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Conclusion for symbolism in beowulf
Conclusion for symbolism in beowulf
Revenge as a theme in Literature
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Conclusion for symbolism in beowulf
Conclusion for symbolism in beowulf
Revenge as a theme in Literature
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
The author recalls, “Suddenly then the God-cursed brute was creating havoc: greedy and grim, he rushed to his lair, flushed up and inflamed from the raid, blundering back with the butchered corpses” (Beowulf 126-129). Grendel had no self restraint and was excessive in his killings and tortures. These malicious incidents prompted Beowulf to come to the Danes and set up a surprise attack which would later be the reason of death for Grendel. Although Grendel is the first monster in this epic poem, he can stand for the whole idea of what barbaric elements are and his death can represent how the civilized will always conquer
Beowulf’s Vengeance It is a fair night in Geatland, and Beowulf is celebrating his victory over Grendel's Mother in the mead hall Higlac built for his nephew. The mead hall is named The Court of Champions. "Let us celebrate my nephew’s great accomplishments of ridding the Danish people of their hideous creatures!" Higlac exclaims as he raises his mead cup to his subjects. Higlac by far was one of the fairest kings the Geats have had, after raids he gave each member a portion of the loot and made sure that everyone in the clan was cared for.
Charles Churchill once said “All hunt for fame, but most mistake the way”, implying that while fame is an important goal for people, they may not always go about achieving it the right way (Charles Churchill Quotes). For people who preoccupy themselves with being famous, their intelligence is overridden by impulsiveness, as they begin to make careless decisions in order to appear impressive. In many cases, this leads to the death of the attention-seeker, because their hasty decisions put them in perilous situations. In the story Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf, the hero in the epic, is portrayed as a heroic figure, because he fights monsters and protects the town, but for the wrong reasons. Instead of defeating the monsters solely in order to protect the town and make sure that the members of the clan are safe, Beowulf fights so that people will remember him as a hero when he dies.
The Anglo-Saxon community must be defined by revenge and blood justice. In Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, every character in the poem bears vengeful actions. The Finnsburg episode clearly illustrates how blood justice can be complicated and confusing. Hildeburh, a Dane, mother and the widow of Frisians, is confused as to which side to be loyal to after losing brother, son, and husband in war. Later, Hildeburh is carried back to Denmark because she is unable to make a decision, but has to return to her home.
He carefully strategized his plan to defeat Grendel. He waited for Grendel to come to Heorot, then surprise attacked him. Grendel put up a fight, but Beowulf was stronger and more intelligent. Beowulf ripped the arm off of the beast, sending him away to die. Not only did Beowulf have to defeat Grendel, but Grendel’s mother came back for revenge, so Beowulf set out to the darkness where Grendel and his mother lived.
Beowulf was brave, strong, had lots of courage, and had a desire to achieve immortality. He sailed to the kingdom by ship with fourteen other men. They called themselves Geats. He went to King Hrothgar wanting to slay his monster, but instead of killing one monster he slayed three. Grendel was the first monster and Beowulf ripped off his arm, Grendel’s mother was the second one and Beowulf cut off her head with a huge sword.
He alleviates the innocent people from a terrible, mysterious evil, but he never truly satisfies his hunger for victory. Even fifty years past his prime, Beowulf, not content with his spectacular defeat of both Grendel and Grendel’s mother, hungers for more battles to win. Beowulf sees a conflict and aims to resolve it, no matter what obstacles stand in his way. However his need for glory ends up getting the better of him, and his final battle with the dragon ends up in their mutual destruction.
When Beowulf and his members go out to find and kill the Grendel, he has high hopes to get rid of him for the town. Beowulf fights his own life from the grendel and kills him bringing back his arm for the
In contrast to Hrothgar lamenting his dear friend, Beowulf proclaims, “It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (1384-1385). Beowulf praises the idea that the best way to react to death is not by wallowing in grief, but instead trying to punish the killer for his wrong; it is more of an effective method to accept a loved one’s death when his murder is slain. His loyalty to the Danes is projected through his conviction of getting revenge for the sake of the one who died. Grendel’s mom has proven to be very vicious, nevertheless Beowulf ascertains he should pursue a brawl anyways. Beowulf is willing to put his life on the line to avenge a life for the nation he cares about and protects.
He decides to answer the trouble and begins his journey to the monster. Grendle, who is the definition of evil is harassing the king known as Hrothgar and his beloved people. Beowulf comes to help Hrothgar, even though he doesn't know of him. Beowulf shows his selflessness and how he is ready to help. He shows bravery and courage by eventually killing Grendle.
Both Grendel and Beowulf are murdered due to their excessive pride for their actions. In the case of Grendel, he “had never been clamped or cornered like this” by any warrior before Beowulf (Beowulf, 756). His constant victories against the Danish men makes his confidence grow, believing that he could allow his rage and “demonic glee” to eradicate the Danish society (Beowulf, 730). His overconfidence, however, made “his days of ravening […] come to an end (Beowulf, 734-735). Grendel’s soaring ego is demolished by Beowulf, who ends up ripping Grendel’s arm off, leaving Grendel to flee, knowing his life would soon end (Beowulf, 814-823).
When Beowulf took on Grendel he was also getting revenge for Hrothgar’s fallen men, just as now Grendel’s mom is getting vengeance on Beowulf for killing her son. “But now his mother had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.” (Beowulf 144) This was able to drive the story because as the reader read they could feel the pain that Grendel’s mom felt knowing that someone had killed her son. The final conflict that proclaims Beowulf is the duel between him and the dragon.
Many people lash out when in anger and want to make the root of the issue feel as much hurt as they did. In Beowulf, Grendel’s mother represents vengeance as part of the human condition. “But now his mother had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge” (42). After her son, Grendel, is exterminated, she immediately craves revenge on Beowulf and his people, the people who murdered her son. Her “grief-racked” anger took over her sensible actions and she wanted to take as many lives as necessary for her to feel like she avenged her son, along with herself.
There is only one man that is not afraid to confront this enormous beast, Beowulf. Beowulf is fearless and eventually rips the arm off of Grendel and brings it upon King Hrothgar. The people are overjoyed and feast in the great hall. Grendel’s mother however is furious about the death of her son. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother with his sword.
This scene is relevant due to its differing plot from the other two slayings. During the killing of Grendel, Beowulf tears off his arm and ultimately destroys the wretched monster alone and without frivolous weapons. When the duel between Grendel’s mother arises, Beowulf