beowulf characterization
Ricky Campbell
Burns
English 4
8/25/2013
The Characterization of Beowulf
The Epic Poem Beowulf tells the tale of a legendary viking warrior after whom the epic is named. In the Viking world of Beowulf, ones identity is very important. Nearly every character is introduced not only by their name, but also by his or her deeds and lineage. Although Beowulf, the hero of this poem, had been “Poorly regarded for a long time (2183) ” by his people, we can see throughout the tale that he hopes to establish himself as a legendary warrior of great fame and repute. Through reading this tale, one can determine that he very effectively accomplishes this. His bravery, skill, and prowess are constantly highlighted through the praise of others, tales of his past deeds, and boasts which he claims of himself.
One of the key ways in which we are able to identify Beowulf’s character is through other people’s perception of him. When we first meet Beowulf, he is arriving on the shores of Heorot with his fighting men. He is greeted by a guard who, though unaware of who Beowulf is or why he has traveled to Heorot, claims “[Never] have I seen a mightier man.. on this earth” and “He
[Beowulf] is truly noble (247-252)” When we look at this very first impression of beowulf recorded in the literature, we see that though he is not well known in the land, he carries such an intense prowess about him that his legendary identity is obvious to nearly anyone. A second instance in which we see Beowulf’s identity through another’s observation of him comes after he has completed his heroic task in Heorot. Beowulf is frequently praised by people throughout the land. Perhaps no praise, however, carries as much as the one given him by the king of the land,
Campbell - 2
Hrothgar. “Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere
(1702-04),” claims Hrothgar in his lengthly speech to Beowulf. This adulation, coming from a king, is much more weighty
Burns
English 4
8/25/2013
The Characterization of Beowulf
The Epic Poem Beowulf tells the tale of a legendary viking warrior after whom the epic is named. In the Viking world of Beowulf, ones identity is very important. Nearly every character is introduced not only by their name, but also by his or her deeds and lineage. Although Beowulf, the hero of this poem, had been “Poorly regarded for a long time (2183) ” by his people, we can see throughout the tale that he hopes to establish himself as a legendary warrior of great fame and repute. Through reading this tale, one can determine that he very effectively accomplishes this. His bravery, skill, and prowess are constantly highlighted through the praise of others, tales of his past deeds, and boasts which he claims of himself.
One of the key ways in which we are able to identify Beowulf’s character is through other people’s perception of him. When we first meet Beowulf, he is arriving on the shores of Heorot with his fighting men. He is greeted by a guard who, though unaware of who Beowulf is or why he has traveled to Heorot, claims “[Never] have I seen a mightier man.. on this earth” and “He
[Beowulf] is truly noble (247-252)” When we look at this very first impression of beowulf recorded in the literature, we see that though he is not well known in the land, he carries such an intense prowess about him that his legendary identity is obvious to nearly anyone. A second instance in which we see Beowulf’s identity through another’s observation of him comes after he has completed his heroic task in Heorot. Beowulf is frequently praised by people throughout the land. Perhaps no praise, however, carries as much as the one given him by the king of the land,
Campbell - 2
Hrothgar. “Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere
(1702-04),” claims Hrothgar in his lengthly speech to Beowulf. This adulation, coming from a king, is much more weighty