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¶ … character similarities and differences between Grendel and Beowulf based on the classic poem, Beowulf. I would like some specific quotations (at least 5) to support the paragraphs in which the two characters are compared.
Beowulf and Grendel are two of the key protagonists of the poem. Both are similar in that they fight for what they believe and are courageous. Both are dissimilar in that whilst Beowulf is popular and acclaimed possessing characteristics that make him hero to and applauded by society, Grendel is described as malignant and an outcast.
Who was Beowulf?
Beowulf, bairn of the Scyldings,
Beloved land-prince, for long-lasting season
Was famed mid the folk (1-5)
Beowulf exemplifies the traits of the perfect hero. The poem explores demonstrations of his heroism in youth and maturity and analyzes his heroism through his struggles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon.
Beowulf was famed for his courage and prowess manifested by his fabled swimming match against Breca. In the first part of the poem, we learn how Beowulf emerges as the savior of Denmark, having purged it of its plague, and he is prepared for ascension to the throne. The young Beowulf matures in power and strength as well as sagacity, and his power takes a different form -- it becomes more sagacious and...
The older Beowulf is still courageous and brave albeit in a more selfless, other-directed way.
Grendel, too, is a courageous creature. He ventures forth into the reputed Beowulf's court and steals his noblemen. The act is described as "Grendel's prowess" (13)
The interesting thing is that both Beowulf and Grendel, the one human the other animals, are both marked and vivified by emotion and a certain recklessness. Beowulf's last fight is a reckless impetuous one; we see the hero sacrificing himself, unnecessarily leaving his people leaderless and vulnerable to external threats. His fight with the dragon seems to be rash, and the poem implies as such. Grendel too comes across as an impulsive, emotional being. Animal though he is, we see his internal life indicated, for instance, by his loneliness in the swamplands and his longing to be restored to human society.
Here the similarities end.
Beowulf was beloved. He embodies the manners and values that are applauded by the Germanic code including loyalty, courage, and manliness. He is the perfect medieval knight and gentleman who is extolled and romanticized by his country.
Grendel, on the other hand, was an outcast. He is a member of "Cain's clan, whom the creator had outlawed / and condemned as outcasts." (106 -- 107). This…
Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem, Translated From The Heyne-Socin
Text by Lesslie Hall. The Project Gutenberg EBook of Beowulf
<http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16328/16328-h/16328-h.htm>
Beowulf's story is being told by Christian tribes. He finds nature on his side because God is on his side - and he works within Gods will. He does not fight gods or nature, but rather only fights irrevocably evil demons. He is associated with a pious culture which is not humanistic, and in which science and other such forms of hubris are not encouraged. Beowulf is a truly
Your answer should be at least five sentences long. The Legend of Arthur Lesson 1 Journal Entry # 9 of 16 Journal Exercise 1.7A: Honor and Loyalty 1. Consider how Arthur's actions and personality agree with or challenge your definition of honor. Write a few sentences comparing your definition (from Journal 1.6A) with Arthur's actions and personality. 2. Write a brief paragraph explaining the importance or unimportance of loyalty in being honorable. Lesson 1 Journal
Those with issues to overcome are always more heroic. Hector also becomes a hero when, after at first running from Achilles, he eventually stands up to him and dies a heroic death. The Iliad is primarily a war epic. In your opinion, is the Iliad condemnation of the it could easily be argued that the Illiad glorifies war, as much of the poem is spent portraying the warriors as brave
Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" are two tales which show striking similarities in many different literary aspects. These two tales, which were passed down orally from generation to generation in Northern Europe, include many elements of heroic legend and the epic hero. An epic hero, such as Beowulf or Sir Gawain, possesses the qualities of valor, military prowess, loyalty, generosity, and honor. These ideals are also
However, because of Gilgamesh's thought that he may be invincible, he is actually putting his friend's life at risk by going on his adventure. In his attempt to prove that he is brave and that he would rather die for a cause, he actually indirectly causes the death of Enkidu, who shows that he was the stronger of the two. 5) Defining Honor Honor is a characteristic that few individuals posses.
Thryth is however easily rehabilitated by marriage, as she is to some degree functional within her society. Grendel's mother is not, and the only remedy for her type of complete evil is death. As her son, she is an outcast, and deserving of a death as such. Her evil has no place in a society that sees itself as predominantly good. In Oedipus, the fulfillment of fate is the ultimate