Preview

Timeless Beowulf, Tireless Executives

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
810 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Timeless Beowulf, Tireless Executives
Timeless Beowulf, Tireless Executives The literary masterpiece Beowulf compiles the life of Beowulf as living the supreme military life. The concepts and themes of the story are considered timeless because comparisons can be drawn from Beowulf’s life to the lives of the people of today. Consider the fact that Beowulf lives a detached life, which validates him being a wise and strong leader. This also leaves him a man who must face his death grasping the fact that he has foolishly abstained from having a devoted relationship with another person. In his tenacious quest for fame and glory, Beowulf is evocative of concurrent young executives in that they classify their profession above all other facets of life, just as Beowulf placed his quest for fame and glory above all other aspects of his life. Beowulf demonstrates his unrelenting desire for fame by the slaying of the monster Grendel, keeping his composure to stay calm without being nervous or scared. Beowulf “[began] to remove his iron breast-mail, / took off the helmet and handed his attendant/ the patterned sword, a smith’s masterpiece” (Beowulf lines 44). His next expression of seeking heroic fame comes with the defeat of Grendel’s monstrous mother. Further proof of Beowulf’s heroism and glory is acknowledged when he “cuts the corpse’s head off” (Beowulf 65). Even when Beowulf is older and becomes king, he continues to seek fame because he is willing to battle the dragon despite realizing his heroic fate. The solitary life that Beowulf leads leaves him without having meaningful or intimate relationships. He is not a typical affiliate of their society and he has no close kinsman or companion with whom he can share his feelings. According to the critical essay “Beowulf’s Androgynous Heroism.” written by scholar Robert Morey, “[Beowulf] is the only king in the poem who never marries. Rather Beowulf appears married to the eorlscipe [earlship] he enacts among the Danes” (4). In addition to never having an


Cited: 13 Nov. 2009 . 16 Nov. 2009 .
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    Beowulf: A Comparison Of Book And Movie
    • 1062 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf: A Comparison Of Book And Movie

    On the contrary, in the film neither of these characteristics are maintained all the way through till the end of his life. In the poem, Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother and is once again deemed a hero. He receives a fast amount of riches and promises to protect the Danish land if ever attacked by another monster. However this is not what the film presents. Instead, Beowulf sleeps with Grendel’s mother and lies to the Danish people, a cover up that lends its hands to the death of Hrothgar and Beowulf’s rise to becoming the king. During the era in which the author of Beowulf lived, nobility and prestigiousness were two of the biggest accolades that one could possess. Living in a society without electricity, word of mouth was the main way in which people communicated. That is why being claimed a noble warrior and a loyal king were such important lasting impressions to leave behind. For generations to follow Beowulf’s legacy was that he lived a life being fearless and being a leader, all of which rang true in the poem. However, in film this is far from the truth. I believe the screenwriters and director decided to go this route with the plot of the movie for entertainment purposes. Honesty and pride are two fundamental traits for Beowulf’s era. However, in today’s society it is clear that these may not be necessarily so important. Beowulf was illustrated as a liar and ignoble human being because…

    • 1062 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf's Achievements In Anglo Saxon Society
    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf's Achievements In Anglo Saxon Society

    In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf’s first intention when traveling to the Daneland was to keep his father’s friendship with Hrothgar intact. Although Beowulf had a sounds cause for traveling to the Daneland, the fame and glory Beowulf later received became his main focus and motivated him to continue entering life threatening battles. This piece of literature showcases the accomplishments and celebrations of a young Geat named Beowulf. Throughout the entire epic, Beowulf has many achievements which influence his god-like appearance within the Anglo-Saxon society. The average reader may be so mesmerized with his talents, they might overlook the fact that Beowulf continues to enter battles in order to boost his self…

    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Theme Of Integrity And Honor
    • 876 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf Theme Of Integrity And Honor

    Beowulf defeats Grendel not because his vanity seeks glory, but because his pride seeks the glory of his kin and country. This honoring of his country by his deeds of good faith is the greatest element of his heroism. Confronting the monster on even terms, proves the integrity of the character through the idea that any advantage over ones foe detracts…

