In a world that is constantly evolving, the traits and actions of a hero adapt over time. What constitutes as heroism in one culture could be cowardice in another. In terms of literature, Beowulf has stood the test of time and has consistently been regarded as the epitome of heroes. While the character for whom the epic is named after performs a few daring deeds, what sets Beowulf apart from others is the exploration of his heroism in two distinct phases. The beginning of the tale starts with Beowulf in his youth; he is strong, brave, quick to volunteer to do what needs to be done.…
"It is the small beacon in that terrifying darkness from which we come" is quote from quintessential American novelist James Baldwin in his novel The Fire Next Time ("A Quote from The Fire Next Time"). The beacon, is usually "a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, at a dangerous area at sea" for vessels, ("The Definition of Beacon") as the hope and compass that leads seamen out of the fog at the boundless sea. Indeed, in the most of the time, beacon appears to the world as a positive inspiration guiding people to the lightness; however, sometimes beacon has a negative effect on people as a temptation. In British literature, beacon is always a central concept in entire British history from Anglo-Saxon Period to Victorian Era.…
Why is it that the influences of others affect characters – and real-life people – as much as they do? In the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, there are four specific characters that had a visibly large effect on Grendel. Of course, every character in the book had some sort of influence on Grendel. In addition, it is clear that his character traits evolved from the beginning of the story to the end.…
In order to find honor, kings and warriors must trust one another. The king must trust the warrior to be able to fight off attackers and warriors must trust kings to know how to help the kingdom after their victories in battle. In Beowulfand I Henry IV, the two warriors, Beowulf and Hotspur, gain the trust of their kings in two different ways. Beowulf gains the trust of King Hrothgar by the traditional customs, while Hotspur does not. Without the help of the warrior, kings could not rule efficiently and have a glorious reign.…
Kristena Westerfeld English 11- Beowulf essay: personal dragons Throughout life, there are many obstacles that are faced day after day. Some obstacles bigger and more difficult than others. These obstacles faced can be either physical or mental and are found in today 's everyday life, the poem Beowulf and the story Grendel. Mental obstacles come in many different shapes and sizes, in real life or through a story.…
The Fights Beowulf Fought In the epic poem Beowulf, revenge is one of the main themes. Grendel's mother wants revenge on Beowulf, another time revenge played a role in the poem is when beowulf killed Grendel. My last revenge example, is when Beowulf fights his last battle with the dragon. Grendel’s mother wants revenge because Beowulf killed Grendel in the meadhall.…
Grendel’s mother is described as “a monstrous ogress” who attacks the mead hall to avenge her son. Because Grendel’s mother is as strong as Beowulf, he has to wear full armour and use a sword in this fight. This preparation indicates that Beowulf is not confident when he has to fight with anger and vengeance. As a pagan hero, Beowulf believes in vengeance: “It is better for a man/ to avenge his friend than to refresh his sorrow” (1383-4). He sets up to kill Grendel’s mother to avenge Ashhere, Hthrogar’s counsellor.…
Singer-songwriter Eric Burdon illustrates human nature and the universe’s constant struggle between good and evil, “Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It 's a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other.” John Gardner’s Grendel also exemplifies this conflict, and there is frequent controversy over whether Grendel is considered evil or not. Grendel is not evil; he is merely led to perform evil deeds due to his absence of self-acceptance, companionship, and communication.…
Complying with the society in which they live, an author typically reflects cultural values through the heroes or protagonists. Whether a positive or negative attribute, these characteristics tell the reader about which qualities are regarded highly by that specific culture. Furthermore, the societies of the Middle Ages held elements of what came to be known as chivalry, land (which represented power), valor, and religion above all else. Ergo, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are each regarded as an accurate representation of the principles of Anglo-Saxon and Middle English cultures. After an attentive archetypal study of the heroes in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the reader can make perspicuous connections regarding the values that were…
The epic of Beowulf consists of three battle where, the main character, Beowulf himself, battles his greatest foes. enemies. Beowulf has different strategies, weapons and reasons for fighting each one of his foes, along with a specific motivation when fighting the maleficent monsters. Beowulf will fight Grendel, Grendel 's mother, and the dragon. Grendel and his mother are giants feared by all…
Traditional heroes grace the covers of comic books, the posters for films, and come to mind first when the word hero is mentioned. Traditional heroes are the Supermen of the world, the ones who are larger than life and embody every perfect trait everyone should aspire to have. Grendel, the hero of John Gardner’s novel of the same name, is not a traditional hero by any means. Not only is he not a human, nor attractive, but he storms meadhalls and eats people for entertainment; yet he still appears to portray very heroic qualities underneath the homicidal tendencies. Although he finds amusement in killing and consuming people, Grendel is a tragic hero and a victim of fate and circumstance.…
Beowulf Battle Comparison There are many differences and similarities in the battles of Beowulf. He prepared for each battle differently. Each battle called for different strategies and levels of preparedness for Beowulf, both mentally and physically. While the outcome of the battles were similar each tested Beowulf’s strength and honor.…
In the novel Grendel by John Gardner, it tells the story of the epic poem of Beowulf, but from the “behemoth’s” point of view. This story gives a more sympathetic and altered portrayal of the creature known as Grendel. Grendel is speaking for himself and using empathy for his pain. It gives the reader the question of who the real evil in the world is, whether it is Monster or Men. In the beginning of the novel, Grendel is a misunderstood creature.…
The sword that Grendel’s mother is killed with is the only thing that could defeat her. The sword symbolized a man’s strength because of how big, long, and pointed it is. Beowulf did not take the head of Grendel’s mother back to show off as a symbol of his victory because killing a woman would not have been a big deal in that time period. The level of importance for a woman in that society was very low. They were looked down on.…
Beowulf used this sword to cut Grendel’s mother’s head of off and kill her. Before actually leaving, Beowulf also cut Grendel’s head off to take back to the people of the Danes. Beowulf was granted many treasures for defeating them, and he also made sure that everyone in the Danes knew Grendel would not longer be tormenting them. (GRENDEL’S MOTHER 1) Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother shows he’s a hero because he brings back the head of Grendel and assures the people of the Danes that Grendel will no longer be bothering them. He also shows heroism because he defeats Grendel’s mother without using his own weapons he brought.…