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Beowulf characteristics essay
Qualities of beowulf
Beowulf's heroic deeds summary
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Beowulf characteristics essay
Qualities of beowulf
Beowulf's heroic deeds summary
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Recommended: Beowulf characteristics essay
It is this part in the poem that somewhat revealed the importance of his boastfulness in this poem. Other heroic tales have helped us form a set of characteristics that tend to describes heroes, one of those characteristics being humble. Humbleness is not only a heroic trait but that of a good person—which is why Beowulf’s bragging tends to throw the audience off. Beowulf builds himself up with his words. By this I mean he boasts about his previous ventures and his success to come because this helps the Danes and King Hrothgar gain confidence in him concerning the defeat of Grendel.
Boasting has varied a tremendous amount throughout centuries because of the opinions that the community has. At Beowulf's time, boasting was many to inform society about someone positive characteristics, but as you mentioned, boasting today is viewed as being egotistical. In my opinion, people should not be frowned upon because of boasting because sometimes it helps raise your confidence level. Though, one should only boast on special occasions. You said that you would be embarrassed if anyone read your boast because it sounded like you thought highly of yourself but you should never feel embarrassed about your qualities and accomplishments.
“A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice and to respect tradition, is entitled to affirm that this man was born to distinction. Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere. In all things you are even-tempered, prudent and resolute. So I stand firm by the promise of friendship we exchanged before. Forever you will be your people's mainstay and your own warriors’ helping hand” (Page 117 lines 1700-1708).
Jane Austin, an extremely talented British author, once claimed, “Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.” The bookshelves built today hold many brilliants works of old, new, foreign, and native, some even introducing debatable theories and ideas for their readers to contemplate, such as the possible existence of Beowulf’s pride and boasting in the great work, Beowulf. The question begins to form when Beowulf introduces himself to Hrothgar, describing to the troubled king, his reason for coming and the tales of his many successes and triumphs in battle. While many have deduced this seemingly boastful passage as conceit and arrogance, many have
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
The story Beowulf contains many different rulers that people follow. Among the various characteristics these men share, a few great qualities shine through, these being generosity, loyalty, and bravery. The leader Beowulf portrays these qualities multiple times throughout the story, which define him as a model of leadership for all times. One of the reasons is that Beowulf always acts decisively and courageously to combat evil, and he is also noble in his actions. He knows how to create peace as well as to wage war.
Beowulf “Seafaring men who have voyaged to Greatland/ with gifts of treasure as token of peace,/ say that his hand-grip has thirty mens strength” (McDonnell, Pfordresher, and Veidemanis 13). Beowulf is above all men and women with his supernatural strengths, but with good comes bad—such as his flaws. Beowulf has many tragic flaws within this epic poem. Some of Beowulf’s tragic flaws are being a vain, selfish, and conceited person. “And evil assails not—until in his heart/ Pride overpowering gathers and grows” (McDonnell, Pfordresher, and Veidemanis 27).
An epic hero is an individual who must evoke a sense of heroism through legendary and inspiring deeds (Merriam-Webster). These heroes of tragedy have the ability to determine their own fortune due to the amount of admired characteristics they possess. However, the ideals of an epic hero are constantly fluctuating due to the ever changing ideals of society. Although the characteristics of an epic hero are under constant modification, Beowulf is still an effective modern-day hero due to his acts of courage, compassion, and dedication in relation to his people. Courage can be defined as any individual possessing moral or mental strength in the face of physical pain or indescribable hardship (Personalitytutor).
When he fights Grendel he does it without any armor or weapons because the monster didn't have any. He did this because it would have brought him more glory and that is an essential part of the anglo saxon code. Then after the fighting there is another speech except this time it is from Wrothgar the king. In the end of it he tells Beowulf to be wary of pride because if he doesn’t it will kill
Beowulf reveals an act of arrogance throughout the epic poem Beowulf; therefore, it makes him an irrelevant hero. Beowulf claimed “that he needs no weapons and fears none” when fighting the monster. Stating that he can defeat a monster with his bare hands makes Beowulf very boastful. This quality of boastfulness expresses Beowulf’s thoughts on heroism. He only did heroic deeds for his desire.
He did carry the ways of a Anglo-Saxon which were honesty, kindness,loyalty, and honor. But all of that was soon covered up with his prideful thinking. Beowulf came to the aid of the king Hrothgar and his people willingly, knowing he could solve the king’s problem. Beowulf succeed in killing the monster getting fame , glory, and riches. Although Beowulf brought along his mighty warriors he persisted that they stay and watch him defeat the monster named “Grendel’’ all alone.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”
Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).
The epic poem Beowulf presents insights into the importance of boasting in Anglo-Saxon culture. On the eve of Beowulf's battle with Grendel, he has a scuffle with Unferth. Beowulf ends up using a notable skill, boasting, an important mechanism to assert prowess and triumphs. They can serve as a certification of reputation, bravery, and power, all values of Anglo-Saxon society. The exchange between Unferth and Beowulf exhibit the value of boasting in a society that values the truth.