arm gripped with a strength than he never knew could even happen. Confused and frightened Grendel doesn’t want to run back to the safety of the swamplands. He tries to escape, but Beowulf wrestles him down to the ground. The crash around the hall, making noise on the walls and smashing the mead-benches. Grendel begins to panic in pain and fear; the sound
We have a concrete hero character in Beowulf, and a concrete villain in Grendel. We see this as a theme throughout the epic poem. The dichotomy of good versus evil is the fundamental backbone of this piece of literature. It is so significant due to the fact that everything that happens in this book is someway related to good versus evil. If Beowulf wasn’t so good at heart, he would not even be enticed to leave his homeland and go help the danes. Without the drive in Beowulf 's heart to do what is right, all of his heroic moments of glory would not exist. Once this is pointed out to the reader, it becomes so clear that one could wonder why the book isn 't just named: “Beowulf, a Story of Good vs. Evil.”.
There are many traits that are possessed by those who seek heroism. Whether it is in real life or in fiction, every hero desires these character traits in the past, present, and future. IN my opinion, the two traits that are most prominent in the poem Beowulf are bravery and goodness.
Bravery is like a very trusted friend, it will never let you down. That statement holds true in the great epic of "Beowulf." "Beowulf" is the story of a great hero who comes to the aid of a troubled king. Beowulf hears that king Hrothgar is having trouble and immediately comes to help with no questions asked. he defeats the monster, Grendel, with his bare hands. Beowulf then defeats Grendel's mother along with a dragon until he is fatally injured. Bravery is a very admirable characteristic that few people possess.
Rough Draft Beowulf is littered with a myriad of literary devices that are intended to enhance the story, whether it’s something that ties into Old English such as kenning or even as simple as imagery. All of these elements come together to make a riveting story filled with gracious heroes and chilling villains. The harrowing tale begins with a quaint story that is well packed with details to prelude the readers to the upcoming adventure. In many aspects, the literary device known as symbolism plays an important role in the overall essence of the story. Furthermore, symbolism creates an underlying tone and atmosphere for the whole story.
The story of Beowulf represents the on going cycle of good vs. evil. This theme is shown through heroic deeds, kinship, and dragon archetypes. Protecting innocent civilians, helping others in need and defeating evil are all clear examples of heroic deeds. Beowulf shows his heroic nature through his actions. Hearing that men were killed by Grendel, he jumps at the chance to save the others so that it won’t happen again. He does not fight with weapons which shows his fearlessness and strength. Beowulf conquers evil by not hesitating to put his life on the line for others in need. These actions are what portray him to be a hero and not just a plain, ordinary man. The two monsters in Beowulf are seemingly out to kill men. They both like in murky, chaotic and unpleasant places representing their dark and gloomy appearances. Grendel represents evil in the story because he hurts and kills men. The innocent victims pled with Grendel to stop killing and eating them. Grendel doesn’t listen to what they say and he keeps on killing because it is what he enjoys doing it. In the story of Beowulf Grendel is one of the major examples of evil. The other clear example of evil is the Dragon. The Dragon and Grendel both represent death, chaos and darkness (Encyclopedia of Archetypal Symbolism “Ananda”). Although he is mortally injured, after fighting both of the vicious monsters Beowulf comes out victorious, showing his destruction of evil. In the journey of a hero there are three distinct stages. These stages consist of departure, heroic deed and return. Before the departure one has to have a desire to help others, which displays a strong form of kinship.
direction is like trying to hit a cloud with a bow and arrow. A hero is also
Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.
Beowulf is an epic poem telling the story of Beowulf, a legendary Geatish hero who later becomes king in the aforementioned epic poem. While the story in and of itself is quite interesting, for the purpose of this paper it is important to look at the character more so then his deeds, or rather why he did what he did.
Beowulf is an interesting story in that it has a meaning that is firmly rooted in fantasy creatures based in mythical origins while providing insight into religious ideals and practices of the time. It also speaks of tradition and the struggle of man against things perceived as evil. In this tradition especially, Beowulf is an incredible allegory regarding the struggle of good and evil in the Christian tradition.
Beowulf’s life was truly epic struggle. The monsters he battled made it so. Grendel and the dragon, capable of crushing men physically, stood for evils that could just as easily crush men in spirit. These two beasts represented society’s greatest fears, as well as detriments, and Beowulf fearlessly took them on. Grendel taught the hero a valuable lesson about maintaining one’s humanity in a world dominated by the dogs of war. The dragon, showed Beowulf’s mortality, his imperfection, but the hero eradicates it nonetheless, saving his people from not only physical threat, but sin. Bringing in such spiritual and moral dimensions, these two beasts certainly give the story of Beowulf depth.
In the epic poem Beowulf, the struggle between good and evil reveals its omnipresence in even the oldest of tales. The many allusions and symbols throughout the story relate to Christianity and other Pagan beliefs. By looking at them, it becomes apparent that the author of Beowulf believed that the constant war between good and evil is not only fought by the common man but also in the ranks of their highest esteemed rulers and warriors, and even in their dreaded nightmares where monsters lurk and wait for the death of man. Beowulf was written during the budding of Christianity in England, when it was newly forming. In the story there are obvious references to Christian rituals.
The epic poem Beowulf centers around the hero. From the character of Beowulf, the reader can see the importance of community, orality, and heroism. Beowulf, as a result, is an icon of his ancient Germanic heritage. He is mimetic of the world around him. In addition, he reflects the past?s tradition of heroes; he follows in Shield and Sigemund?s footsteps, mirroring their characteristics and actions. Thus, when Beowulf passes on, both the ancient world and the new world collapse.