Sunday, September 7, 2014

Beowulf Essay

There are various types of heroes that are synonymous. In Beowulf, Beowulf exemplifies an Anglo-Saxon hero. In this monomyth, Beowulf displayed bravery, strength, and honor as an epic hero. Similar to Beowulf, Martin Luther King Jr. embodies the characteristics of a contemporary heroic symbol of his time, demonstrating fearlessness, intelligence, and honor. 

Beowulf is an artifact of his time, being a person who is able to provide a sense of security to people. Beowulf fought to protect people, not for revenge. “They had in remembrance my courage and might. Many had seen me come safe from the conflict; Beowulf expected no reward for his action, but rather just being able to put another notch in his belt.” Beowulf was the ideal Anglo-Saxon hero, famous for winning against evil every time which gave him the right to be confident. As this idol, people looked up to him. Beowulf wasn't arrogant-he had integrity. Beowulf was known for going against the odds and risking his life. As a king, it was Beowulf's job to protect his people, and even though he knew he couldn't defeat the dragon, it didn't stop him from trying. Wiglaf knew it was his duty to protect his king and when he saw Beowulf fall he joined the fight. This is the cultural values of duty and honor that were demonstrated. Beowulf not only displays the qualities of a hero, but it displays the nature of leadership and politics of society, and the outer forces. This epic was consumed with three big forces: fate, God, and human action. 

Martin Luther King Jr. is the ideal hero of modern day society. He was an average, respected citizen who rose above the challenge. He faced the problem of racism and segregation and symbolized the potential and power that people have. He was a hero. He was someone who fought back and cared more about the people around him than himself. Martin Luther risked his life and never gave up trying, same as the way Beowulf persevered. He proved modern society's acceptance of change. In today's society, individual rights are prominent, and Martin Luther King Jr. embodies a hero of our time that fought for what he believed was right. He is seen as someone who gave his words, actions, and life on behalf of others.

Beowulf is an epic story that symbolizes an ideal hero of that time. Beowulf portrayed these qualities as he took risks and displayed immense courage. Martin Luther King Jr. too displayed courage. Both Beowulf and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified heroes of their time periods-heroes that embodied bravery and courage. They both fought against something they wanted destroyed, however, Beowulf used heavy violence while Martin Luther King Jr. strayed away from it. They are well known for leaving an impact on society as heroes. 

1 comment:

  1. Nice vocabulary! You're essay seemed a little short. It was unique to read your example about Martin Luther King Jr. I would have never thought of that. The thesis could use some more complexities. Interesting clash of personality between your examples. Nice!

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