Examples Of Selflessness In Beowulf

Evolution of man can be judiciously observed by analyzing literature from pagan history and literature from the medieval time period. As a literary representative of pagan history, “Beowulf” characterizes the archetypal hero that is exemplified in that era. On the other hand, the men and women from the “Canterbury Tales” define the true meaning of the common man. The development of man can be assessed through bravery, selflessness, and faithfulness. Beowulf is unmistakably very courageous, and his motivation sparks a desire to prove his fearlessness to the men who he respects. He enters Heorot full of stories about his valor and his prowess in combat, and, as the reader eventually finds out, he can back them up. When Unferth challenges Beowulf’s

True selflessness is defined as having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc. Beowulf is eager to risk his life for strangers, which is relatively humane. He is not necessarily motivated by altruism in his mission to kill Grendel, but rather by a desire to prove himself and enhance his reputation, a perfectly valid motive in his day. Beowulf believes he may not return from the battle that is not really his; yet he chooses a few soldiers, equips himself and his men, and he makes the death-defying crossing deprived of any expectations from the people at the other end of his excursion. These selfless attributes show themselves later in Beowulf's leadership style. Beowulf never backed down from combat. Although Beowulf receives many gifts of gold and wealth after defeating Grendel, he is unhesitant to equally distribute these gifts to the men sacrifice their lives to join Beowulf. “The chieftain went on to reward the others: Each man on the bench who had sailed with Beowulf and risked the voyage received a bounty, some treasured possession. And compensation, a price in gold, was settled for the Geat Grendel had cruelly killed earlier. (1049-1054)” As he perishes, Beowulf appears to feel conflicted about the treasure that he has won from the dragon. “The old lord gazed sadly at the gold. "To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that

Both characters from pagan history and medieval times share the trait of pride, or in another sense, arrogance. The Anglo-Saxons believed that pride was a measure of one’s success in life. Warriors who were victorious in battle were prideful due to their achievements. Beowulf was a man of his skills, and he was not afraid to boast. He knew his capabilities and he wanted to make sure that everyone knew as well. "I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend." (433-440) Beowulf also is defensive of his reputation, especially if a “coward” like Unferth challenges him. "Well, friend Unferth, you have had your say about Breca and me. But it was mostly beer that was doing the talking. The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all." (529-534). In Chaucer’s depiction of man in tales such as “Wife of Bath”, “Pardoner’s Tale”, “Miller’s Tale”, and “Reeve’s Tale”. In “Wife of Bath”, the knight shows his arrogance by committing the rape. “By very force he took her maidenhead.” (Chaucer 131) The “Pardoner’s Tale” reminds the reader how greed can overthrow