Yellow And Beowulf Comparison Essay

Heroes of a particular time period can be looked at to get a better sense of the ideal characteristics of that time period. For example, Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon hero, has great physical strength and often asserts his dominance, showing that the Anglo-Saxons greatly value strength and dominance. In contrast, Yellow, a modern heroine from a Japanese comic, has great emotional connections with her Pokemon and is very humble, showing that these qualities are what the modern era believes is ideal. Although many ideal qualities evolve and change over time, there are some that do not and will not change. Though clearly disadvantaged, both Beowulf and Yellow exemplify these qualities through their courage, tactics and use of powers for good.
Beowulf
Grendel, the monstrosity who murders the thanes of Hrothgar, was not able to be defeated by any warrior who tried. Beowulf, aware that rushing straight into battle would ultimately lead to his demise, devises a plan: “I have heard that the demon in proud disdain/ Spurns all weapons[...] With hand-grip only I’ll grapple with Grendel” (367-368, 342). Like Beowulf, Yellow too uses strategy rather than brute force. This is best exemplified when making the decision to evolve her Pokemon in order to defeat Lance: “I can’t cancel the evolution[...] But we’re going to stop Lance. And to do that, I need your help, guys!” (Chapter 89, Page 2). Beowulf listened closely to how others who attempted to take down the monster by rushing at it with swords and spears and decided that the best way to defeat Grendel was to do it unarmed. Likewise, Yellow knows that Lance is one the strongest trainers in the Kanto region and simply facing him head on would ultimately result in defeat. Though she is ardently against it, she makes the tactical decision to evolve her Pokemon, a decision that was vital to save the