Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Example

ages, yet they persist in performing remarkable feats. One such hero is Chesley Sullenberger, an American airlines pilot who became a national figure of bravery on January 15, 2009. This date is famous for the incident where his plane - US Airways Flight 1549 - collided with a group of birds resulting in engine failure. Displaying quick judgement and superior aviation skills, Chesley executed an emergency landing on the Hudson River. His valiant actions led to all 155 passengers on board surviving the ordeal. These commendable activities illustrate what it means to be a hero today just as it was defined during ancient Anglo-Saxon times.

The norms surrounding heroes and the display of their notable accomplishments differ significantly between contemporary and Anglo-Saxon societies. In the Anglo-Saxon period, it was usual for heroes to exhibit pride in their heroic actions until their last moment, without any reservations. Such ostentatious demonstrations were viewed as crucial in defining social standings during that time. On the other hand, modern society does not view such "boasting" as an expression of personal pride; instead, it often discourages excessive self-praise. It's worthy to note that boasting competitions were a frequent event in the times of the Anglo-Saxons.

In the verse, Beowulf was notably inclined to flaunt his capabilities frequently. He would consistently make grandiose claims about his future actions before any key events within the narrative. In his final formal declaration, he cautioned his followers, stating "This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth" (Beowulf 2532-2535, pg 171). He categorically instructed

his thanes to keep their distance, affirming that this confrontation was exclusively for him. Even in a period where Beowulf was around 70 years old, he sustained an intense longing to represent the youthful hero who tackled impossible challenges and defeated monsters.

Beowulf's boasting about his forthcoming dragon killing, which ironically results in his own demise, illustrates his need to validate his heroism through his great deeds. In contemporary culture, modesty is highly valued. Individuals generally appreciate and acknowledge significant actions made without seeking personal accolades. This is depicted in traditional animation shows like Spiderman, Superman, and Batman - the heroes' ordinary alter-egos choose to remain unnoticed for achievements attributable to their superhero selves, allowing those unknown identities to receive all the praise.

It appears that everyone apart from the heroes themselves holds them in high esteem. Arrogance is somewhat tolerated in today's society unless it's excessive, but modesty is consistently valued. This illustrates a key distinction between contemporary heroes and those from the Anglo-Saxon era. The other major divergence arises in the emphasis on physical strength as a heroic attribute. For Anglo-Saxons, strength held substantial weight, particularly because combat was frequent, and it played a crucial role in earning respect from others, including their ruler.

The poem clearly illustrates Beowulf's remarkable strength when he successfully takes down the terrifying creature, Grendel, using only his bare hands. This heroic act momentarily protected the Danes from harm. Throughout the entire attack by Grendel, Beowulf managed to dodge and retaliate against every move made by his opponent, making Grendel realize that he had never faced such a powerful resistance before: “But Beowulf grappled and

gripped him hard, struggled up on his elbow; the Shepard of sins soon found out that never before had he felt in any man other in all the earth a mightier hand-grip; his mood was humbled,” (Beowulf 566-570, pg 39). This excerpt underscores the irreplaceable value of strength.

Grendel had an immense ability to annihilate a typical man, but Beowulf's exceptional strength allowed him to overcome Grendel. Today, physical strength is not widely appreciated, especially in societies grappling with obesity issues where improving one's physical power doesn't seem like an important goal. However, we no longer have to engage monstrous creatures using only our bare hands nowadays. At present, Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as a significant hero. He persistently fought for the basic rights of every individual. Notwithstanding his achievements though, Gandhi did not possess impressive physical force. In fact, images depict him as someone who looks like he hasn't eaten in several days.

Thanks to modern technological advancements, the need for physical prowess in performing difficult tasks has significantly reduced. In the Anglo-Saxon era, having physical strength was a critical characteristic of a hero. But this trait is not as important in today's context when determining a hero. Currently, there may be one common attribute that defines a hero; however, other variables can influence this prestigious tag depending on the specific time period one lives in. Therefore, acts of heroism are what fundamentally define a hero across both Anglo-Saxon and contemporary periods.

The perception of heroes has undergone significant transformation. During the Anglo-Saxon period, bragging was commonplace and a cultural staple, while modesty is presently favored. There's also a distinct deviation

in the importance of physical might in both eras. During the Anglo-Saxon era, physical might was essential for self, king and town protection. In current times, with technological advancements, it's deemed less critical. Nevertheless, the fundamental concept of a hero as an exemplary citizen stays consistent.