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Literary Analysis Essay On Beowulf

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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. As he ages, Beowulf defends his people with the same intent as the former king and displays the same heroism that is apparent in the United States military. Heorot, a dining hall that provides Hrothgar’s people place …show more content…

evil. Beowulf is the archetype warrior hero whose one purpose is to defend the innocent and vulnerable of his people. Whether it is the devil incarnated, the mother of the monster, or a fire-breathing dragon, he is capable of defending the Danes and Geats. Without his heroism and bravery, these people would’ve faced certain death under a weakened, but good, King Hrothgar. Beowulf uses the same selflessness as the military that defends our country, and is as great of a warrior as each and every one of the soldiers in the United States armed services. The king did display good in a different way, however. He was charitable in his creation of Heorot, a dining hall for the Danes. This provided the meeting place for his people and housed the king’s men and his constituents. Bill Gates, a modern Hrothgar, gives in his own way with millions of dollars donated to the research, prevention, and treatment of serious diseases, as well as funding humanitarian causes around the world. Around the world, good is always attempting to defeat evil no matter how large or unforgiving. From diseases to terrorist organizations, the evils of the world will meet their match with the same bravery and charitable attitude as Beowulf and King Hrothgar in the epic poem of

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The story tells of many characters who faced the same circumstances as Beowulf, yet failed to respond in a similar and valiant effort, like Beowulf. For example, when facing the dragon nearly all of his hand picked soldiers coward in fear. Beowulf then showed humility by turning down his first offer to be king. When Hrothgar died, he offered Beowulf the throne; however, he refused, which allowed the rightful heir, Hrothgar’s son to be placed into power. This decision exemplifies the value he placed on ethics and honor.

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The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.

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Good and evil are always present but practices like honor, courage, and loyalty are examples of good and will outweigh the sinful evil. The ideas in “Beowulf” are reflected in the real world; courage, loyalty, and honor, will bring good, such as highs and newcomers. These practices will bring wonders. Happiness and joy will always outmatch evil.

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Beowulf represents good while the three monsters represents evil. Symbols of good are represented within Beowulf. Beowulf himself is a representation of good in this epic. Beowulf is tamed and virtuous which are the attributes of goodness and pureness. Most importantly, Beowulf demonstrates this before his fight when he takes off his shield, and pledges not to use

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Hrothgar also provides many unpleasant hyperboles and metaphors to display the evils in which the environment attains. As “the lake burns like a torch,” “waves splash toward the sky,” and creatures “prefer to die on the shores,” Hrothgar uses this figurative language to assert that Beowulf must understand the evils and overcome his immodesty. Hrothgar attempts to create the most vivid image of Grendel’s environment, to emphasis the difficulty and danger of coming out this area alive. Although uses unpleasant diction to create a sense of fear, he also provides emotional appeals to demonstrate the significance of Beowulf’s actions in “saving” Herot. Due to menacing, hellish, and evil image that this area upholds, the “heavens weep” due to their antipathy of Grendel’s area.

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Beowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good

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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.”

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