Beowulf Hero Vs Modern Hero Essay
Throughout human history, societies have consistently envisioned venerated, robust figures whose character traits are constructed to create the ultimate individual to whom many admire: the classic hero. It is inherit that unique standards are sought due to humanity's yearn for safety, social change, and human satisfaction. A time period's societal standards greatly affect who a hero is; ideas of modern-day heroes are vastly different than in the past. Beowulf, the most noteworthy Anglo-Saxon hero, illustrates the distinction between past and present heroes. Despite the obvious differences, some values have not changed: courageousness, leadership, and strength. The classic hero would not be themselves without an entity who opposes everything …show more content…
Monsters are the individuals that contain the traits that are feared and go against social standards. That is why today, our monsters are those who murder, rape, terrorize, and commit acts with evil intent. Anglo-Saxon monsters ultimately contain these characteristics as well; however, their portrayal shows the distinction between modern society and past societies. Past cultures made large amounts of references to mythical creatures when describing monsters, especially when compared to modern society. Notwithstanding their disparity with everyday-like monsters in modern society, past monsters still hold the same core facets which set them apart from our heroes: envy, greed, jealousy, and evil. Nonetheless, it is ultimately fear and the perception of those fears that gives the impression of who the monsters are. For example, a Middle Eastern civilian may view American soldiers as monstrous individuals for their unwelcome presence, but from an American’s point of view, the soldiers are heroic. Perception of fears is also where contemporary monsters and Anglo-Saxon monsters begin to differ. Because of the godly culture, Anglo-Saxon monsters typically include demonic traits represented in a variety of ways. They also contain traits that were deemed “sinful” in the eyes of the pious Anglo-Saxons. Grendel is an exemplar Anglo-Saxon monster through his portrayal
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665 Words | 3 PagesChristopher Reeve (AKA the 1978 superman) said that, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Both Beowulf and Modern day heroes are similar in that way in that they fight for the common good of people. That quote from Christopher Reeves on what a modern day hero is, also applies to the epic hero qualities that Beowulf has. Similarly Beowulf and a modern day hero defeat an evil so that good can prevail. Some examples are, Beowulf Slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother to save the land of the Danes, and soldiers fighting enemies that threaten the lives of a country, and police officers putting criminals behind bars.
Essay On Grendel As A Monster In Beowulf
637 Words | 3 PagesGrendel is classified as a monster due to his outsider status of being an outcast, unreligious, and dishonorable, which establishes him as the antithesis of Anglo Saxon culture. As an outcast of society, Grendel represents the idea that in Anglo Saxon culture unity and cooperation is what holds society together. In a world classified by kinship and strong family lineage, Grendel is “conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God” (Heaney 22). In a society focused upon blood lineage and strong family ties, to be related to a “monster“ in any form is something sinful, and cause enough for complete hatred.
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Monster Culture Seven Theses Analysis
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975 Words | 4 PagesA genuine definition of a monster is an "imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening," but in the poem Beowulf a monster has much more meaning than just an imaginary creature. Monsters were commonly used in stories written during the pagan times. Throughout the plot of ‘Beowulf,' the protagonist Beowulf faces many obstacles that include fighting monsters: Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a Dragon. The monsters in Beowulf are present for a substantial reason to contribute towards the story, and they are symbolic of many qualities in the Anglo-Saxon culture.
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