Violence In Beowulf
In the epic " Beowulf," there was an immense amount of violence, that was accepted with different feelings by the other characters. The two main forms of violence were performed by Grendel, the banished monster style character, and by Beowulf- the hero of the story. The motivation, response from others, how violent acts fit into the Dane's culture and the outcome of their violent actions will be discussed in this paper. The motivation for each character's violence varied immensely. Grendel was an "unhappy creature" (p.28), this happened, "after God had condemned [him] as kin of Cain," (p.28), this lead Grendel to be a vengeful and wicked creature. When he attacked the Hall Heorot his attack was, "grim and fierce, was quickly ready, savage and cruel, and [he] seized from their rest thirty thanes," (p.28). Grendel killed to fulfill a blood lust and a deep hatred because he was alone in his situation. Beowulf, on the other hand, exercised violence for glory and to rid the evil monster. He talks big on how he will defeat Grendel, " I scorn to bear sword or broad shield, yellow wood, to the battle, but
Violence is a big attribute to the Dane's culture. If a man a slain, even by accident, the slayer must either pay a "wergild" (p.23)- which translates to "man price"- or will be killed to avenge the first man's death. The Danes believed in avenging people's deaths. This idea is self- destructive, as it will cause a domino effect of a long line of avenged deaths, unless a man price is paid, thus breaking the circle. This way of thinking is caused by ignorance. Even in present day real life we see things get less barbaric. In the military for instance, in the 70's and 80's, the treatment of soldiers was much to that of what was portrayed in the movie Full Metal Jacket by Stanley Kubrick. Now the Army is much more civilized and professional, as it is with the rest of western civilization. The Danes were not as developed as we are in aspects of humanity and civil behavior, as with nearly all tribes in that era. with my grasp I shall grapple with the enemy and fight for life, foe against foe," (p.32). Although he could fight Grendel bare handed, it still is boastful to talk about it and declare it to e
Some common words found in the essay are:
Hall Heorot, Heorot Beowulf, , Beowulf Grendel's, Kubrick Army, violent acts, epic beowulf, dane's culture, hall heorot,
Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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