ipl-logo

Examples Of Integrity In Beowulf

755 Words4 Pages

Sophie Sollid Section Number (18) Loyalty and integrity are common foundations for ethical structures demonstrated in poems during the Pre-Christian era. Beowulf takes place in the Germanic era that is in danger due to the lack of loyalty and trust in contracts and clans. The incongruent nature of words and actions creates chaos for this society which Beowulf, the hero of the story, tries to mend. Eventually, the society of Beowulf was destroyed due to the lack of integrity for verbal contracts which was evident in marriages, promises, and verbal contracts. Beowulf demonstrated that to have order and harmony between nations and people, fulfilled promises and good deeds need to exist. The distinction between words and actions in Beowulf showcases the mistrust in the Germanic Society. …show more content…

Throughout the poem, honour has been external, which leads to hopeless boasting and promises. Beowulf introduces individual integrity by having strong morals and internal honour. This moral structure of his character allows for honesty, which differs from the motivation of other kings and warriors in the poem. The composer demonstrates, through Beowulf, that kindness and honesty can mend conflicts. Accomplishing good deeds for other people was seen often in Beowulf as Beowulf himself was a peaceful mediator of the nations. When Beowulf successfully slain the dragon that was threatening the lives of the Danish people, the king of the Danes responded, “What you have done is to draw two peoples,/the Geat nation and us neighbouring Danes,/into shared peace and a pact of friendship/in spite of hatreds we have harboured in the past” (ll. 1855-1858). With Beowulf’s acts of kindness and integrity, years of conflict have peacefully been resolved. The suggested resolution of people completing good acts is shown through the actions of Beowulf and the peace that results from those

Show More
Related
1109 Words | 5 Pages

Hrothgar mentions that, "what [Beowulf has] done is to draw to peoples,/ the Geat nation and [them the] neighbouring Danes,/ into shared peace and a pact of friendship/ in spite of hatreds we have harboured in the past" (1855-1858). In that statement, Hrothgar is stating that Beowulf would be the right person to be a king for the Geats. It shows that Beowulf follows the ethics of king when he decides to makes peace with another nation when they had conflict. Also, he even states that Beowulf is "a protector of his people, pledged to uphold/ truth and justice and to respect tradition. . . in a things you are even-tempered,/ prudent and resolute" (1700-1706).

Read More
635 Words | 3 Pages

Beowulf Essay In Anglo-Saxon time, fame and reputation played a huge role Throughout Beowulf, Beowulf brags about himself, and you can tell that the main thing he cares about is his fame and reputation. In their time, you were represented by your fame and reputation. There are many specific examples that can be found throughout the book that shows the Anglo-Saxon values being reflected in Beowulf. The first example is when Beowulf arrives and Unferth and Beowulf get into a confrontation, Unferth says “You’ve been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think your luck may change if you challenge Grendle.”

Read More
316 Words | 2 Pages

What makes a person or poem moral and ethical? In the epic poem Beowulf, the main character, who name was Beowulf was the perfect example of piety and virtue, which also means morality and ethics. Beowulf was a person who could be trusted and who his people and the danes counted on. On page 48 the poem stated: “That I, alone with the help of my people, may purge all evil from this hall.” ( Wiggins 260-261).

Read More
626 Words | 3 Pages

After Beowulf is defeated, the narrator includes the major theme that greed can kill even the noblest of men; a lesson exemplified by the hero’s life and death. Beowulf’s avarice motivated him to the point of recklessness and his own

Read More
743 Words | 3 Pages

Beowulf is a story about a geatish warrior saving Denmark from the god-cursed Grendel, killing Grendel’s mother, becoming king of the Geats, and fighting a dragon. It is a classic take on the Anglo-Saxon society and their ending. This paper will be discussing about whether or not Beowulf was altruistic in his quest to save Denmark from Grendel. Altruism is the act of helping others for unselfish reasons, rather than for ones own benefit. Beowulf is not an altruistic character in his quest to save Denmark from Grendel.

Read More
1500 Words | 6 Pages

Beowulf learns, at the end of his life, how to accept all that the good and the bad that he has done in his lifetime. He reflects upon his life decisions and regrets none, which allows Beowulf to welcome death with open arms, not fearing blame from “the Ruler of mankind” (line 2741). Through Beowulf’s final words, the reader may recognize the cultural values of trustworthiness, responsibility, and

Read More
863 Words | 4 Pages

Beowulf is a poem that exploits the theme loyalty within its characters. Beowulf himself is a complex character who possesses the trait loyalty to his followers and also his own country. Beowulf, who is the main hero of the poem, shows great loyalty through his actions. An example of loyalty was when the Geats showed Beowulf loyalty by following Beowulf’s last request before he had died. “Then the Geats built the tower, as Beowulf had asked, strong and tall...

Read More
533 Words | 3 Pages

Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).

Read More
815 Words | 4 Pages

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.

Read More
232 Words | 1 Pages

Loyalty, one of the main themes throughout Beowulf, is an important aspect of the Germanic culture. Loyalty in the Heroic Code is a bond between the king and his warriors; loyalty to the king is first above all, even family in this text. If the warriors lack the loyalty for their king, the urge to protect their king and tribe is diminished. Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, gave him permission to help the Danish king and his people. Beowulf exerts his loyalty to Hrothgar by protecting the king’s people, and killing Grendel.

Read More
1809 Words | 8 Pages

It is evident that the Beowulf poem should not be viewed as a historical document, but it is hard to deny its connections to its context and its time. In this essay I will explore and compare the Norton critical edition of The Beowulf poem and the revised edition of the Poetic Edda. I will look into how the two correlate with each other, some of the common themes and ideals that are evident in the texts as well as how the

Read More
427 Words | 2 Pages

Beowulf is only thinking about himself. Performing these acts alone just to get the fame forms the quality of selfishness in Beowulf. Beowulf is putting all of his strength to be credited as a hero, but he displays acts of selfishness which marks him as an insignificant

Read More
821 Words | 4 Pages

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.

Read More
805 Words | 4 Pages

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).

Read More
1033 Words | 5 Pages

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.

Read More

More about Examples Of Integrity In Beowulf

Related Topics

Open Document