Comparing The Epic Of Beowulf - 979 Words

Mindless creatures who blindly walk with cricks in their necks from staring down at their new cutting-edge electronics is what describes the current generation. The twenty-first century is focused around technological advances and social status based on the accumulation of items, which influences the society. On the contrary, the fifth and sixth centuries was a simpler time filled with valiant warriors defending their community and their king. The society reflects these values and Beowulf symbolizes this era and its aspects very accurately. The epic of Beowulf is structured around oral writing, the concept of comitatus, Pagan-Christian tension, and warriors. At the time, there was no form of writing meaning all the stories were orally composed, which leads to certain mechanisms and strategies being used. Beowulf was originally composed in Old English and in rhythmic meter to make it easier to be remembered and recited. One of these strategies was using long dialogues or speeches that a single character says. This was used because it makes it easier for the orators to speak in speech form. Also, repetition was used throughout, so that certain points were emphasized and aren’t forgotten or overlooked. For example, Beowulf told his people the whole story about defeating Grendel and his mom, even though the fights were just told. In an oral culture without written documents, the author inputted family lineage when mentioning a name of a person, like Unerf, son of Ecglaf.. OralShow MoreRelatedComparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf937 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elem ents are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and ChristianRead MoreComparing Grendel And The Epic Of Beowulf976 Words   |  4 PagesStephan King once said â€Å"No one really forces you to do anything, you always have a choice† (King). Grendel, in both the self-titled novel and the epic, Beowulf, had a choice. He chose to make the wrong decisions and act solely based upon his feelings. Even though others feel Grendel is a monster because of fate, and he is destined to become a monster either way, Grendel is really a monster due to free will and Grendel s loneliness, plus lack of communication causes him to be violent as well asRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Anglo Saxon Epic Poem Beowulf972 Words   |  4 PagesAre there some evils in existence that are necessary? In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf, vengeance plays a central role in the actions of the characters. Beowulf is set in a Scandinavian society that places a heavy emphasis on righting wrongs and avenging others. A warrior who comes in aid of his fallen kinsmen is often regarded as a hero, and it is clear from the poem that combating those who have wronged you is a favorable action. Does this make vengeance a necessary element of heroism in theRead MoreComparing Beowulf, An Anglo Saxon Epic Hero1292 Words   |  6 Pageswish to be. In the story of Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic the hero is one that is easy to understand, Beowulf fights monsters he is loyal to his Lord and shows very strong and powerful leadership skills. Beowulf is the perfect Anglo-Saxon epic hero who displays courage, bravery, and strength during his battles against evil. Beowulf can be viewed as the standard courageous hero. In this story courage is viewed as a form of glory. In the story Paradise Lost, a Christian epic poem the hero figure has beenRead MoreSimilarities Of The Story In Beowulf922 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf was originally an epic poem written by an unknown author that set the tone for future epic literature and created the ideal hero for pieces later to come. But despite its significance, Beowulf has been adapted throughout time and the character and poems image has been changed constantly. One of the best examples showing change to the story is the movie depiction of Beowulf. While there are some similarities that connect the book and story together there are overall more differences that separateRead MoreComparing Beowulf And Grendel And Beowulf1702 Words   |  7 Pagestranslated, Beowulf has represented one of the finest examples of heroic poetry. As a tale reflecting the noble deeds of a hero, it uniquely expresses the cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons from whom it originated since heroes often do reflect the best of what the ir culture deems worthwhile. However, modern adaptations of this work express a different set of cultural values; values unique to modern society. When comparing the translated poem, Beowulf, to the 2005 motion picture, Beowulf and GrendelRead MoreFree Will And Religion : An Epic Hero1478 Words   |  6 Pagescase in the epic poem, Beowulf. The story’s protagonist must endure many trials throughout his journey as an epic hero, defeating his opponent each time. However, Beowulf believes it is not his own strength, but the will of God that he is able to become victorious. As his journey through life continues, from warrior to king, fatalism is present time and time again in all his actions. In Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, the theme of fate dictates the outcome of each battle Beowulf must overcomeRead MoreEast Vs. West Literature Essay931 Words   |  4 Pageswith epics such as The Ramayana and Confucius. While Western Literature typically are epics like Be owulf, The Odyssey, and similar characteristics are also in Gilgamesh.   These types of literatures are so rich in their text and have so many different beliefs.   The Eastern and Western Literature compares throughout topics like gender roles, the influence of family, and afterlife beliefs. A stereotype or a set of normal that one does and is appropriate for their sexuality, gender roles. Comparing genderRead MoreGrendel and Obj1412 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Comprehension The questions below refer to the selections â€Å"from Beowulf, Part One,† â€Å"from Grendel,† â€Å"Life in 999: A Grim Struggle,† and â€Å"from Beowulf, Part Two.† ____ 1. Beowulf slays Grendel in order to  Ã¢â‚¬â€ |a. |save Hrothgar and the Danes from the monster | |b. |prevent Grendel from invading theRead MoreComparing the Characters of Beowulf and Achilles1291 Words   |  5 PagesComparing and Contrasting Beowulf and Achilles Both Beowulf and Achilles are poetic characters, who hail from different eras of history and different cultural backgrounds. While each is unique in his own way, the two heroes also share similar characteristics. This paper will compare and contrast the medieval Germanic hero Beowulf with the classical Greek hero Achilles (of Homers Iliad), and show how the two are similar and how the two are different. The first way in which both characters are