Beowulf And Hamlet Character Analysis - 1224 Words

When lining the characters Beowulf and Hamlet side by side many will not see the parallels of these characters instead, only the differences. At a first glance, we see Beowulf, the powerful warrior who died whilst defeating three gruesome monsters, then Hamlet, the problematic and fearful prince who died trying to fulfill a foolish act of hatred. Ultimately, we view them as hero and anti-hero. However, we must not judge each character on who they are at the surface. Instead, we must see and understand, for ourselves, who this character is by analyzing their†¦show more content†¦Beowulf was considered to have â€Å"the strength of thirty men in his arms grip† ( Beowulf ll. 379-381); and he handled his battle with his monster head on by b elieving in himself. He knew his strength and abused it to receive the embrace of the Danes and prove the power of the Geats. He protected the Danes from the harsh reality they were facing and was seen as a hero by all. Hamlet, also seen as a hero by his people, loathed himself; He was a suicidal character â€Å"Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,/Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew,/Or that the Everlasting had not fixed/His canon gainst self-slaughter! O God, God!†( Hamlet 1.2.129-132), but still came to understand that he must deal with life head on. As a response to dealing with life head on, he avenges his father’s death by murdering his uncle Claudius. Although his act of heroism is brought upon us in a darker, brooding setting it is nevertheless an act of heroism. He rids Denmark from the rule of aShow MoreRelatedBeowulf And Hamlet Character Analysis1228 Words   |  5 PagesWhen lining the characters Beowulf and Hamlet side by side many will not see the parallels of these characters instead, only the differences. At a first glance, we see Beowulf, the strong warrior who died whilst defeating three gruesome monsters, then Hamlet, the awkward and fearful prince who died trying to fulfill a foolish act of hatred. Ultimately, we view them as hero and anti-hero. However, we must not judge each character on who they are at the surface. Instead, we must see and understandRead MoreHeroism as the Main Theme of Beowulf Essay2557 Words   |  11 PagesHeroism as the Main Theme of Beowulf The main theme of Beowulf is heroism. This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfil his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. There is a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem. The king has an obligation to behave with generosity. He must reward his thanes with valuable gifts for their defense of the tribe and their success in battle. This is why King HrothgarRead MoreHeroism Main Theme in Beowulf3076 Words   |  13 PagesThe main theme of Beowulf is heroism. This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfill his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. There is a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem. The king has an obligation to behave with generosity. He must reward his thanes with valuable gifts for their defense of the tribe and their success in battle. This is why King Hrothgar is known as the â€Å"ring-giver.† He behaves according toRead MoreThe History And Culture Of English Literature1979 Words   |  8 Pagesevident in the literary writings during their respective timeframes. As an example, it is during the Old English Period (Anglo – Saxon) where the English language is born. The epic poem Beowulf is for certain the most influential literary work of this period and possess national epic status in England. The poem Beowulf draws on Christianity to change the pre-conversion myth by elucidating the many things that cannot be explained by science or the laws of nature, including things characteristic of orRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 Pages Rationalism / Age of Enlightenment period of American Literature - 1750-1800 Content: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · national mission and American character democratic utopia use of reason history is an act of individual and national self-assertion Genre/Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · political pamphlets travel writing highly ornate writing style fiction employs generic plots and characters fiction often tells the story of how an innocent young woman is tested by a seductive male Effect: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · patriotism growsRead MoreOedipus, A Tragic Hero1832 Words   |  8 PagesLiterature and theatre arts throughout the ages have created many memorable tales and many unforgettable characters that withstand the test of time, while many others will likely fade away. Oedipus Rex is a tragic tale set in Ancient Greece. Greek thinker, Aristotle, said there were certain elements that would make a person qualified as a â€Å"tragic hero.† (Adade-Ywboah, Ahenkora Amankwah, 2012). We think of heroes being larger than life, possessing impeccable honor, integrity, strong leadership andRead MoreMedia Magic Making Class Invisible2198 Words   |  9 Pagesand upper classes as well. Add Project New English essays Much Ado About Gender Roles (15 August) Report regarding a proposed amendment of certain sections of th (13 August) Community Influence In Literature (18 July) Ode To A Urn Detailed Analysis (17 June) Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge (14 June) Newburgh (14 June) Countee Cullen: A Reniassance Man (14 June) Death In The Hours (14 June) Antigone (14 June) The Art Of Persuasion (14 June) Compare And Contrast (13 June) SonnysRead MoreSymbolism in English Literature2444 Words   |  10 Pagespersonal concerns and solutions of the evolving medieval society of his time. Characters with strong archetypal features has an automatically and unconsciously effect in the reader’s mind, allowing his mind to recognize experiences, emotions, and typical patterns of behavior, establishing a â€Å"dialog† or â€Å"unconscious link† between the reader and the text. The purpose of the present essay will be to identify such archetypal characters and situations and their impact in the reader’s psyche.[4] It is possible