Fire In Beowulf

Over time, fire has molded the world of today, welding the Earth through its perpetual blaze. Fire kindles life, but provokes death. Fire provides warmth, but sparks devastation. From wild conflagration to tender flames, fire holds responsibility for the construction and destruction of society today. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, fire burns throughout many aspects of the story, symbolizing permanent destruction, evil, and happiness and protection in order to disclose the theme that the ability to learn and think for oneself is a vital aspect of society.

This sets the foundation for the story and creates a basis for the characters to thrive upon.Beowulf is a story that can only teach us the pure meaning of things and how they reflect on one another.

“It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed” (Bradbury 3). Towards the beginning of the novel it is noticeable that fire is praised by the protagonist and those who choose to conform to society’s rules. In this quote in particular, fire is being used as a tool against literature.

In the epic poem Beowulf, there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. The hero and his foes play roles that are commonly associated with Anglo-Saxon literature. The lines are clearly drawn and expressed in the poem. As the story moves, the reader cannot mistake the roles being played, based on the characterizations in the epic, one recognizes each character for their purpose and place.

In the poem, Beowulf stands by his promise to kill Grendal’s mother. He does this by traveling far to go fight a blood thirsty battle. Before the battle, Beowulf says “And if your enemy should end my life/ Then be, O generous prince.” Within these lines, Beowulf has no remorse about being killed, and in addition shows that he would by willing to sacrifice his life for King Hrothgar and his people. Firefighters on the other hand, risk their lives everyday while on the job of saving people and their property. Being a firefighter can be a very dangerous and risky job. When on the line of duty anything can happen. Firemen get put at risk for getting burned while in a burning house, and inhaling smoke which can overwhelm a firefighter whose equipment fail him. Not to mention, while in these burning houses anything could collapse on these men and could cause serious injury or even their

They praise sir Beowulf, thanking him greatly. Yet little did this town or Beowulf know the agony yet to come. Grendel was indeed a monster, but a monster who was the spawn of a cruel creature. The slain monster’s mother, a she-wolf would be the hero’s next challenge. He would travel to the home of the monster’s mother, to yet again engage in the act of battle. They shall meet in the deep depths of the marshy hell. Beowulf would try to defeat the she-wolf with his sword but would not be enough. As he begins to become beaten, and weak, he sees a sword that may be to his advantage. “A heavy sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed by their magic, the best of all weapons but so massive that no ordinary man could lift its carved and decorated length” (page 54 line 530-535) He raised thy mighty sword and struck the devil in the neck, cutting the entire head off. Hrothgar’s men watch the monster’s lake filled with blood. Thinking all hope and gone and mighty Beowulf had been killed. Yet as the old men begin to whisper the mighty hero rises from the lake, only holding the she-wolfs head and the giant’s sword. The Beowulf would return with the head and place the monsters head in front of the

What fire represents in Fahrenheit 451 is, as established, strongly connected with the development of the main character. From it having the sole purpose of sabotaging not only objects but thoughts as well, to it being the reason why society will once again have the ability to live long and prosper. Ultimately, fire stands for newly found hope and an opportunity for improvement, even if it means destruction in the

The dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 written by author Ray Bradbury in 1953, shows what he speculates the fate of society to be. Fahrenheit 451 takes places in the corrupt United States when people no longer read books and are satisfied only by entertainment. In Fahrenheit 451, the fire has been perceived in many different ways by the main character Guy Montag, once a fireman. Fire in Fahrenheit 451 represents both rebirth and destruction. Mythological creatures, such as the salamander and Phoenix have influenced the change in the perception of fire.

This equation, compounded with the great monster 's desire to avenge her son 's death, made for an interestingly even fight. Adding to the advantages of Grendel 's mother was the fact that she too was invulnerable to any sword of human creation. The immunity of Grendel 's mother again depicts the failure of Beowulf 's weapons. The sword that was used to defeat the monster, however, was forged by the giants. Following his return, Beowulf is again rewarded handsomely by the leader of the Danes in gratitude for his courageous dealings with the demon.

The discovery of fire is one of the greatest achievements of mankind. In our world, fire is the basic necessity in sustaining life. However, the meaning of fire is rather ambiguous. To some people, fire symbolizes destruction and devastation, while others believe that fire is a representation of a new beginning and comfort. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury successfully demonstrated the meanings of fire through the character of Montag and how his understanding of fire changes as he realizes the flaws of the society.

Beowulf is an epic Anglo-Saxon poem, which tells a story of a hero who is destined to defeat several monsters in order to save a kingdom from peril. The underlying meaning is good versus evil with good always prevailing in the end. The theme of good versus evil was portrayed through the characters and events. Beowulf is the good guy fighting against evil. Beowulf is not just one person fighting against the evils of the world. In many cases, he is fighting for humanity’s sake.

The symbolic meaning of fire is demonstrated throughout the book in many different fashions but mainly it is portrayed as a symbol of life and social order. If

Beowulf is an epic story that relates well to the time that it was introduced by having the stories of the epic battles and the defeats of the treacherous monsters that kept everyone entertained during this era. Not only does Beowulf represent the era well, but it also has very interesting characters, themes and symbols that help teach us lessons that are very much so needed in today's society.

In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the story’s most universal theme. The storyteller is very clear who is good and who is evil, Beowulf represents the good and the ability to act selflessly when help is needed from others. Good is also shown throughout the epic as having the ability to abolish villainy. Evil is presented by Grendel, his mother, and a dragon, whose purpose in life is to make the lives of humanity a little more miserable.

Monsters run free in epic poems of centuries far past; horrific, villainous creatures of fantasy who illustrate all that is bad in the world and stand for the tribulations the epic hero much overcome. The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is no different. Some are born of, and in turn give birth to legends, such as the fire-breathing dragon, while others are tied to the bible. In studies, Beowulf's monsters are explained and will continue to be analyzed as symbolic of countless different ideas. In relation to each other and the epic's hero, the monsters of Beowulf represent the ever-present flaws of humanity and the monstrous feelings or behaviors that over take the mind in a moment of weakness, leading to eventual downfall.