Compare & Contrast Essays

The classic hero possesses strength, and above all.. fights evil. This applied in the time of Beowulf still applies today. As television, fashion magazines, physical attractiveness and sexual prowess. For example of Batman, a hero in todays times. Humility has become a desired quality in modern times. Whereas self-confidence to the point of arrogance was a favorable attribute in the time of Beowulf. Despite the differences.. Similarities between the Anglo-Saxon hero and modern day hero can be seen through the comparison of Beowulf and Batman. Beowulf and Batman both possess the heroic quality of strength. Beowulf swims for seven day and fights nine sea-monsters, a feat that most men cannot accomplish. He demonstrates his strength again in the battle with Grendel. Beowulf tears off Grendel’s arms using his bare hands. Batman also has the classic heroic quality of strength. Batman single-handedly fights gangs of criminals on numerous occasions in the movie “Batman,” showing not only muscular strength, but endurance, much like that of Beowulf. Batman echoes the heroic strength of Beowulf. Batman and Beowulf also have strong codes of ethics. Batman often releases criminals after a fight instead of killing them. The criminals were not an immediate life threat, so Batman did not feel it was right to kill them. His code of ethics does not allow for murder, therefore Batman kills only when absolutely necessary. Beowulf reveals his adhesion to a code of ethics in his argument with Unferth. Beowulf condemns Unferth, saying you murdered your brothers, your own close kin. Words and bright wit won’t help your soul; you’ll suffer hell’s fires, Unferth, forever tormented. Batman and Beowulf share the same code of ethics: one that condemns murder. The heroes are true to their ethics and only kill when absolutely necessary. Another heroic quality shared by Batmam. Beowulf is their commitment to fighting evil. When a villain attacks innocent citizens, the hero is there to protect