Beowulf's Character Essay

Beowulf

The classic hero is a well-known character of high social position whose qualities represent those valuable to his society. The hero fights against monsters and is, therefore, strong and courageous. At the same time, since he represents all humans, he struggles to overcome human weaknesses. He is challenged and he triumphs. Beowulf is a classic hero. He struggles against monsters, endures challenges, suffers, and eventually is victorious over evil. His words and actions, which help him decide the fate of a group of people, demonstrates that Beowulf is a brave, wise, a strong leader.

Beowulf seems to always show signs of bravery thoughout the story, strong and courageous often to the point of seeming superhero. For instance, when Beowulf is going to go find and kill Grendle with his men, he stops to talk with the coast guard, Beowulf says " ... Then you are either the bravest man in the world..." Many poeple throught the story think the Beowulf is very brave, Once Beowulf and his men leave the coast guard the author makes a remark; "When Beowulf had heard of all the stories about the dreadful demon Grendle, he was determined to go and help Herothgar kill the monster..." This demonstrates intrepidity, because he is willing to go risk his life for another country. Another source of courage is when Breca and Beowulf fights off the nine sea monsters, a true sign of bravery is this, " And I swung my sword to fight them off..." the author remarks that Beowulf is the hero and the bravest one of them all.

Robert Nye wouldn't cut the hero of the story short with only bravery; Beowulf was also wise. All through the book Beowulf was wise, there are many of examples of his cleverness. Beowulf uses his wisdom when he is getting ready to do something and in his every day problems. Another way that Beowulf uses his wisdom is when he speaks, like this, " Bad teeth don't belong to only witches..." He takes word and uses them as metaphors. He is also wise when he can trust himself. Like when he and his men went to conquer Grendle, Herothgar said," What is your plan?" said Herothgar " The best plan " said Beowulf " No Plan" . Beowulf knows what other living thing around him and what they will do when he dose something. Like when Wiglaf and Beowulf are fighting the Firedrake. " Beowulf made a high pitched buzzing sound... The Firedrake swallowed a big queen bee that came out of Beowulf's pocket. " Beowulf knew that all the worker bee's and soldier bee's would follow. He is wise in prediction. Beowulf knew that while the bee's were inside the Firedrake they would sting him to death. As you can see Beowulf is not only brave, but very wise.

Wisdom and bravery is nothing when you have a benevolent personality. And Beowulf did, he had a great since of kindness! For instance, in the story there is Unferth, the bad guy, which nobody else likes (Beowulf probably doesn't like him either, but is still nice to him.) is talking to Beowulf . Beowulf said," These apples are good would you like one?" He asked Unferth. as you can see this is a very kind act. Beowulf cared about Unferth just like he cared about his men when he jumped into the pool going after She. Beowulf said, "Wait here for me for two days and two nights ... do not risk your lives in coming to look for me." Beowulf cared about his men more then himself. So that was a strong piece of benevolent. That demonstrated putting others above yourself. In this example of benevolence he is putting himself below others again. Beowulf said, " I do not want the crown when anyone else has the better right to wear it." Beowulf shows so many signs of kindness, but these are only a few, benevolent person and leader.

As you can see Beowulf is brave, wise, he faces so many challenges that need all of those abilities. He can deal with others like he can deal with monsters and problems. He can except his weaknesses, and challenge them. Afterwards he can overcome his weaknesses. Beowulf eventually becomes over evil. With his time, with the Danes he demonstrates bravery and wisdom.

An epic poem usually presents the situations of good and evil and life and

death. The good is shown through the actions of Beowulf and Wiglaf when they defeat the evil, whoare shown by Grendel, his mom, and the dragon. Good and evil always leads to life and death. The good live and the evil die most of the time.