Literary Analysis Essay On Beowulf

Beowulf is one of the most classic works in Earth’s history. Although it was originally passed down as an oral story, eventually it was translated and written down by a monk. Beowulf is able to combine Poetic flow, historic importance, as well as having an intense and interesting plot. It is more than just a classic tale of good vs evil or a hero fighting a monster. Beowulf uses personification of Monsters to blur the line between being a human and being a monster, which impacts readers’ understanding of what it really means to be human.
Beowulf is initially introduced as an amazing hero, coming across the sea to slay a scary beast. However, as the text continues the fact that he is a true hero with true motives comes into question. The first person who questions Beowulf’s motives and honor is a man named Unferth. He states that Beowulf is not the great man that he claims to be because he not only lost a swimming race to a man named Brecca,
His death creates a plethora of issues for his entire country. He was a great king for 50 years. During his rule he kept the other nations at bay for fear that he would attack them. However, even with the knowledge that his death may cause problems for his country, he chooses not only to fight the dragon, but to fight it alone (Liuzza 94-95 ll 2510-2537). This giant egotistical move proves fatal for Beowulf, as well as leaving his country with no leader. As with most monarchies the kingship is passed down from father to son. However, Beowulf was unable to produce an heir to his throne. The greatest hero on Earth and the man who was able to kill both Grendel and his mother, yet for over fifty years he was unable to have a child, and by doing so he left the country in turmoil. How could someone so great, the best of the humans, not reproduce and have a child. This was something that Grendel’s mother, a so called monster was able to do, but the human Beowulf could