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.
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.
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). This shows that since Beowulf didn’t have to fight but knew it was and did fight, fate repaid him by sparing his life. Finally Beowulf proves he has the characteristic of fighting for what’s right by fighting the dragon in his old age. Beowulf, now in his 70s, could’ve just lied and down said his time was near anyway. However, that doesn’t represent a hero so Beowulf knowing he might not make it back, knows he must fight and he “feels no shame, with shield and sword” (101, 2517-2520).
He was at a point where his challenge was not the actual battle but recognizing that it was the end, “; what was is no more.” (167, line 2458); Beowulf was faced with human challenges as to challenges of a warrior which makes me feel like the whole battle was a battle within himself. The dragon was his morality and human instinct, and presenting more challenge than any battle has before because it wasn’t as simple as victory or defeat. The battle was like an overview of all Beowulf has done and will now no longer do, it was testing to see his pride and grace in the action of falling, as a human not a warrior. This battle showed the ladder effect of how in each battle Beowulf became a little more human like, until he completely strayed away from his warrior like ways emotionally. This battle made the epic have more personal attachments to the reader in a sense that when in great success it is if we as humans are invincible but when faced with failure our
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
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.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition of a dragon can range from a mythical monster traditionally represented as a gigantic reptile having a long tail, sharp claws, scaly skin, and often wings to someone who is a fiercely vigilant or intractable person or something very formidable or dangerous. Culturally dragons in the Western Hemisphere are thought to be cruel, powerful and evil creatures. They are symbolic of dominance and supremacy. Interestingly, dragons in the Eastern Hemisphere symbolize wisdom, fertility, authority and change. They are revered and are seen as protectors of the royal family.
Universalism is where people should uphold certain values, such honesty as well as other values that society needs in order to function correctly. Universal principles may be powerful and useful, however what people say, hope, or think they would do is often now what is actually done in the long run. Egoism is acceptable behavior which maximizes benefits for an individual “doing the right thing,’ the focus of moral philosophy is defined by egoism as “do the act that promotes the greatest good for oneself” (mhhe.com, Ethics and Corporate Responsibility). Utilitarianism, unlike egoism, seeks the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. Organizations seek the greats good for the largest amount of consumers they can supply to, increasing their need for product.
From tales of slaying dragons, magical fairies, and ‘once upon a time’s’ to tales of heartache, magical moments and ‘I remember a time when’s.’ We are all suckers for a good story and even bigger suckers for the ones that are or could be true. The legend! It’s what we live for! The stories that start with ‘They say…’ are the ones that pull at our heart strings most because
Beowulf's unselfishness and unfailing loyalty gave him quite a reputation and much popularity with both the Danes and Geats subjects and their kings. Reputation is what motivates thanes to be loyal to their rulers. The more courageous acts they performed for their country, the better their reputation and popularity. Therefore their rank in the social ladder would increase as well. The fact that not all thanes could be as courageous and have so many heroic achievements for their countries and rulers is why Beowulf seems so ideal and extraordinary.