Beowulf Rhetorical Analysis

In almost every story, there is a conflict; this conflict is unfortunately the main component in any attractive story. At the base of the conflict in Beowulf 's poem, there is a source of both, good and evil. Who is Good and who is evil, and why? Is there a relation Between Beowulf and Islamic religion? All of these questions will be answered through the following analysis.

“Heroism is not without sacrifice, for it is in the face of personal loss and adversity that the true measure of one's courage and strength is revealed.” The epic poem Beowulf and the memoir Other Side of the Sky may appear to be vastly different literary works, yet they share a common thread that ties them together. Both texts explore the theme of the hero's journey. Beowulf, an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poem, is a tale of a heroic warrior who battles monsters to save his people.

Focusing the reader’s attention on the great epic poem Beowulf, an unknown author, introduces the image of the tremendous Anglos-Saxon epic hero,Beowulf. Attributed with the 7 main characteristics that make him competent to fit in such category, for the purpose of bringing to their literature a mythical figure, destroying supernatural foes, with the craving of justice and honor for his own culture. Noble birthed, capable of deeds of great strength and courage, a great warrior, Beowulf, travels over a vast setting, being recognized as a hero, keeping his humility, in a story where this incredible character confronts every supernatural adversary, to defend his kingdom. So, to be worthy of this title, Beowulf along the poem has to show the different characteristics.

A hero’s journey consists of many mythological/archetypal characteristics--such as the characters, settings, situations, and outcomes. As unique as both stories are, The Lion King and Beowulf are great works of the hero’s journey following the mythological/archetypal path. The Lion King and Beowulf both revolve around the hero and outcast of the story. The quest and outcome are also other important components of the mythological/archetypal path.

In the epic poem Beowulf, the theme good vs. evil guides Beowulf through his many endeavors and conquests. This theme shows the different values of Beowulf and helps supplement the reasons for Beowulf’s actions throughout the poem. The author uses situational, symbolic, and character archetypes to enhance the plot of the poem and to provide justification for the themes of the epic poem. The situational archetype and theme good vs. evil is a major driving force behind Beowulf’s actions in the poem.

In “Beowulf,” there are many concepts of good and evil portrayed in the epic poem by an unknown author. Beowulf brings good to the Geats. The people would say he was a gift from the Gods to battle and demolish the evil. The monsters, however, cause trouble to the people and bring out the evil in everything. These elements of good and evil help define this an epic poem.

The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.

Beowulf is an epic from the Anglo-Saxon period about a hero who takes on great challenges and adventures. The character Beowulf embodies the virtues of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. He embodies the traits of Anglo-Saxon society: strength, bravery, honor, and the desire to help the helpless. He takes on three monsters in which he is announced for his heroic deeds defeating two out of the three fights. In the end, Beowulf is the mighty legend that everyone will not forget.

Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).

Beowulf was determined to kill Grendel, whether it was with a weapon or just bear hands. He knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but he continued to show his courage by going through with the fight. Determination plays a big part in taking a stand. Having determination when taking a stand shows what kind of person someone is. "The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen and courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity, attacks on your king, havoc in Heorot and horrors everywhere."

Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.

The audience will agree that Beowulf is a warrior of generosity, courage, and hospitality which practically defines the Anglo-Saxon heroic code. However, the audience will realize that he is a man of God if they reflect upon his reason which ensures those values. It is understood that Beowulf is as selfless as they come during a time of fear and despair. Beowulf contains an undisclosed characteristic known as fear and employs the courage required to defeat the demons that people have become apprehended to. Of course, others would argue that Beowulf is simply a new follower of Christ and that his morals fall along the lines of Paganism.

Overtime, the individuals within Herot have become aware of evils and menacing conditions that have sprung from Grendel’s and his mother environment. Unfortunately, Beowulf’s boastful attitude and past war experiences with numerous creatures has led him to undermine dangers of Grendel’s mother and the environment. During the Hrothgar speech, he uses figurative language, vivid examples, and displeasing syntax to demonstrate how Grendel’s environment is filled with treachery, hellish components, and danger, that can affect Beowulf’s health and also his ability to kill Grendel’s mother. This speech attempts to create a sense of fear and concern for Beowulf, which will allow him to develop a humble mindset to prevent death and preserve his health.

The poem remarks a biblical reference as “Grendel … A kindred of Cain” first surfaces. Moreover, the poem often alludes to God as well as the worlds of Heaven and Hell further elucidating the Anglo Saxon views. Beowulf clearly demonstrates his acknowledgement of God countless times: In fact, Beowulf could well have been slayed by Grendel’s fiendish mother had “God not saved him [Beowulf].” The presence of religious influences are reinstated by the glut of glorifications and innuendos of Christianity and the concept of God within the Anglo Saxon society. Even the mighty King Hrothgar depicts these values showing his scarce concern for material objects “Sharing the gifts God had bestowed on him” signifying his compassion, a requisite for Christian

The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.