Nothing Is Original, Not Even This Title
In his book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Thomas Foster says, “…there is no such thing as a wholly original work of literature.” At least one element in each work of literature derives from somewhere. The story of Beowulf is an old English epic poem with an unknown author that originated between the seventh and tenth century Anno Domini. The epic poem clearly proves Foster’s assertion because elements of Beowulf have been used to create other stories since the magnificent piece of literature was discovered. There are at least two examples of recycled elements in the six archetypal categories. Characters such as Beowulf and the sacrificed Geat are found interestingly similar to Jake Bryan and Robin Hood in two very different pieces of literature. Archetypal images such as the Ten Commandments and the twelve disciples can be proven to be similar to ten days and twelve brave Geats, which are both significant numbers in Beowulf. Benjamin Martin’s quest for revenge in The Patriot is near identical to Grendel’s mother’s quest for revenge in Beowulf. Lastly, the shooters’ quests to kill their peers in Plan Zero derived from the same feeling Grendel experienced prior to killing the Danes. …show more content…
During his quest to fight, Robin Hood hid in the midst of the woods and made friends with the people living in the forest. The Sheriff soon found out where Robin Hood was hiding and had his men attack the forest village. During the attack a village woman named Fanny became trapped in a burning tree with her small child. Robin Hood risked his life to save Fanny and her baby. His sacrifice may have derived from the sacrifice of a Geat in Beowulf. The Geat was killed by Grendel in the presence of Beowulf. Beowulf could have saved the Geat, but he was a sacrifice in order for Beowulf to learn Grendel’s fighting
In his book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Thomas Foster says, “…there is no such thing as a wholly original work of literature.” At least one element in each work of literature derives from somewhere. The story of Beowulf is an old English epic poem with an unknown author that originated between the seventh and tenth century Anno Domini. The epic poem clearly proves Foster’s assertion because elements of Beowulf have been used to create other stories since the magnificent piece of literature was discovered. There are at least two examples of recycled elements in the six archetypal categories. Characters such as Beowulf and the sacrificed Geat are found interestingly similar to Jake Bryan and Robin Hood in two very different pieces of literature. Archetypal images such as the Ten Commandments and the twelve disciples can be proven to be similar to ten days and twelve brave Geats, which are both significant numbers in Beowulf. Benjamin Martin’s quest for revenge in The Patriot is near identical to Grendel’s mother’s quest for revenge in Beowulf. Lastly, the shooters’ quests to kill their peers in Plan Zero derived from the same feeling Grendel experienced prior to killing the Danes. …show more content…
During his quest to fight, Robin Hood hid in the midst of the woods and made friends with the people living in the forest. The Sheriff soon found out where Robin Hood was hiding and had his men attack the forest village. During the attack a village woman named Fanny became trapped in a burning tree with her small child. Robin Hood risked his life to save Fanny and her baby. His sacrifice may have derived from the sacrifice of a Geat in Beowulf. The Geat was killed by Grendel in the presence of Beowulf. Beowulf could have saved the Geat, but he was a sacrifice in order for Beowulf to learn Grendel’s fighting