Beowulf Essay

                A hero in the early literature period was someone who had a call to adventure or action and accepted it. In Beowulf’s case, he felt called to action many times and always answered it with eagerness. A modern day hero is more freely interpreted. It, however, seems harder to obtain the title of “hero” in this time. To be a hero you have to give your life, everything that you have worked for and earned for this one purpose.  A hero could be a firefighter who saved someone from a burning building or solider, who has devoted their life to protecting the country. A hero is someone who is unafraid of the future, because the next thing they know, it may not be there. Though the concepts have changed, the attitude toward which the hero enters the fight it the same, giving all you got.

Beowulf is the story that supposedly set off the literary trend of a heroic tale; bringing monsters to justice, saving people and being brave is all part of Beowulf’s character that readers learn about reading his story. He is not the type to shy away from danger, just like many other heroes of our current literature.  His adrenaline seems never ending, pumping ready for fight, not flight. Heroes, we have learned, have little to no fear, demonstrated by Beowulf fighting naked against Grendel. Techniques in the story and of the time include symbolism and imagery, simple but powerful literature devices that are common in heroic stories of today. Iron Man, a character similar in ferocity and extremity to Beowulf in the face of enemies, both make courageous and life-threatening actions to serve the purposes they have been called to.

Iron Man is a contemporary hero whose story is told through a movie rather than a book. His purpose is the save those who are threatened by savage, powerful people. In some cases, he is called to action like Beowulf was. Iron Man witnesses something wrong, from innocent people being killed to his own weapons being used in wrong ways, which he knows he has to do something about.  He has the ability and courage to risk his life to save many others, a devotion to someone other than himself which makes him a hero by definition. A hero has to be willing to think only in the moment and make decisions not only for their well-being, but for others too. In these ways he differs from Beowulf. Beowulf was very proud and may have answered many of the calls to actions, not because he wanted to save people, but to show his power and ability.

The story of a hero has evolved and most likely will continue to do so. From the beginning, a call to action has brought forth a hero. Beowulf, who called himself to action, seemed to do so out of pride sometimes, but other times it was out of love. Every time he answered a call, it was to make something better for others. He is in some ways incomparable to modern day heroes because he has an invincibility about him. He never has many real threats that put his life in danger.  Iron Man, a hero who fights and conquers the enemy, does so humbly. He has a suit that protects him but he doesn’t at first reveal he is the one risking his life and saving many people. The hero has changed from Beowulf, being a strong and static character, to almost any person who may have just been minding their own business but is put in a place to act on their call to action.     

Ms. Beowulf

Contrastingly, the whole plot and meaning of the story might have been lost if the character was female rather than male. Though it is unlikely considering a man who was smart and intelligent wrote this because of the opportunities he was granted being male, he would have known of women’s lower stature in society and knew that if this book were to be remembered, that would only happen if someone of importance, a male, would leave a lasting mark. If Beowulf was told from a female perspective, the tale may have gone extinct long before now. A story of a female hero is weak and not of much encouragement to both genders to work their hardest, follow their heart, and die a hero. A female is perceived as being in need of care, which is not always true, but just how women are perceived. It would be strange; whatever time period this book was written in for a female to be the hero. It is like a mouse versus the lion being a hero. The book would mean much less to readers if it was told through a woman’s point of view. Though much of the prestige would be lost, a woman would capitalize on certain points. Though women are not known for their strength, they are known for their intelligence. Maybe they could not beat the fist fight, but they could through smarts, working smarter not harder. They could win battles with tricks rather than brute force. Also, a woman is led by love, demonstrated when Grendel’s mom decides to pick a fight with Beowulf. When called to action, a female hero might answer it not because of pride or for respect, but out of love and care for those who are at risk.