Beowulf Round or Flat Character
English 12-3
Mrs. Cheryl Simmons
29 September 2008
Was Beowulf a Flat or Round Character? Beowulf is a hero noted for his acts of courage and the nobility with which he performed these acts. Beowulf embodied the ideals of conduct that were most valued in this setting. Beowulf is described as the perfect hero, almost too perfect. There lies the problem of Beowulf’s character, it is flat. Beowulf fights for his people and fights evil with super-human abilities to bring about peace and justice. Three traits of Beowulf supports his being the ultimate super hero, these are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put people’s welfare before his own, and that he does not fear death. In all of Beowulf’s character there is never a seemingly piece of negativity to allow a deeper character involvement, Beowulf is the perpetual “good guy.” Beowulf’s character never changes. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his men and people through his amazing physical strength. Beowulf fought in numerous battles and always returned victorious from all but his last battle. Beowulf is strong enough to kill the monster Grendel with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, who is wanting revenge for her son’s death, Beowulf is able to kill her by slashing her neck with a giant’s sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When Beowulf chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift the head and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. This physical strength is a key trait to Beowulf’s heroism, but also depicts his character as flat, everything is predictable. The second heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. Beowulf is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking for help from no one. Beowulf realizes the dangers but fears for nothing of his own life.
Mrs. Cheryl Simmons
29 September 2008
Was Beowulf a Flat or Round Character? Beowulf is a hero noted for his acts of courage and the nobility with which he performed these acts. Beowulf embodied the ideals of conduct that were most valued in this setting. Beowulf is described as the perfect hero, almost too perfect. There lies the problem of Beowulf’s character, it is flat. Beowulf fights for his people and fights evil with super-human abilities to bring about peace and justice. Three traits of Beowulf supports his being the ultimate super hero, these are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put people’s welfare before his own, and that he does not fear death. In all of Beowulf’s character there is never a seemingly piece of negativity to allow a deeper character involvement, Beowulf is the perpetual “good guy.” Beowulf’s character never changes. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his men and people through his amazing physical strength. Beowulf fought in numerous battles and always returned victorious from all but his last battle. Beowulf is strong enough to kill the monster Grendel with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, who is wanting revenge for her son’s death, Beowulf is able to kill her by slashing her neck with a giant’s sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When Beowulf chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift the head and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. This physical strength is a key trait to Beowulf’s heroism, but also depicts his character as flat, everything is predictable. The second heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. Beowulf is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking for help from no one. Beowulf realizes the dangers but fears for nothing of his own life.