Beowulfquestions Persuasive Essay Example

wise demeanor, he would uphold his power steadfastly. The narrator promises unwavering love and support for Beowulf in the future as he stands as an aid to heroes in distant years [Chapter 24, Beowulf in Hypertext]. According to Seamus Heaney's translation: "You have earned great honor; you are known by all men near and far, now and forever. Your influence extends like the sea surrounding cliffs". Beowulf gained popularity among the masses due to his heroic acts. His name became renowned throughout the north. It is advisable for a young prince to be generous while their father is alive so loyal companions will stand by them during battles later in life [Chapter 24, Beowulf in Hypertext]."Admirable behavior is the path to gaining power among people everywhere." Beowulf's final battle against the dragon resulted in mortal wounds, causing him to question if risking his life for material wealth was worth it. Though he acquired plentiful treasures, he could not enjoy them as he lay dying. Despite reclaiming a great deal of wealth from the dragon, it held no value in his current state. Beowulf knew his destiny was to die in battle and questioned the ethics of sacrificing his life for riches. He realized he would never enjoy the fruit of his labor as he sadly gazed at the gold but expressed gratitude for leaving behind treasure for his people. Burial of torques and jewels protected ancestral treasure from trespassers, yet all the wealth Beowulf won was buried with him, preventing enjoyment in life. Still, Beowulf found solace knowing his sacrifice would improve lives. The narrator acknowledges that compared to life itself, all worldly gold and

treasures are useless to men.Now that Beowulf's mortal body laid buried with the ancestral treasure, it was considered just as useless as before. His soul would ultimately find a home among the steadfast ones. The honored heir of Ecgtheow had to tread a difficult path over the plain to reach the enemy's territory, against his own wishes, like all men who leave this temporary life.

According to Seamus Heaney's translation, it is always better to seek vengeance for loved ones rather than indulge in mourning. Living in this world means waiting for our inevitable end. Those who are capable should strive for glory before death. When a warrior is gone, their best and only defense will be their reputation.

This suggests that despite receiving fortunes for his heroic deeds, Beowulf's bravery and courage were what truly endured over time. In a profound message to the people, Beowulf expresses that although he obtained wealth through his battles, it would serve no purpose as he was about to depart from both it and his body to be with God. He desires to distribute the money among those he fought for - the very people who faced the monsters alongside him.

Gold and other riches were now as useless for men as they always had been. Beowulf gives thanks to God and the Lord of marvels for allowing him the grace of giving such gifts to his people before his impending death. Having exchanged his last remaining years of life for treasures, he urges them to take care of his land's needs.[Chapter 38, Beowulf in Hypertext] The text showcases that Beowulf will no longer postpone his departure. It is apparent from

the description of his funeral how Beowulf's elevated status is paradoxical. The account of preparing the funeral pyre, cremating the body, and constructing the barrow reflects a contemporary approach rather than an antiquated one. While others used gold and treasures to rid themselves of monsters, Beowulf never prioritized wealth as his life was consistently endangered, leaving him with little time for luxuries. During that era, kings and influential individuals would reward their subjects with valuable gifts as a gesture of appreciation. Despite references to riches and treasures in the poem, they do not diminish Beowulf's heroism. Even in death, Beowulf solely aimed to be remembered as a hero. His distinction stemmed from his courageous deeds rather than his material possessions.