Beowulfs Universal Appeal
There are archetypal patterns in life. They reoccur and become familiar to people through all ages and ethnicities. Throughout history, few literary works have captivated audiences by incorporating these patterns. The epic Beowulf is one literary work that effectively incorporates timeless components. The epic poem relates the tale of Beowulf, a warrior who throughout his life overcomes evils. It has strong elements of Anglo-Saxon elements of bravery, strength and of religious tenets. Beowulf enjoys universal appeal primarily because of its elements of characterization, plot and theme that prove timeless. Beowulf's portrayal of human nature proves eternal. The protagonist Beowulf brashly lists his accomplishments before entering battle: "But the truth is simple: no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine... other monsters crowded around me, continually attacking. I treated them politely, offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword," (265-294). His boasts are symbolic of his personal insecurity. Beowulf seems scared of defeat and faliure. His boastful remarks are reminders to himself of his invincibility. Because he is insecure, Beowulf is an accurate representation of human nature. The poem also disclose
Beowulf will impact generations to come as it has affected past generations, because of its timeless and ageless elements of characterization, theme, and plot. Beowulf has an incorporation of timeless spiritualism that can accommodate an array of beliefs and, has ageless components of good vs. evil, and human ideals. Beowulf sets a universal precedent of timeless literature. Beowulf, like few other literary works, is ancient, but has not, and will not lose its appeal or audience. The epic develops the nature of the universal and reoccurring battle that men fight against evil. The three battles that occur at different stages of Beowulf's life imply that the battle against evil is repetitious. Symbolically the three battles are fought with evil: one with Grendel, one with Grendel's mother, and the third with the dragon. Grendel is decidedly evil because he "was spawned in that slime, conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God," (20-23). Thus his mother is also of the same origin. The dragon as well is a great evil, whose breath "[was] burning hot, poison [poured] from his tongue," (672-673). The three battles are fought at different times of Beowulf's life, to symbolize the perpetual war men fight against evil. Beowulf previously fights various evils: "[He] fought that beast's last battle,"(290) "Huge sea-monsters [he] killed,"(308) "Hunting monsters...and killing them one by one,"(56-158). Later Beowulf battles with Grendel, and "meant to hold the monster till its life leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use." (473-474) Beowulf then fights the mother of his former archenemy, Grendel, at the bottom of "heaving [waters]" (571) in "her terrible home." (565) Beowulf's final fight is against the dragon that breathed "murderous flames." (732) The three battles propose to the reader the reoccurring battle against evil. However, the epic makes it clear that the battle isn't easily won. Beowulf struggles with
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1323
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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