Men are animals. We hunted, created shelters, migrated, whatever we needed to do to stay alive. Sometime after our species had established a functional, albeit rudimentary, society, we began to ask ourselves why we had done so. Small hunting parties became flourishing societies; they were no longer just for survival, but something better, or just because it was better in itself. It was beneficial for everyone in the society to work together... good for entire mankind. But what is good for man? The good for man is best expounded by the greek philosopher Aristotle as he talks about the good being “all things in moderation” (Aristotle 6). The broadness of that statement could apply to individual humans, as well as communities. Beowulf, for instance, seems to be the perfect exemplification of the existentialist hero, similar to our modern day, self-made superhero: batman. Additionally, the aged Beowulf (at the end of the poem) best exhibits the “all things in moderation” idea, because he …show more content…
Beowulf, as a young man, is very strong, warrior-like, and appears to be searching for trouble when he decides to fight Grendel, a human devouring monster, without using a sword. Beowulf proudly says, “it is better for all / to fight for our friends…” (Beowulf 45, 1384-1385). Beowulf fights for glory, but also for the wellbeing of others. While the young warrior fights to create a name for himself, he is aware of his responsibility to his fellow men, a responsibility best explained by existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre, “and when we say that a man is responsible for himself, we do not mean that he is responsible for his own individuality, but that he is responsible for all men” (Sartre 1216). Beowulf is fighting for glory and to make a name for himself, but he is also fighting for the people that Grendel terrorizes. Beowulf is fulfilling his responsibility to the other
Beowulf truly springs into action in these chapters, performing such feats as have never been accomplished in the twelve years Hrothgar’s hall has been erected. Beowulf defeats Grendel in one night in an epic battle where Beowulf’s fast-becoming legendary grip tears off his arm. King Hrothgar is gracious with his savior, providing him feasts and glory such as any warrior would envy. This then could be considered essentially the quintessential aspiration/penultimate goal of a warrior’s life-to perform a feat that guarantees future recognition. Beowulf has been gifted with strength and it provides a perfect spotlight that none can compete with.
Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/
Eventually, a third and last monster appeared. This time the monster was a furious dragon that would attack and burn down the villages of Geatland. Obviously, Beowulf was ready to take on the dragon in a fight, but unfortunately, after defeating it, his wounds were not to fix. Sadly, Beowulf had fought his last fight. Eventually, The Geat’s held a worthy funeral for Beowulf, and they even built an enormous barrow where he could rest in peace.
Gandhi was once quoted “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.” What if that was the only way to end mass murders. Part of the action in Beowulf holds a stance for the few exceptions in the world. If a man commit murder and officials cannot stop him by force and the only way to stop him is by murder, then is that not two wrongs? If the sacrifice of man can be stopped with a wrong, then what is so wrong with that.
Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
1.When Grendel “plunges” into meatball, he is confident, carefree and careless knowing he is going to have a delicious dinner. “I am swollen with excitement, bloodlust, and joy”. The parenthetical remarks emphasize his thoughts and emotions running through his head. When Grendel is snatching his men one by one for dinner, he mentions, “I reach for another one(whispering, whispering, chewing the universe down to words!)”. 2.Grendel’s initial response to Beowulf grabbing him is that this was a mistake.
Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights three different monsters and in each of these situations he chooses to begin the fight without their help. He enters into combat with his men by his side, but when the actual fighting begins he defeats the monsters with very little help from them. Beowulf’s strength and physical prowess was unlike any other man in comparison to his height and incredible grip. Furthermore, Beowulf can be categorized as an outcast based on his personality traits. The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
English IV Literature Andrea Sauer Modern Beowulf Writing Assignment 9/16/15 This is the story of Beowulf, giver of change, and his argument with Grendel, argumentative man. Beowulf is a rather kind-hearted cashier. He’s around 5 feet tall, with black hair and green eyes.
Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.
Argument Essay: Beowulf and Grendel Many people have read or heard of the epic poem of Beowulf, which spins a tale of Grendel, the monster, attacking the admirable Danes and their king, Hrothgar. Some may not be as aware of a book titled Grendel written by John Gardner in 1971. Gardner’s book tells a completely different account of the more familiar tale of Beowulf, from the perspective of Grendel, the monster. The narrator from Grendel portrays a more plausible, powerful story than the excerpt from Beowulf by drawing the reader in with a more emotional viewpoint from the character Grendel, making him more relatable by giving him humanlike qualities, and clarifying why certain events took place in Beowulf.
Beowulf the mightiest hero, he kills demons, fights dragons, and does everything he can for the people, but how does he stack up against today's heroes like Spider Man. Beowulf can kill monsters, demons, and demons mothers, but what about if the circumstances were swapped. What if Beowulf had to fight some of the villains that a hero like Spider Man fights? Would he still be able to boast about taking them on bare handed? Comparing Beowulf to some of the villains of the comics may not make him seem as strong or have as much battle prowess.
Beowulf went through so much to prove he was worthy enough to protect their kingdom and defeat Grendel. The story Beowulf was a great story to read and a great movie to watch; however, the battles were very eye catching and had a lot of extravagant and heroic doings of Beowulf. The first scenario that I’m going to discuss in the movie and story of Beowulf is The Battle with Grendel. In the movie Grendel attacked Beowulf in the Heriot while everyone was dancing and singing.
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.