Beowulf Comparison Essay

The novel Ransom by David Malouf (2009) and Beowulf by Anonymous (?8thC) uses different narrative uses of the hero and the failure to be heroic within their respective texts. They both challenge the readers understanding of what it means to be heroic. Malouf depicts that there are greater acts of courage than those that can be gained through a battle, which are qualities of a hero. Both Priam and Achilles are expected to behave in a certain way which causes them to become symbols for a hero, as well as images of the ideal king and warrior for the people who are around them. It is through these characters, as well as Somax, that Malouf highlights that ordinary people who live and work away from the battle field are also capable of having qualities of heroes such as compassion, bravery and courage. Similarly, within Beowulf, the reader is constantly reminded of his heroic presence and strength as he is an ideal king an archetypal warrior. Beowulf is the greatest of the heroes depicted in the poem not only because he has the greatest prowess in battle. He also meets his social obligations for society. He has the values of a civilised man, as well as the strength of the warrior. Boewulf always looks after his people and is always gracious and kind therefore becoming a hero. Themes of compassion and kindness, and courage and bravery are explored in both texts.

Ransom and Beowulf both portray themes of compassion and kindness as a key character trait of a hero the reader is invited to make through the narrative of the texts. In Ransom, Achilles is presented with the opportunity to capture of kill the king of Troy. Instead however, he acts with qualities of a hero such as compassion and kindness and put to side his “hard manly qual...

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...lt in Beowulf’s death. Furthermore highlighting Beowulf’s bravery in fighting the dragon.

The characters in Beowulf and Ransom demonstrate of the most important characteristic of heroes; bravery, courage, kindness and compassion. Malouf suggests that true courage is formed away from the battlefield. in acts of kindness and compassion. Malouf depicts that there are greater acts of courage than those that can be gained through a battle, which are qualities of a hero. He also argues that takes more courage for kings and heroes to put aside their reputations and “take on the lighter bond of being simply a man”. Similarly, the character of Beowulf clearly exemplifies these traits. They both challenge the readers understanding of what it means to be heroic. The reader is constantly reminded of Beowulf’s heroic presence and strength as he is an ideal king and warrior.