Many of the characters in Beowulf are, like in most epics, defined by their status. ... In addition to using Honor and wealth to define a character's character, the story-teller(s) have incorporated alternating Biblical and Paganistic motifs in the epic-poem. The original Epic was obviously Paganistic due to the time period of it's creation. But, as time wore on, the rewriting and touching up of the manuscripts by various sources including religious monks, caused the characters to have slight Christian characteristics. ... This deed serves throughout the epic serves as a sy...

• Word Count: 1009
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

A typical question that the reader encounters as he/she reads the Old English poem, Beowulf, an epic with unknown authorship. ... However, their ogre bodies have strikingly human characteristics as well. ... Grendel and his mother are considered as monsters with human-like qualities and characteristics; hence, humans can also be considered as having monstrous qualities. ... Why does their monster characteristics take precedence over their human sides? ... Grendel embodies the emotion of envy throughout the poem. ...

• Word Count: 1174
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

There are quite a few models of powerful women in this epic-Grendel's mother, for example-but none is more expressive of true Anglo-Saxon culture than Wealhtheow. ... Throughout the entire poem, Wealhtheow "is the embodiment of concord" (Camargo 115). ... This man is none other than the legendary warrior, Beowulf, the hero of the poem "Beowulf". ... The heroes of both Anglo-Saxon literature and culture had to have the characteristics of both heroes and warriors. ... Fortunately, there are some stories and poems that have survived that time and made it to modern day. ...

• Word Count: 1584
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Beowulf Within the first piece of written literature known to man during the early Middle Ages comes a character which exemplifies the characteristics of a hero. ... Within the epic poem "Beowulf" there is clear evidence that Beowulf exemplifies the qualities of a hero which are the desire to help others, bravery, courtesy, courage, super human feats, and the ability to boast about his accomplishments. ...

• Word Count: 925
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School