Beowulf shows integrity in several ways in the epic poem Beowulf, but first, what characteristics define integrity?
Integrity by its definition means to follow through on one’s word, be honest, loyal, and in general, a person of good moral character. In Beowulf, several characteristics to look for specifically that show his integrity include those listed above as well as a few others, such as fairness, respectful, and reliability. Integrity even finds itself connected with honor (part of the heroic code –which Beowulf follows) in that a person should be true and honest with themselves as well as others, and not do anything that would be dishonorable.
An example of a person with integrity is someone who means what they say and supports what …show more content…
Instead, they’ll wait for the landlord to contact them and ask for the rent. They will agree to pay based on landlord terms, but do not fulfill their promise. They lack honesty, respect, fairness, and reliability.
In Beowulf, there dozens of examples where Beowulf shows integrity, but we’ll look at just a few. Near the beginning of the poem (part 12), Beowulf shows integrity in his desire to travel a far distance to help the Danes slay the monster Grendel, then Grendel’s mother, even at the risk of his own life. We first see integrity in Beowulf when he speaks respectfully to the guards on the cliffs by identifying himself, his men, and his intentions. Lines 425 – 440 of Beowulf is a leading example:
Now I mean to be a match for Grendel,
Settle the outcome in single …show more content…
and lines 812 - 819:
Hygelac’s kinsman kept him helplessly
Locked in a handgrip. As long as either lived,
He was hateful to the other. The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound
Appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split
And the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted
The gory of winning;
Then, Beowulf goes into the sea after Grendel’s mother, after she attacks the mead hall. After slaying the mother and returning to the mead hall, Beowulf at one point says:
In keeping with my promise, you and your company of earls may now sleep without care, as you formerly slept."
Afterwards, King Hrothgar commends Beowulf during his celebratory speech: 'Lo! that one may say, who speaks truth and right and remembers every- thing of old, that this earl was born better than others. My friend Beowulf, your fame is established throughout wide ways.
Additionally, as Beowulf and his men prepare to leave for home, Beowulf says to Hrothgar: 'Lo! we sea-travelers wish to say that we intend to seek Higelac. Thou hast been gracious and we have been cared for here according to our desires. If at any time, I may gain more of thy love than I have now, I shall be ready at once to wage
Integrity by its definition means to follow through on one’s word, be honest, loyal, and in general, a person of good moral character. In Beowulf, several characteristics to look for specifically that show his integrity include those listed above as well as a few others, such as fairness, respectful, and reliability. Integrity even finds itself connected with honor (part of the heroic code –which Beowulf follows) in that a person should be true and honest with themselves as well as others, and not do anything that would be dishonorable.
An example of a person with integrity is someone who means what they say and supports what …show more content…
Instead, they’ll wait for the landlord to contact them and ask for the rent. They will agree to pay based on landlord terms, but do not fulfill their promise. They lack honesty, respect, fairness, and reliability.
In Beowulf, there dozens of examples where Beowulf shows integrity, but we’ll look at just a few. Near the beginning of the poem (part 12), Beowulf shows integrity in his desire to travel a far distance to help the Danes slay the monster Grendel, then Grendel’s mother, even at the risk of his own life. We first see integrity in Beowulf when he speaks respectfully to the guards on the cliffs by identifying himself, his men, and his intentions. Lines 425 – 440 of Beowulf is a leading example:
Now I mean to be a match for Grendel,
Settle the outcome in single …show more content…
and lines 812 - 819:
Hygelac’s kinsman kept him helplessly
Locked in a handgrip. As long as either lived,
He was hateful to the other. The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound
Appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split
And the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted
The gory of winning;
Then, Beowulf goes into the sea after Grendel’s mother, after she attacks the mead hall. After slaying the mother and returning to the mead hall, Beowulf at one point says:
In keeping with my promise, you and your company of earls may now sleep without care, as you formerly slept."
Afterwards, King Hrothgar commends Beowulf during his celebratory speech: 'Lo! that one may say, who speaks truth and right and remembers every- thing of old, that this earl was born better than others. My friend Beowulf, your fame is established throughout wide ways.
Additionally, as Beowulf and his men prepare to leave for home, Beowulf says to Hrothgar: 'Lo! we sea-travelers wish to say that we intend to seek Higelac. Thou hast been gracious and we have been cared for here according to our desires. If at any time, I may gain more of thy love than I have now, I shall be ready at once to wage