Beowulf Research Paper

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“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself”(Joseph C.). A hero who always sacrifices himself for something bigger than himself is a man named Beowulf. Beowulf is a story about a warrior who fights demons for the greater good. We have read an adaption of the epic poem Beowulf which its author still remains a mystery. In addition we viewed the film version of Beowulf directed by Robert Zemeckis. The reading version of Beowulf truly outshines how heroic he is compared to the film. Beowulf in the text is shown to be more honorable than Beowulf in the film. In the reading when Beowulf's fight with Grendel's mother, he is not seduced by her unlike the movie. The theme the author is sending is that true heroes…show more content…
Beowulf is depicted as a hero who sacrifices himself and fights for glory. “I am no longer a youth but I shall always be the shield of my people!(283). Beowulf explains to the counsel that even though he is weaker compared to his younger years, he shall always protect his beloved people in times of danger. Beowulf in the film is shown to be greedy and more tempted to sacrifice others for his own riches. Beowulf was less of a hero in the film because he lied to everyone that he killed Grendel's mother. But in reality Beowulf spared her life and gave her the golden dragons cup in return for Hrothgar's position of king. It was important to have Beowulf in the film because it shows the transition from a hero who would fight for good but eventually is seduced by unimaginable riches and soon becomes corrupt. Beowulf in the text is shown to be a true hero who sacrifices himself for others. And Beowulf in the film is depicted more as a “weak” person who is easily tempted by wealth and risk the lives of many. Although both Beowulf fights for glory, the reading version of Beowulf displays the true essence of a hero and where it shows that is when Beowulf fights with Grendel's

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