Macbeth And Beowulf: The Price Of Self-Regard

Throughout literature, whether characters are considered dynamic or static, round or flat, change or stay the same, they exhibit many aspects of behavior as they maneuver through the various storylines. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the term “behavior” as “the way in which one conducts oneself or behaves.” Therefore, through an analysis of Beowulf in Beowulf and Macbeth in The Tragedy of Macbeth, the behaviors of bad pride, ambition, violence, and manipulation are explored and analyzed to show how it is connected between the two texts. Beowulf: The Price of Self-Regard
In the epic poem, Beowulf, the hero named Beowulf demonstrates redundant pride and a need for fame. Upon arriving in Denmark, Beowulf boasts to King Hrothgar to

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. Therefore, the outlook he has puts him in considerable danger since he is prepared to fight Grendel without the use of weapons in order to prove his reputation and acquire fame. Susan M Kim supports the quote, “Are you that Beowulf who contented with Brecca, competed in swimming on the broad sea, where you two because of pride made a trail of the water, and because of foolish boasting risked your lives in deep water” (Kim 13). Kim acknowledges the risk Beowulf takes in order to cement himself as a legendary hero and fulfill his sizeable ego. This self confidence brings him to take on risks he can not handle

Indeed, Macbeth’s use of violence as a tool to maintain power helps to transfigure who he becomes on his path to evil. Demonstrations of violence form a fundamental characteristic of his being by sending murderers to Macduff's family’s castle to protect his own power and line of position. In the play Macbeth it states, “... In fact, I'll start following up my thoughts with actions right now. I’ll raid Mcduff's castle, seize the town of Fife, and kill his wife, his children, and anyone else unfortunate enough to stand in line for his inheritance.” (4.1.148-155). This quote shows the violence that Macbeth reveals by saying that in order to keep the power, he is willing to kill or murder. Derek Cohen states that “[V]iolence is an enemy of humankind, but it's also man’s most powerful instrument” (Cohen 56). Considering Macbeth wants all the power, he will comply with violence to take the throne and anyone's life that gets in his way, which is when manipulation comes to play. Ultimately, Shakespeare demonstrates that Macbeth’s enjoyment of violence works against him, as it is manipulated by the evil forces at work in the play, and it ends in destroying not only himself but his entire life’s work, reputation, and