    • 876 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Beowulf Hero Or King
    • 599 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Essay On Beowulf Hero Or King

    Beowulf grew up a fighter and knew he was destined for greatness in battle as one of the most supreme warriors to roam the mortal world. Beowulf was not fond of recognizing personal downfalls and weakness. Instead, he carried himself with confidence, a sense of swagger, and the heart of a lion. The hero of the time, was much more interested in fighting and building his individual reputation rather than taking over King Heardred’s throne. When the time comes where Beowulf is forced to step into the spotlight and become king, he does not just accept the normal responsibilities that come with being king. Beowulf takes the task by the horns, he doesn’t let his new duties blind…

    • 599 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Pride And Honor In Beowulf
    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Pride And Honor In Beowulf

    The Old English Beowulf is addicted to pride and honor, he always wants to be the hero and does really care about anything…

    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: Bravery Vs. Fear And Religion
    • 678 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf: Bravery Vs. Fear And Religion

    In the story Beowulf there is many themes that are going on in the story. One that stands out is Heroism, because Beowulf was willing to sacrifice his life to please the king. Beowulf felt the need to help the king because of their past history. The king wanted Grendal dead so that is what Beowulf did. Beowulf has been in so many past fights that he is not afraid to fight one more battle. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now But I will still fight again seek fame still. If the dragons hiding in the tower to face me” (606-611). Beowulf is getting older and older he is not afraid to fight Grendal and if it is his last he…

    • 678 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero Essay
    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf As A Hero Essay

    In conclusion, Beowulf is considered a great warrior but not a true hero. Although he accomplished many heroic deeds he never did any of them for the right reasons. Therefore, Beowulf is not a true hero but only a warrior who values renown and rewards. Although he should signs that he cares about the people he never fought for the people but for himself to the very end. Ultimately we see that Beowulf has the characteristic of a hero but his values differ greatly from that of heroes. It can even we concluded that the values of the people who listen to Beowulf hundred of years ago differ from us…

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    beowulf song comparrisom
    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages

    beowulf song comparrisom

    One of the main reasons that people want to be heroes is because of the fame, Beowulf is no exception to this. In The Wonder Years’ “I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral” he says “I just want to sell out my funeral. I just want to be enough for everyone. I just want to sell out my funeral. Know that I fought until the lights were gone.” This relates because what he’s saying is that he wants to be remembered, in this case for the fact that he didn’t stop fighting. This ties to Beowulf’s last battle with the dragon where he says “I’ve known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still.” The comparison is pretty obvious because Beowulf wants the fame or for people to know who he is and to be remembered for fighting consummately until the end.…

    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf
    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf

    “So now, Beowulf, I adopt you in my heart as a dear son. Nourish and maintain this new connection, you noblest of men. . . (63)”. Beowulf is an epic poem about the adventures, journey and maturation of a young legendary warrior from adolescence to his adulthood as a noble king. He gained his great reputation from his brave deeds of slaying the monstrous Grendel, his avenging mother, and the fiery dragon while being an honorable and selfless hero and ruler. Beowulf also presents an ideal of loyalty to thane, the comitatus bond. The failure to live up to this ideal bond on the part of some thanes point up the extraordinary faithfulness of Beowulf.…

    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Does Beowulf Reflect Anglo Saxon Ideals
    • 208 Words
    • 1 Page

    How Does Beowulf Reflect Anglo Saxon Ideals

    Beowulf reflects many ideals of Anglo-Saxon society in every battle he fights. During his battle with grendel his is fighting mostly for his own fame which was highly valued during the time period. If a person’s name lived on after they had died it was considered to be a successful life and every person wanted a legacy for themselves. Also, he brought back Grendel’s arm as a trophy but also as proof that he had done a great deed and defeated Grendel. After killing Grendel’s mother Beowulf find Grendel’s body and severs his head to bring it back to king Hrothgar as proof that he indeed had killed Grendel. He also gives gifts to one of Hrothgars coast guards which was also custom of Anglo-Saxon culture. Lastly, his final battle with the fire-breathing…

