The last line of anonymous’ Beowulf, “the best to his people, and most eager for fame” (1382), shows Beowulf’s character in that he always strived for the best reputation, and how he seemed to his people. Beowulf is the kind of person who is all about their reputation. Everything he does is to better how others think of him. To Beowulf, “death is better...than a life of shame” (2900-2901). Him being “most eager for praise” (1382) is shown any time he goes up against a foe. His honor is most important to him when it comes to fighting. When one of his fellow Geats is taken by Grendel’s mother, he goes after them. It may seem as though he did this out of selflessness, but in all actuality he just wanted to add another story to his reputation.
