Beowolf Essay

Beowolf alone is a symbol of great heroic strife and leadership. During his time, Beowolf was known for his confidence and power. He was and is still viewed as an impressive hero. This over powering male figure has always been the main theme of heroism. This demands the question that asks if there are other ways to embody the name of hero. In modern literature, a hero is extremely diverse and takes on any shape or form. Society has changed its views over this spacious time period and adapts as well. Beowolf was the only character that would have been accepted during his time period, although modern heroes (sometimes even females) may be matching him in popularity.

A modern hero that is similar to Beowolf is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. She also has a bold and somewhat unlikable personality, which is similar to Beowolf. Her heroic traits are slightly differed, but Katniss still displays hints of courage and integrity. In her showing, Katniss displayed strength and skill with the usage of her bow and arrow. The major distinctions that drive the two characters apart are gender and strength. Katniss had strength mentally and used skill, whereas Beowolf demonstrates power as strength. If it isn't obvious enough, Katniss is a woman and Beowolf is a man. In this time period, women would have never been viewed as strong. If the Hunger Games were a true story, they most likely would have twisted it to make her a male. Society was closed minded to the fact that a woman could ever achieve victory in battle. Ironically enough, Katniss defeated Cato. Cato was much larger and relied on strength, much like Beowolf. Would Katniss have defeated Beowolf if they were in the Hunger Games?

In Beowolf there are many bold literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and setting. Water tends to be a re-occurring substance that is common in the story. In reaching Denmark, Beowolf had to cross a large river. Grendel's mother happens to live near the ocean, which is also the location where the dragon was fought. In addition, Beowolf raced Breca in a swim competition. Water is used to represent fear. A terrifying persona that the water created during this time kept men away from sailing. They were commonly afraid of monsters and sirens coming up from the water to destroy them. With the story being third person omniscient, much was revealed about his struggles. These devices add great depth and concept to the story.

Subsequently, although the qualities of Beowolf demonstrated great attributes in his time, would he be a hero today? Would Katniss Everdeen serve as a more effective hero, despite the fact of her being a woman? The technique in Beowolf is cleverly written, but is his personality as a hero as agreeable as they previous thought. There are so many descriptions of heroes that it comes down to preference. In the case, the quality of a hero is self determined. Society praises heroes for being someone that they wish they could be.