His tragic flaw is evident throughout the novel thinking he can win them all. Beowulf defeats the evil monster Grendel and his mother with ease. However, when it is time to battle the dragon, his pride causes him to be defeated. Beowulf is portrayed as a classic epic hero and, like many other heroes of the time, has a tragic flaw that ultimately leads to his demise. Beowulf possesses many of the traits of an archetypal epic hero; he is strong, humble, and willing to fight to death if necessary.
Wiglaf knows of the many triumphs Beowulf endeavors, and sees it as an encouragement. If Beowulf was able to defeat, why couldn't Wiglaf. Wiglaf is extremely brave to continue the fight Beowulf had started and kill the dragon as his loyalty shines through. Beowulf and Wiglaf are genuinely loyal characters in the epic poem. The two inferior men endeavored many hardships throughout because of their loyalty to others.
Body paragraph 1- courage c. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf show courage d. Explanation- (the ability to do something that frightens someone) he shows it when he fights monsters and isn’t afraid to die e. Example- fights Grendel, fights Grendel’s mom, fights the dragon at the end, that effectively ends his life f. Analysis- but it could also be argued that it is not courage, just him trying to achieve a higher status and fame and to further inflate his ego. 3. Body paragraph 2- valor g. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf show valor h. Explanation-(great courage in the face of danger) i. Example- j. Analysis- 4. Body paragraph 3- respect k. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf receive respect l. Explanation- m. Example- n. Analysis- 5. Conclusion o. Restate thesis- and so this is why Beowulf is considered a
Again, he has no logical reason to want or need to fight the dragon, but he does it simply to be a hero and to keep his reputation of a warrior. He even states, “I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still” (Raffel 101). Beowulf only wants to fight to prove himself as a hero yet again. However this time, the risk is too great and he ends up getting killed in the fight. But, he died a hero so he had no regrets.
I am old now but I will fight again. Seek fame still, if the dragon hiding dares face me” (624-628). Describes this leader’s heart and love for his people, because he is the king he no longer needs the fame and glory he already has this. But he proves to be responsible and goes to take on the dragon without any aid of his people. Beowulf is a hero in every way.
Macbeth then begins to ponder the power of fate. However at the same time, Banquo understands the role that free will plays when he quotes I. iii. 158-160 “New honors came upon him,/ Like ouir strange garments, cleave not/ to their mold/ But with the aid of use.” I. ii. 8-12 “And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling/ Showed like a rebel’s whore, but all’s too weak:/ For brave Macbeth-- well he deserves that name--/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,/ Which smoked with bloody executions,” A bleeding captain returns from the battlefield and describes to Duncan and Malcolm the victory of Macbeth
The character Beowulf killed a murderous “grim demon” being called Grendel, saving the Danish kingdom Heorot from further devastation. Fifty years later, Beowulf rescued his own kingdom from the torment of a dragon. The Geat warrior is the savior of both of these kingdoms, but one must ask where what Beowulf’s motives lie for his heroic actions. Although Beowulf appears heroic for altruistic motives he is in fact acting out of desire for his own glory by winning battles. The battle against Grendel was seen as a game to Beowulf more than an actual serious matter.
A Tragic Hero, Formed From the Worst Macbeth was once a strong, confident, and self-asserting man. Unfortunately, during his quest for control over the crown, Macbeth took a few drastic turns that led him into a spiraling downfall into despair and failure. His misfortune even ended up killing him. Macbeth had all good intentions. He wanted to rule his country, a perfectly sane and moral goal.
The reader learns how Beowulf is fighting only for glory and not for power because “Beowulf longed only for fame” (71, 1528-1529). Beowulf was much stronger than Throthgar and could’ve easily taken his thrown but he did not long for power he longed for fame. Another example of how Beowulf fights for what is right is when Beowulf fights Grendel’s Mom. Beowulf had already killed Grendel, had received his riches, he could’ve easily left the Dane’s helpless against this angry mom. Instead, Beowulf does the right thing and because he does fate repays him by allowing “her stabbing blade to be blunted by the woven mail skirt” (71, 1547-1549).
Sigurd was a towering man, with unbeatable strength, astuteness, and agility; he defeats Fafnir to obtain his notoriety. In Theseus’ quest for glory, he overcomes the Minotaur of Crete, using his wit and strength. The cultures from which Sigurd and Theseus originate from differ in several ways, and their character qualities are unlike as well. Theseus demonstrates greater courage, for he seeks danger by volunteering to travel to Crete, in hopes of slaying the vicious Minotaur to attain fame. Sigurd, on the other hand, needs decisive convincing by Regin, before he dares confront Fafnir.