However, other scholars such as Andy Orchard disagree with this claim, and believe that there is "something deeply human about the 'monsters'". While Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon are indeed portrayed as evil and violent foes, there are parts within Beowulf that can also lead a reader to believe that the "monsters" may not be so monstrous after all. This ultimately evokes traces of sympathy in the reader for the plight of these "monster" figures, and blurs the fine line between good and evil within the poem The first opponent Beowulf ...

• Word Count: 1275
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In this society, to become known as brave hero was highly valued; this led Beowulf to Hrothgar's kingdom to defeat Grendel, a monster known throughout the country for his killing sprees in Hrothgar's palace, Herot. ...

• Word Count: 343
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Beowulf is an epic, though is often overlooked as not being a true epic according to some scholars. This epic, however, is an undeniable example of the hybrid of Christian and Pagan imagery. In several parts throughout the story, Beowulf seems at odds between being a Christian, being chivalrous, and...

• Word Count: 425
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The best who can represent the belief of fate is Beowulf, Beowulf's successes in many battles against monsters were sought from treasures and fame. ... (lines 446 and 455) Beowulf has an ample amount of confidence to believe he can take on this monster and is willing to take on Grendel for the better of Hrothgar's people, and to hold glory and honor as well (also important to Anglo-Saxons culture) is going to battle Grendel with no armor to show that the fight is even though Grendel has the strength of 30 men. ...

• Word Count: 1131
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Heroic tradition in literature Heroism cannot be discussed detached from a hero. "Heroes originate in the mists of time and myth" (Jokinen 1996). The quote could not be more true, heroes and their valorous deeds are wrapped in the mists of time and myth. The deeds are so valorous as to seem...

• Word Count: 2885
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate