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Beowulf literary analysis
Beowulf literary analysis
Analyze the character in the epic beowulf
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Beowulf literary analysis
Beowulf literary analysis
Analyze the character in the epic beowulf
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mo demonstrates his heroism in Anglo Saxon culture because the book shows Beowulf's relentless attitude. After the battle with Grendel, Grendel's mother was seeking revenge and killed Aschere. Beowulf was chosen to fight the killer and was willing to do it. Right before the fight Beowulf says "I shall gain glory or die" (Beowulf 1497). This shows Beowulf's ultimate goal of lüf and he will do anything for it because having more lüf means that you have more honor and respect.
He shows his great strength and humility throughout the story. For example, when he fights Grendel in the mead hall, he chooses not to use any man-made weapon because Grendel does not use any weapon. An epic hero also has to journey to an unknown, usually dangerous land. Beowulf goes on a journey to the swamp and descends into Mama Grendel’s lair. He showed his bravery and courage when he fought and defeated Mama Grendel.
Beowulf is the clear protagonist of the novel and an example of a “perfect” warrior from the middle ages. He has all the ideal traits that make him so distinguished and respected. An example of his loyalty was going to meat Hrothgar to fight the Grendel. He was not forced to do this but his father had an obligation to the king so Beowulf carried that forward.
His father was Ecgtheow; Hrethel the Geat; Gave him in wedlock his only daughter. Now is their son come, keen for adventure, Finding his way to a faithful friend” (Beowulf 112-115). Hrothgar and Beowulf actually have Uncle and nephew relationship. This relationship proves that Beowulf is the noble birth, and Beowulf also has a family connection with King.
Emerson has stated the basics for heroism, and Beowulf follows them effortlessly. One of the characteristics Emerson states is having self-trust and confidence. Beowulf shows his confidence when he says, “The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then,/Foeman with Foeman.” Grendel does not use weapons and kills with his bare hands, and Beowulf is stating that he’s confident enough to fight the same way. Another quality trait Emerson talks about would be bravery; Beowulf shows bravery when he tells Hrothgar that he has defeated many beasts before, and will do so again with Grendel.
He was very loyal to his dad’s old friend, and people that crossed his path. Beowulf takes pride in his killings and battles. He does not let one thing bring him down; he comes back unashamed and 10 times harder. Beowulf is a hero because of his strong mind, perseverance and the will power he always carried. Beowulf is described as a monster eating warrior.
Throughout the Epic poem of Beowulf, Beowulf shows his honor and his strength in each of the three battles that takes place. In each battle, a different technique is used which shows that Beowulf is a strong man and he is someone who is not to be messed with. Beowulf proves his loyalty to Hrothgar by helping protect his people against Grendel and Grendel’s mother. This says more about Beowulf’s character than anything else that happens in the epic.
In the poem, “Beowulf,” I believe that Beowulf is a Hero, and he died a Hero. Beowulf did everything in his absolute power and capacity to ensure the safety of his people. There were many cases where it was a life and death situation and Beowulf always made sure to put the people he cared about before himself. Some examples that show Beowulf always sacrificed himself for the wellbeing of others was when he fought Grendel with his bare hands in which no one believed in him and sought him to not be strong enough, in which this helped show his bravery as well as the loyalty that he felt towards the people he cared about. Another example would be him fighting Grendel’s mother, who he fought his hardest to kill, and lastly, when Beowulf was able to defeat the Dragon considering his age.
There are many examples of epic heroism throughout history and today. We see good conquer evil, or visa versa, in many different stories and also in real life. The definition of evil has changed over many centuries, but the idea of a hero stays the same; someone who travels great distances to save someone or something from that evil. A hero is someone who risks their life to save someone else and defeat the bad. Beowulf is a true hero because of his great strength, will-power, and ability to fight evil in the epic poem, Beowulf.
Beowulf compares himself to Grendel as he declares, “He is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to if I hid behind some broad linden shield: My hand alone shall fight for me” (263-268). Beowulf is willing to do whatever it takes to have himself viewed as a heroic figure by those around him.
While others bask in their cowardly ambiance, taking shelter is the first thought to cross their mind, Beowulf on the other hand makes true to his word and time after time again slays the terrifying monster. It was almost as if he wasn't afraid of death, and if he thought that maybe he would die he still fought. No matter the circumstance he makes the best out of it and comes out victorious. The integrity and selflessness that Beowulf shows is unmatched by any other. He unlike most other heroes isn't corrupted by the riches and glory that is presented to him.
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).
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
"Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes, ancient kings and the glory they cut for themselves, swinging mighty swords." These verses were words sung over and over, by singing poets all over ancient Europe. They were sung in the presence of kings and warriors. They are the beginning lines of the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of monsters, dragons, kings, warriors, battles, life, death, and the virtues of a hero.