An Individual's Place In Society In Beowulf By Seamus Heaney

I have chosen to portray Unferth as a drunken mess to make his attacks towards Beowulf seem less truthful because Beowulf says that he will “tell the truth” (532) about incomplete story that Unferth has told. Beowulf portrays many desirable heroic characteristic in the poem such as courage and leadership, and I believe that my choice of making Unferth unable to collect his drunken thoughts into a accurate story further boosts the heroic traits of Beowulf. My use of description and powerful imagery such as “skull crushing waves” and (sea monsters lurking below) is to create a feeling that Beowulf has accomplished such massive feats in only this one section of his life. This further creates the heroic persona that Beowulf so greatly delivers.

In the poem Beowulf (Norton, 36), translated by Seamus Heaney, cultural elements of how religion in the Middle Ages is shifting away from Paganism and into Christianity. When Beowulf was written, approximately 700 – 1000 AD, religion was changing from a nature based polytheistic belief to a monotheistic religion with a central authority. Because of this change in belief, the audience can see the troubled thought or doubt in Christianity. Heaney uses the characters to display both pagan and Christian ideals together with the chaotic monsters and the heroic savior through allusions.

Although a story with a seemingly unknown origin, Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf shows the culture that birthed the tale as well as their values. It showcases Pagan values, due to influences of where the story first developed and shows where their hero Beowulf emerged from. It also presents Christian values, which were ingrained into the story after Christian monks of British origin first transcribed the Norse tale. The audience in which the story was written to, in the present day, has not particularly shown these Christian values which Beowulf encases; young male readers tend to think of Beowulf as the hero, when in fact the Christians wanted to show that Wiglaf was. Because of the popularity and likeability of Pagan values in the story by young males, the ones who were supposed to read the tale, the Christian monks failed in their mission of trying to show that a good hero is a Christian one.

Throughout the book of Beowulf by an unknown author, the main character Beowulf was an amazing leader and hero. To the naked eye, he would appear to be the ideal person to become, and he would have done nothing wrong. Looker closer at the text, some shady details are discovered. The primary example being the last words of the book “They said he was, of kings in this world, the kindest to his men, the most courteous man, the best to his people, and the most eager for fame” (Chickering, Line. 3180-3182, pg 243). The last line saying most eager for fame almost negates all of the other fantastic things about him. The writer does this purposefully, but it is hard for the audience to tell what this means. The remaining question asked is whether this is Beowulf’s fatal flaw or not. I believe that it truly is, and that it the end, it leads to his downfall. Throughout the book, Beowulf had been very prideful in what he does, which is actually a good thing for a king to do, but only to some extent. The first time we see a hint of his pride going too far is near the beginning of the book. When Ecglaf’s son, Unferth, which means “un-peace” talks about how Beowulf was foolish and boastful to swim in the freezing cold waters with his friend, and it was out of pride that made him decide to do it. By the end of this tail, Beowulf replies telling what truly happened. He explains that they were just kids, and they ended up going through so much, and that he was a stronger swimmer, but he did

“Beowulf” is an old english style, epic poem whose true author remains unknown; it is about a young man treacherous adventure throughout his life doing anything to gain fame and wealth, no matter the danger. The translation by Griffin Child utilizes rational choices, through heroic and questionable actions, and his transgression of thought about fame and masculinity, to show how Hrothgar led Beowulf to a less egotistical state of mind.

After the first victory, Beowulf’s “comrades willingly go with him because of their confidence in his ability to lead them and to achieve their objectives” (Loughman). Beowulf becomes a role model not only for his thanes, but for the Danes of Heorot as well. Following defeat of Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar gives a sermon before the celebration honoring Beowulf begins. Hrothgar says “Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere….forever you will be your people’s mainstay and your own warriors’ helping hand” (McArthur). King Hrothgar informs Beowulf of his significance to the Danes and how he serves as the backbone of his group of warriors.

The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf touches on the vice of pride, and is instilled in the main character, Beowulf, the great and mighty warrior. His boasting and arrogance when first dropping anchor at Heorot transitions throughout the poem, and, in contrast with his ideal kingsmanship, motivates him to accomplish and overcome the many challenges he faces as an epic hero. The contrast of his absent humility in the rise and fall of the story help promote the progression of the story, through its different purposes. Beowulf, when first landing upon Hrothgar’s kingdom, boasts, which does not go unchallenged, so that he might gain the trust of the Danes, but when knowingly facing his last battle, uses bragging to comfort and brace himself for his ultimate demise.

Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.

Beowolf’s poise is strong and Grendel pushes away from his compelling squeeze and conclusively destroys himself. Another Character that contrasts with Beowulf is Unferth. Unferth’s test toward Beowulf’s honor differentiates him from Beowulf and assists in revealing some of the subtleties of the heroic code thar becomes maditory for the warriors to follow. Unferth is illustrated as inferior, a compliment to the almost flawless Beowulf. Unferth can also be seen as a foil. (a foil is a character who contrasts with another character(usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character.)The harshness of Unferth’s berating of Beowulf over his swimming match with Breca evidently mirrors his resentment of the praise that Beowulf gains. It most likely started from his guilt at knowing he is unable to defend Heorot himself. He is Obviously not the kind of warrior that legend would have any recollection of as a person. In the current time of this poem, ostentatious behavior is a form of self -affirmation, Unferth’s strong words displays that it not a great idea to become sour or unfavourable to others. Rather Instead of exuding qualities of heroism, Unferth’s intimidation shows dignity and jealousy. Further in the story, when Unferth gives Beowulf his sword for his battle with

Continuing, even though he did not defeat Grendel by himself, Hrothgar demonstrates the wisdom a king needs to rule his kingdom. At the arrival of Beowulf’s troops, Hrothgar knew distinctly that he needed to gain their loyalty in order to let Beowulf fight Grendel, so he generously gave plenty of drinks and he even brought out his own wife to please them, “…the Helming woman went on her rounds, / queenly and dignified, decked out in rings, / offering the goblet to all ranks,” (620-622). Hrothgar utilizes his tactful mind to gain these warriors’ trust, even though he could not fight anymore like Beowulf, the Danes’ king’s wisdom remains and makes him qualify as a king. Furthermore, Hrothgar gives advice to Beowulf, which reveals the insight Hrothgar has and the great worldview he yields. He says to Beowulf, “…beware of that trap. / Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, / Eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.” (1758-1760). In these lines, Hrothgar warns Beowulf about the danger pride wields, which can infiltrate the strongest warrior; he pointed out the most dangerous trap, which people in that time period ignored easily when they become a leader.

Beowulf is essentially a record of heroic deeds. The opening passages introduce the reader to a world in which every male character is introduced as his father’s son. The men in this poem are unable to speak of their identity or even introduce themselves without referring to family lineage. This obsession with family history is so prevalent because of the poem’s emphasis on family ties and brotherhood. Characters take pride in forebears who have done great things, and they strive to live up to the same standards as their predecessors.

In the poem, Beowulf, by an unknown poet, as translated by Seamus Heaney, we see many monstrous behaviors. A few of the examples stand out more than the rest: wanton destruction, a woman acting as a man, and the act of killing one’s kin.

Grendel, a monster who lives at the bottom of a nearby mere, is provoked by the singing and celebrating of Hrothgar's followers. He appears at the hall late one night and kills thirty of the warriors in their sleep. For the next twelve years, the fear of Grendel's fury casts a shadow over the lives of the Danes. Hrothgar and his advisors can think of nothing to calm the monster's anger.

During the 5th century, resumes were not something that existed. Instead, people were taught to go around and make themselves appear as the crown and glory of all men. In "Beowulf" most men, comparing themselves to God, become rather conceited in their ways and the establishment of true identity is lost in many. The characters in this story, ranging from Beowulf himself, to monsters, to Kingsman, have to deal with certain situations where they defend themselves and show their true colors to their surrounding peers. The epic of "Beowulf" emphasizes the importance of one's identity through their family's blood line and finding one's place in a society.

The epic tale of Beowulf was written sometime after his death. In other words, a long time ago during the Anglo-Saxon period. Today, directors in Hollywood did not keep from creating their own rendition of this epic poem As a result, plenty of modern interpretations of Beowulf, such as Sturla Gunnarsson’s Beowulf and Grendel, have been released. Naturally, the cultural values that might be reflected in modern Beowulf renditions will demonstrate a clash with those of the original fifth century Beowulf literature. One reason for this is that in the modern age we value characters with profound characteristics, characters that change due to the challenges they experience; characters that we as the audience can attach to. Flat characters like those of the original Beowulf text are difficult to empathize with since they are not realistic enough for our standards. Due to these differences in culture and values, the Beowulf and Grendel from the original Beowulf text possess definite contrasts when compared with their Beowulf and Grendel counterparts.