Bewulf
Catherine Grant
English Literature
April 29, 2011
Mr. Searcy
The Odyssey is one of the most famous works in all of Greek Literature, even though Beowulf is not as famous as The Odyssey. It is well known for being one of the first epic poems written in England. Odyssey and Beowulf are each examples of both historic and modern ideas of heroism. Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities. “Heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end (Merriam-Webster). These along with more restrained discreet actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader. Beowulf shows both intelligence and patience in his swift angry reply after Unferth challenges his skill. After proving himself by tearing apart Grendel, he accepts Unferth’s sword to face Grendel’s mother. This offering can be seen as an act of apology or forfeit on Unferth’s part and reveals another side of the hero: forgiveness. Beowulf did not deny Unferth his repentance, nor did he ridicule him upon his conceit. “Quick, clever, and calculating, Odysseus is a natural master of disguise and the plot of the epic often turn on his deception” (Sparknotes editor).
In contrast with Beowulf’s actual representation of good versus evil, The Odyssey focuses more on the gray areas of punishment and revenge. A main theme throughout the poem is retaliation, either by the gods or by man, and the unforgiving world of The Odyssey reflects in its hero’s actions. When Odysseus return to Ithaca he is almost bloodthirsty, choosing not to reveal himself as king to drive away the suitors, but instead to bide time in the disguise of a beggar until he can get revenge on all who wronged him. Beowulf’s rage is swift and justified. He plays no games with his opponents. Beowulf even shows respect to his foe and honorably faces them with no unjustified advantage. A classic example of the honor usually associated with heroes’ lies in Beowulf’s decision to use
English Literature
April 29, 2011
Mr. Searcy
The Odyssey is one of the most famous works in all of Greek Literature, even though Beowulf is not as famous as The Odyssey. It is well known for being one of the first epic poems written in England. Odyssey and Beowulf are each examples of both historic and modern ideas of heroism. Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities. “Heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end (Merriam-Webster). These along with more restrained discreet actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader. Beowulf shows both intelligence and patience in his swift angry reply after Unferth challenges his skill. After proving himself by tearing apart Grendel, he accepts Unferth’s sword to face Grendel’s mother. This offering can be seen as an act of apology or forfeit on Unferth’s part and reveals another side of the hero: forgiveness. Beowulf did not deny Unferth his repentance, nor did he ridicule him upon his conceit. “Quick, clever, and calculating, Odysseus is a natural master of disguise and the plot of the epic often turn on his deception” (Sparknotes editor).
In contrast with Beowulf’s actual representation of good versus evil, The Odyssey focuses more on the gray areas of punishment and revenge. A main theme throughout the poem is retaliation, either by the gods or by man, and the unforgiving world of The Odyssey reflects in its hero’s actions. When Odysseus return to Ithaca he is almost bloodthirsty, choosing not to reveal himself as king to drive away the suitors, but instead to bide time in the disguise of a beggar until he can get revenge on all who wronged him. Beowulf’s rage is swift and justified. He plays no games with his opponents. Beowulf even shows respect to his foe and honorably faces them with no unjustified advantage. A classic example of the honor usually associated with heroes’ lies in Beowulf’s decision to use
Cited: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroism SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on The Odyssey.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Thurs 28 Apr. 2011.