Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Amelia Earhart

Brave Ones

Heroes are often the protagonists in a story. Their journeys are crucial to a book or movie’s plot and purpose. Real-life heroes are even more so the center of attention. They inspire news stories, unified cheer, and even actions of heroism from other people. Regardless if a hero is real or fictional, his or her story can often involve several stages. Within those stages, these heroes reveal the characteristics that make them heroes. The fictional Beowulf was a classic Anglo-Saxon hero, and Amelia Earhart was a trailblazing female pilot from the 1930s. Although they are unlikely comparisons, both Beowulf and Amelia exhibited the necessary stages a classic hero endures, as both experienced the call to adventure, a road of trials, and a refusal to return. Beowulf and Amelia Earhart both felt the call to adventure. For Beowulf, he felt the urge to help Hrothgar and his people. It was

Beowulf may have been the first formidable opponent for Grendel, but the task was not easy. He encountered criticism from Unferth, loss of his fellow soldier during his battle with Grendel, and a strenuous battle with Grendel’s mother. The battle against Grendel’s mother was challenging, as Beowulf realized that “no sword could slice her evil/Skin, that Hrunting could not hurt her, was useless” (Beowulf 599-600). Despite the trials he faced, Beowulf never allowed defeat, determined for glory. He found another way to overcome Grendel’s mother, as he did with all of the trials he faced. Amelia had her share of setbacks and difficult circumstances. Financial struggles alone kept her from purchasing any aircraft until “six months after graduating from college” (“Biography” Amelia Earhart.com). Earhart also struggle to maintain success and credibility against male and even female prejudices (“Achievements” Amelia Earhart.com). Despite these trials, Amelia is recognized for her achievements. Both heroes endured, despite difficult