    • 208 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Themes and Symbols
    • 1505 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Beowulf Themes and Symbols

    As Beowulf is essentially a record of heroic deeds, the concept of identity—of which the two principal components are ancestral heritage and individual reputation—is clearly central to the poem. The opening passages introduce the reader to a world in which every male figure is known as his father’s son. Characters in the poem are unable to talk about their identity or even introduce themselves without referring to family lineage. This concern with family history is so prominent because of the poem’s emphasis on kinship bonds. Characters take pride in ancestors who have acted valiantly, and they attempt to live up to the same standards as those ancestors.…

    • 1505 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Heaney's Quest In Beowulf
    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Heaney's Quest In Beowulf

    Beowulf has gained his character development after his 30 years of being king. He was a truly genuine king to his people. After the death of Danes first king, the Danes were so grateful to Beowulf that he was eventually crowned. Heaney wrote,” For princes potent, who placed the gold, with a curse to doomsday covered it deep, so that marked with sin the man should be, hedged with horrors, in hell-bonds fast, racked with plagues, who should rob their hoard. Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven, ever the king had kept in view.” (modern translation, n.d.). Though as young and narcissistic as the protagonist was, Beowulf has become very humble of himself. As of proof of his change he determined that there was a dragon which it guarded a mountain of gold and treasure. Beowulf seeks to fight the dragon for its gold and unseemly asked for help from his loyal companion, Wiglaf. Though in the end King Beowulf died of being burned alive. His last words to Wiglaf was to tell his story and build a gravestone for himself.…

    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Tradition In Beowulf
    • 604 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Tradition In Beowulf

    “Wise sir. Do not grieve. It is always better / to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. / For every one of us, living in this world / means waiting for our end. Let whoever can / win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, / that will be the best and only bulwark. / So arise, my lord, and let us immediately / set forth on the trail of this troll-dam. / I guarantee you: she will not get away, / not to dens under ground nor upland groves / nor the ocean floor. She’ll have nowhere to flee to. / Endure your troubles today. Bear up / and be the man I expect you to be” (1384-1396).…

    • 604 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Theme Analysis
    • 417 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf Theme Analysis

    As in most stories, the epic poem Beowulf has a theme that applies to almost everyone in real life. In this case, Beowulf showcases that to live a full life, it is often the case that we must actively seek out and overcome obstacles. To find out who we are, it is often necessary to move in directions that will bring us into conflict with the things that we fear. This of course is regardless of the consequences, since everyone needs to have bravery at some point to face these challenges.…

    • 417 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Character Analysis Beowulf
    • 847 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Character Analysis Beowulf

    At the beginning of the story Beowulf the character Beowulf was a strong, brave, and powerful hero originating from Geat. Upon coming to the Danes, Beowulf shows courage and his need for a challenge in his fortitude to help rid them of Grendel. He was already a famous young hero who had accomplished much to this point in his life but handles himself with great composure, especially when dealing with Unferth. It is also possible to see Beowulf as a just person who has much wisdom for his age due to his decision to fight Grendel with only his hands as Grendel will not have a weapon during the battle. As the story develops certain characteristics begin to emerge in Beowulf, in particular, his overconfidence and feelings of invincibility after having slain Grendel. After slaying Grendel and then Grendel’s mother Beowulf returns to Geatland where he is eventually made king and rules for many years. At this point we see true characteristics begin to develop even more fully in Beowulf as he matures. Rather than stealing the throne from Headred after King Hygelac dies Beowulf shows his loyalty to his family and the Geats and only takes the throne after Headred is killed in battle. Throughout his reign, Beowulf protects the Geats from all neighboring civilizations and ensures the safety of his people. Once the dragon is disturbed, Beowulf again battles to protect his people, which is ultimately what causes his death. This sacrifice and selflessness shows more how Beowulf developed into a great king and true hero. The purpose of this character analysis is to explore the development of the character of Beowulf throughout the story and how these characteristics developed over time through his experiences.…

    • 847 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics