Examples Of Hope In Beowulf

According to the scholar J.R.R Tolken, the theme of Beowulf deals with ‘man alien in a hostile world, engaged in a struggle which he cannot win’...” This theme is revealed in the poem, not necessarily through Beowulf himself, but through the commoners that he fights for. Beowulf, being as powerful as he was, could make it through pretty much anything. He was a symbol of hope for the common people. However, there is a clear reason why the people clung to this symbol of hope. They themselves were not powerful enough to deal with the world in which they found themselves. This is shown through the enemies Beowulf faces, the decisions he must make, and the fear he must overcome. Beowulf proves to be a symbol of hope for the common

Each and every time there is a foe, Beowulf must make a decision, the decision to fight and risk his life or to flee and live to fight another day. A great example of this is when a dragon is awoken and begins terrorizing Geats. At this time, Beowulf knows that should he fight the dragon, he will likely die. In this situation most men would choose to walk away with their life. Surely there would be tons of guilt, and self-conflict about what the right choice is. However, Beowulf swiftly makes a decision, and he says that he will fight to protect others, even if it should cost his life. In the poem Beowulf he says “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought endless battles. I am old, now, But I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares To face me.” P62 This once again highlights the way that Beowulf is a man that is above normal human nature, showing just how insignificant man is alienated in a world that is so dangerous that they must lay all of their cards down, and allow someone who is seemingly much more than human to win their battles. Even with psychological strength, he surpasses them

Not only did he have the courage to take on the enemies and overcome all of the trials described earlier, but there is also a great example of a social trial that he must overcome as well. Upon hearing of the way that Grendel was terrorizing the people of Geats, Beowulf had decided to Hrothgar, the King of Geats, directly. This shows great social bravery, as having the gull to talk directly to a King is no simple task. At this time he was not even called by the King, he simply knew that his Kingdom needed help, and sought out to give them just that. On lines 110-115 in the poem Beowulf it says “Beowulf heard how Grendel Filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, Proclaiming that he’d go to the famous king.” This is yet another example of just how helpless a normal human being would be in this case, were they not Beowulf, any other person would likely have not even thought to address a famous King about problems in his Kingdom. This is yet another humbling example of Beowulf vs. a common