A dynamic character is a person who experiences an inner change over the course of a plot. The poem, Beowulf, greatly displays the meaning of a dynamic character, through the character named Beowulf. Beowulf starts out as a young and conceited hero who defeats the monster, Grendel with his bare hands, but as he ages, he becomes more cautious, and protective over the Danes. Beowulf starts relying more on weapons to fight for the Danes, the people grows to love and care for. Over the course of the poem, Beowulf undergoes major changes in his character. Each of the monsters, such as Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the dragon, symbolizes a new transition and development in Beowulf's character.
Beowulf is first introduced in the story as the hero who comes to save the Danes against Grendel, the monster who is terrorizing Denmark. "Beowulf, the hero of this epic, hears of Grendel's deeds and vows revenge. He has ship built to carry him and his followers to Hrothgar's aid (Beowulf 29). " This quote demonstrates how Beowulf puts himself on the line to rescue the Danes, which displays his heroic and generous character as a whole. His desire for glory and immortality inspires him to sacrifice his life. Although this heroic act is compassionate and kind, it is also gives Beowulf the opportunity to achieve glory, and to start his legacy, as
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For the first time ever, Beowulf needs assistance in battle. He is King, which means that his responsibility toward his people has become much greater. He must ensure that they are protected from all forces of evil. It is evident that his motivation in battle has changed. When he was younger, he just wanted to pursue glory. Now, he is pursuing the safety of his people. Beowulf defeats his last monster, and once again cleanses Geatsland from evil. Beowulf becomes a victim of the series of revenge that transforms him into the person that he
He is content with his accomplishments in the past, and in killing the dragon. In this, the Hero’s Journey is complete, and Beowulf’s incredible legacy as a hero and king
Beowulf, the epic tale of a Danish society plagued by evil beasts, reveals many thought-provoking and admirable character traits of the main character and hero, Beowulf. Firstly, he shows chivalry through his interactions and actions towards the king of Heorot, showing him the respect and honor he deserved. Secondly, he demonstrates bravery in all battles above and beyond the standard of the times and the standard of his fellow fighters. He owes his bravery in part to his seemingly immeasurable strength, having more power in each fist than that of thirty men. Lastly, he demonstrates a trait that applies to people for his time and ours, pride.
There he kills her and takes Grendel 's head as a gift for the king along with the giant 's sword. This proves his loyalty to the king and Drane-folk. During this fight, everyone waited for anxiously. When they saw the blood they knew Beowulf was dead but, he wasn 't. When he showed up to the mead-hall everybody was proud of him. Giving him more gifts and treasure.
On his way he finds many interesting and horrific things. He comes back alive and goes back home because he misses his home. He goes home to where his king has heard what he has done and grants him with gifts. Beowulf picks up taking care of the bees and they become his friends
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
Beowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good
As king, Beowulf stepped up and fought the malevolent dragon in his last battle. In his last boast he uttered, “ I’ve never known fear, as a youth, I fought endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” (62). Beowulf was very confident for the circumstances.
This make the hero face a challenge and the beginning of change. When Beowulf had heard about Grendel he got a ship and sailed
In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.
Beowulf is no longer concerned about saving the kingdom, since he’s gained a taste of fame, he is becoming greedy with
As the story progress, Beowulf became king of the Geats for 50 years when suddenly a dragon emerged from slumber began to burn down villages. However, Beowulf didn’t pay the slightest attention, but instead ignored what was happening. Finally, when the dragon burns down Beowulf’s throne room Beowulf decided that he needs to deal with the dragon. In Beowulf 's eyes, the lives of his citizens couldn’t even compare to his throne room. When Beowulf prepared to fight the dragon he said, “Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (lines 2512-2514).
With the battle to protect the city against the dragon, even though Beowulf was king he fought the dragon. He fought the dragon because no one else could. No one was as selfless as he was to risk his life to protect the city. Without Beowulf these monsters would over power good and there would be no balance between good and evil.
As a payment to the king of the Danes, he decides to fight the dragon, just as he fought Grendel. Then he was a warrior and now he is a king responsible for his people. Beowulf’s decision is courageous but inappropriate for a king. His foolish but courageous decision causes him to die in the end. Before he fought the mighty dragon, he said “I’ve never known fear; as a youth I fought in endless battles.
As Beowulf has a bond to Hrothgar because of his relationship to his father Ecgtheow, he chooses to journey to her realm which is under gloomy monster-infested waters and face her. Beowulf is a warrior who is bold, brave, and unafraid of challenges. In this grueling battle Beowulf comes close to perishing, as his sword Hrunting fails him. However he finds an ancient sword in the cave and uses it to kill her. He was setback by the loss of the sword but he prevailed and defeated the troll-dam.
Beowulf is one of the oldest and most well-known epic stories throughout the world. The main character in this story is Beowulf himself. Beowulf is a true and epic hero, who ultimately loses his life while trying to protect the he cared for. Beowulf was a man of great strength, which allowed him to defeat monster and make him the hero that he was. He did not have this strength on his own accord, but was assisted with some divine intervention.