Theme Of Reputation In Beowulf

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John Kotter Professor Patterson DC English IV 2322 1st Period 18 October 2017 Reputation in Beowulf There are many things that can define a person, including how they look, what they have done, and who their family is. A person’s reputation is made up of the thoughts and views others have on that person. Reputation is always important, as it determines other factors such as ones trustworthiness and how that person is perceived. There are three main enemies that Beowulf fights throughout his story and each represent the three different ways Beowulf deals with reputation. By defeating Grendel, he hopes to earn it, by defeating Grendel’s mother, he hopes to strengthen it, and by defeating the dragon, he hopes to preserve it for eternity. Reputation is a central idea in this epic poem. Hugh Magennis recognizes this when he states, “The heroic ideals of fame …show more content…

Beowulf is much older than he was when he fought Grendel and his mother, and the dragon he is to face is a much stronger opponent, but Beowulf is determined to stop it not only for the good of his kingdom, but also for how he will be remembered. During the fight Beowulf is fatally wounded and he knows he will not survive long, but he kills the dragon and dies a hero. From this Beowulf secures his reputation forever. The end of the poem reveals Beowulf’s legacy and how his reputation will be perceived as forevermore, “They said that of all the kings upon earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.” (3180-3182) Andrew Motion used this quote when explaining that loss in inevitable when struggling to gain reputation. Beowulf knew that would eventually he would lose his life, and that inspired him even more to do all he could while he was alive to make a good name for himself for others to hear about while he was

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