Certainly he is in search of fame. Though this is true it must not discount his brave actions. He gains his fame truthfully by doing battle with menaces to society. He does not lie or manipulate to achieve fame, he uses what is rightfully his, his bravery. Beowulf's bravery differs from that of King Arthur's for several reasons.
He was considered a “larger than life” hero and the writer of the story did a great job portraying the good characteristics of Beowulf and how he was able to conquer all. He came from a large community or group where he wanted to protect all. Without this, there would be no good meaning to this story because he was well trusted and the
They also don't want people to think poorly of them. Beowulf shows this when he hears that Grendel does not use any weapons to fight and so Beowulf says that he will not use any weapons because he wants Higlac to think worthy of him. Beowulf shows this trait when he says, I have heard, too, that the monster's scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Now will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster (Beowulf page #).
Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death. He will not back up from his fight with Grendel even if it might cost him his life. Beowulf also shows courage in line 154 “… I drove five great giants into chains.” By Beowulf’s statement he shows how he is not afraid of fighting anyone. Beowulf shows courage which makes him fit the image of an epic hero. Beowulf is also considered to be a leader.
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.
According to the poem, a great leader is one who thinks rationally, keeps his country at peace, takes care of his people, believes in God, has Divine kingship, and has good morals. This great leader is exemplified by none other than our epic protagonist and namesake of the poem: Beowulf himself. Beowulf is granted kingship of Geatland as a reward for defeating Grendel and his mother in two separate battles. Grendel was an evil demon who was terrorizing
Beowulf; an Egotistical Hero Beowulf, a brave man of the Anglo-Saxon era, is held to the standard of being a hero. Taking away numerous unwanted lives; did Beowulf do this as a heroic action due to his dedication to the king or for self-righteousness and bragging rights? As a reader of the twenty-first century, judging Beowulf's actions and dialogue on modern Christian values proves him to be selfish, proud, and egotistical. Through Beowulf's thoughts, it can be seen that this character did anything to succeed, leading him to become egotistical. In the poem, Beowulf travels to Denmark without an invitation to reveal his destiny as “the mightiest man on earth, / highborn and powerful” (Lines 197-198).
The character Peter Keating embodies altruism and only feels he shouldn’t exist for his own sake but the services that he receives from others reason for existing is for fame and approval for others. Peter Keating lives off of his good looks, success and people around him. To have resources to only justify his own existence, self- sacrifice is only his highest right of responsibility, benefit, and importance. Peter will do whatever it takes to succeed in this world even if it means stealing, lying, or Killing. "He had forgotten his first building, and the fear and doubt of its birth.
James Bartkowiak ENGLT 310 Abraham 2/20/13 Challenging Fate A hero’s worth is measured in the use he has to society and how much he is willing to sacrifice. The definition of a hero is widely debated, and comes in different forms possessing extraordinary abilities. However, it is his actions that jettison him into the upper echelon of men and the praise that it comes with. Beowulf is a hero in the traditional sense in that he is brawny, boastful, and without fear, conscious that his fate rests on the edge of his blade and the gods beholding the spectacle choosing whether he should live or die. He is not so much religious as he is aware that there is a higher power that controls his destiny and that if he will survive then he is meant to
When I hear the word hero, I think of someone who is idealized for their courage and bravery, having outstanding achievements, and having noble qualities. Policemen and firefighters are heroes to me. Heroes can come in all different shapes and sizes and that’s important for some people to understand, just because they aren’t super tall and lusty doesn’t mean that they can’t be a hero. In the earliest English epic poem, “Beowulf”, the hero is Beowulf. As a hero, the Anglo-Saxons made Beowulf have certain hero characteristics.