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Literary analysis on beowulf
Beowulf as a reflection of the anglo saxon culture and values
Literary analysis on beowulf
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Hector Ruiz Professor Poxon MRS 151 3 November 2017 Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf, there seems to appear an ethical code for what makes a good king and good warrior. There exists a fine line between them. A warrior fights for his land and directly earns the glory, whereas a king also earns his glory but through his warriorsi who earned the victory. Although they both do share characteristics like loyalty, determination, and care for their nation; king can only go a certain extent because they still have a nation to govern. The Warrior fight for the king to keep the nation safe while the king keeps it stable.
To start off both Sir Gawain and Beowulf are loyal and show it throughout their poems. Beowulf shows he is loyalty toward his people the citizens of Geatland over which he rules. This is expressed in the quote “For this, this gold, these jewels, I thank Our father in Heaven,, Ruler of Earth or all of this, that His Grace has given me, Allowed me to bring to my people while I breath Still came to my lips. I sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well.
Beowulf The heroism of Beowulf was exemplified in two separate phases: (i) youth; and (ii) age. It was also illustrated on three separate conflicts with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon (SparkNotes). It was through these encounters that Beowulf has been molded into a hero. His years of being youth depicted his character of being an unfettered warrior and his mature years, on the other hand, portrayed that he is a reliable king (SparkNotes). These two phases in his life showed two different virtues which has been reflected as the story progresses and how Beowulf changed from a young man to a mature man full of vigor.
What makes a character in a book heroic? Beowulf was a strong and courageous hero who risked his life for the safety of other. Sir Gawain was also brave and mighty. He risked his life instead of his king’s life. These to character have many things in common as well as differences.
Throughout history, every work of fiction that has been constructed has contained a hero that reflected the cultural values of the time. Whether it be Shakespeare or J. R. R. Tolkien, the hero of the tale has not only epitomized these values, but served as a paradigm for heroes in other works of fiction. Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons and the Middle English. Some of these values, such as honor and valor, are reflected throughout the evolution of the Early to Late Middle Ages, although some are replaced, and there is a slight paradigm shift with regard to the nature of the two heroes; this can be clearly viewed when one analyzes the archetypes in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in terms
The Anglo-Saxon era is the beginning of modern English literature. The story of Beowulf was passed down orally for hundreds of years before it was written down by a Christian monk in 700 A.D. The story of Excalibur is a chivalric epic written in the Medieval era that shares some values with Beowulf. The characters in these stories have both similar and dissimilar traits. Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and King Arthur all show the qualities of heroism and honor, but Sir Gawain and King Arthur do not have the superhuman strength of Beowulf.
The audience will agree that Beowulf is a warrior of generosity, courage, and hospitality which practically defines the Anglo-Saxon heroic code. However, the audience will realize that he is a man of God if they reflect upon his reason which ensures those values. It is understood that Beowulf is as selfless as they come during a time of fear and despair. Beowulf contains an undisclosed characteristic known as fear and employs the courage required to defeat the demons that people have become apprehended to. Of course, others would argue that Beowulf is simply a new follower of Christ and that his morals fall along the lines of Paganism.
While the Anglo-Saxon culture in “Beowulf” include display of strength, valor, honor and boastfulness of the early era is seen in today’s modern society. Since it originated in oral tradition, the epic Beowulf has no known author. It does, however, serve as a representation of the Anglo-Saxon culture it originates from. As a work of art, it also serves its purpose of moral instruction, today serving as a demonstration of what values were important to the Anglo-Saxon people. Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time:
The unknown author of this epic exhibits many values and actions which have become a part of our everyday lives. The legendary hero Beowulf of Pre-Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Saxons’ period displays significant values such as courage and responsibility which the twenty-first century still admires. Foremost, the presentation of the value courage is significant in the Anglo-Saxons’ period. Beowulf is very brave and courageous
A true hero is someone who displays loyalty, integrity, and courage. Heroes have been the focal point of stories for centuries; for instance, the epic “Beowulf", translated by Gareth Hinds between the 8th and the early 11th century, tells of a man of high honor that proves himself to the people by defeating the town’s worst beast: Grendel. Another example of heroes in writing is the poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" transcribed by Simon Armitage and is believed to be written around the 14th century. The narrative of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is about a knight named Sir Gawain who is tested by the Green Knight by a game of beheading to observe if he is an honorable knight or not. Sir Gawain eventually gets to live on, after realizing his mistakes of trying to avoid the returned strike of the Green Knight.
They had confidence and courage to win the battle in the name of Beowulf. The author’s perception of courage displays that good will always outperform evil. In conclusion, “Beowulf” illuminates characters and their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage.
Beowulf takes on treacherous enemies, never giving up. Even in his old age, Beowulf was open to any challenge. When his people was threatened by the dragon, Beowulf declared, “I marched ahead of him, always there at the front of the line; and I shall fight like that for as long as I live, as long as this sword shall last” (Heaney and Donoghue, 63). Here, Beowulf proclaims that he will continue to fight for his people until his last breath. His determination also makes him an honorable leader.
The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.
Everybody likes rooting for a hero. And throughout the evolution of storytelling, from stories written in stone to those in tablets, heroes have always played a huge role in the stories we tell. As literature evolved, and more legends and tales began to appear in different cultures, the idea of a traditional epic hero was established. Stories like "The Epic of Gilgamesh," and "The Odyssey," set the mold for this type of heroes, an influence that can clearly be seen when analyzing literature. In fact, most of these characters, regardless of the time and place they were created in, shared similar characteristics to the two kings.
The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.
